Volunteer roles for the International Development sector

African Development Choices (ADC) is a UK-based Social Enterprise on a mission to reduce poverty by empowering communities to make more informed choices in the management of public resources.

ADC’s purpose is to enable communities to independently meet their needs for essential services, such as clean water and safe sanitation and improve lives in Africa.

At ADC we encourage a working culture of seeking and giving input, showing and taking initiative, and commitment to the organisation and its purpose.

We now have an exciting opportunity for a volunteer Senior Web Developer to join ADC.

Main purpose of job: Develop and maintain the ADC website

Division: Operations

Department: Marketing & Communications

Position reports to: Head of Marketing & Communications

Who reports to this position: N/A

Main Duties and Responsibilities
 

· Develop responsive and adaptive website, ensuring optimization for mobile devices and cross-browser compatibility

· Work closely with web designers to match visual design intent and to perfect site aesthetics

· Ensure website meets usability and accessibility web standards

· Test and improve website functionality and performance over time

· Put in place a robust backup and recovery procedure

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential
 

· 3+ years experience as a Senior Web Developer

· Excellent knowledge of WordPress, HTML, CSS and JavaScript

· A keen eye for design and detail, and passion for building modern and elegant websites powered by WordPress

· A strong understanding of optimisation for mobile devices, cross-browser compatibility, responsive web design, and general web functions and standards

· Good experience building website pages from scratch in WordPress

· Ability to work both with autonomy and as part of a team

· Available to volunteer at least 7-10 hours a week

· Ability to actively take initiative and help set things up in a start-up environment

· Ability to actively seek and give input in a collaborative team environment

· A committed team player with good communication skills.

Desirable
· Experience working in an early stage star-tup and gone through a scaling phase

· Passion for the start-up life and comfortable in a role with a little ambiguity

What ADC offers you:

• Free training and learning opportunities
• An opportunity to build your work experience within the field of web development
• An opportunity to be part of a team that is changing lives in Africa
• We provide work references

This job description is a written statement of the essential characteristics of the job, with its principal accountabilities, incorporating a note of the skills, knowledge and experience required for a satisfactory level of performance. This is not intended to be a complete, detailed account of all aspects of the duties involved.

Here at African Development Choices, we celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our teams are made up of people from all over the world and we welcome all applications. If you are disabled or have a long-term health condition, and you require any reasonable adjustments for your application with us, please let us know by contacting recruitment(at)africandevelopmentchoices(dot)org.

Position Overview

SEED Madagascar is seeking a Volunteer Backend Web Developer to support the migration and redesign of SEED’s website, ensuring a smooth transition.

This role will focus on handling back-end and server-side tasks, importing data, implementing security best practices, and providing technical support in the post-migration phase.

We are looking for an experienced individual with proven expertise in website migration, database management and server configuration, who is motivated to use these skills to contribute to sustainable development and conservation.

About the organisation

SEED Madagascar is a British Charity working in partnership with communities in the southeast of Madagascar. We integrate high quality community health, sustainable livelihoods, education infrastructure and conservation programmes to support long term, sustainable change and add to international best practice through research and publication across all of our programmatic areas. 

Location: Remote

Timeframe: Long-term, part-time, flexible (approx. 3-6 hours per week, with 1-2 hours per week post-migration phase for server-side support and maintenance)

Duties and responsibilities 

● Perform full backups before and after website migration in cPanel. 

● Export Concrete CMS code files and database content. 

● Import data to WordPress using plugins, custom scripts or migration tools. 

● Assist with setting up a WordPress staging site. 

● Implement security best practices for WordPress. 

● Update DNS records. 

● Perform PHP updates and custom edits as needed. 

● Perform major WordPress upgrades if needed. 

● Perform post-migration functionality testing and bug fixes. 

● Manage the new website database using cPanel. 

● Provide continued/long-term back-end support.

Person specification

Essential 

● Experience using Concrete CMS, WordPress or similar. 

● Experience using HTML/CSS/JavaScript languages. 

● Knowledge of PHP and SQL/MySQL database. 

● Experience with API integration and Linux. 

● Knowledge of File Transfer Protocol. 

● Familiarity with WordPress plugins. 

● Experience with website migration tools, database management, and GitHub repositories. 

● Self-motivated, flexible, and able to work independently in a remote context. 

● Commitment to SEED’s ethos, values and mission, with cultural sensitivity and respect.

Desirable 

● Experience working with NGOs, particularly in development, conservation, or humanitarian fields. 

● Knowledge of Madagascar or wider global south contexts

Our partner is an international development charity improving lives in Zambia through construction, training, and community projects. Since 2006 they have trained over 2,200 people in building skills and completed 58 schools, health clinics, and other community facilities, benefiting more than 400,000 people.

They are seeking an experienced finance professional to join their UK Board as Treasurer and Chair of the Finance & Audit Committee. Working closely with counterparts in Zambia, the Treasurer will help ensure the charity’s financial integrity, sustainability, and compliance, providing strategic oversight and guidance on financial policy, risk, and reporting.

The ideal candidate will be a qualified finance professional with senior-level experience and strong governance understanding. You should bring the ability to communicate complex financial matters clearly, support effective Board decision-making, and provide independent challenge where needed.

The Board meets four times per year, usually in London although remote attendance is possible. The expected time commitment is around 1–2 days per month, including additional time for Finance & Audit Committee duties which meets online.

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For more Trustee and Treasurer roles please visit the AfID website.

We are looking for an experienced professional to help us reach more people, share our work and help us change the lives of vulnerable and orphaned children.

Experience in website and social media design essential. Knowledge of google ads management and SEO experience a bonus!

This role is remote, however, an applicant based in the North of England is desirable, but not a requirement.

Why does this role matter to Human Appeal?

Volunteers are an integral part of Human Appeal’s success. They are the ones that create real change for those most in need. This is your chance to meet new people, gain new skills and experience and have fun whilst being part of a great cause.

We are seeking to recruit an enthusiastic, fast learning North Fundraising Intern to join our growing team at Human Appeal; helping us with admin tasks, recruitment of volunteers for events and online fundraising campaigns, research for various upcoming events and help with general tasks.

Main tasks include:

• § Administrative tasks such as collating data, contacting signups for various challenges, deployments and events.
• § Assist with administrational tasks relating to fundraising
• § Research venues, catering and other fundraising related tasks for upcoming events
• § May be asked to go to occasional events dependent on location

Knowledge/Experience/Skills required:

• § A good understanding of humanitarian relief
• § Effective written and oral communication skills
• § Problem solving skills
• § Ability to prioritise your workload

Benefits of volunteering with us:

• § Experience of operating within the Fundraising department of an international charity
• § Opportunity to develop knowledge and skills in Fundraising
• § Excellent support as part of a friendly team
• § Excellent training opportunities
• § Offer to provide references after 3 months of volunteering
• § Support in developing your CV (should you want it)
• § Opportunities to take part in Human Appeal events

Learning & Development:

To enable you to take part in this opportunity Human Appeal will provide:

• § A detailed induction to provide you with an overview of Human Appeal
• § Training and shadowing providing all the information and skills needed to fulfil the role
• § A dedicated member of staff to provide ongoing support and supervision
• § Payment of “out of pocket” expenses in line with Human Appeal’s expenses policy
• § A volunteer handbook that outlines all of the policies and procedures you will need to be aware of whilst volunteering

Rural Watch Africa Initiative (RUWAI) We restore degraded landscapes and empower rural communities with sustainable agriculture, beekeeping, and green livelihoods.

RUWAI tackles the urgent, interconnected challenges of deforestation, climate change vulnerability, and rural poverty in Africa. Many rural communities rely on unsustainable practices like slash-and-burn farming and illegal logging, leading to widespread land degradation, soil depletion, and increased desertification. This vulnerability, coupled with limited resources and high unemployment, forces many—especially youth and women—into destructive practices, worsening food insecurity and biodiversity loss, including the rapid decline of critical pollinators like bees.

RUWAI employs a holistic, community-driven solution focusing on Sustainable Agroforestry and Land Restoration through large-scale tree planting and Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR). They promote Sustainable Beekeeping to protect pollinators and create an alternative income source, and train smallholder farmers in Climate-Smart Agriculture and regenerative techniques to boost food security. Furthermore, RUWAI focuses on Economic Empowerment by creating green livelihoods through agro-processing, eco-tourism, and microfinance, with a special focus on empowering women. By integrating these strategies, RUWAI restores ecosystems, builds climate resilience, and creates sustainable economic opportunities, ensuring that rural communities and nature can thrive together.

Public Relations

Rural Watch Africa Initiative (RUWAI) is a nonprofit organization empowering rural communities across Nigeria through sustainable agriculture, climate action, ecosystem restoration, youth development, and community resilience. We aim to reduce poverty, promote environmental stewardship, and build climate-smart livelihoods in some of Africa’s most vulnerable regions.

Position Summary

We are seeking a passionate and skilled Volunteer Communication Officer to join our growing team. This role is ideal for someone who is eager to use storytelling, media engagement, and strategic communication to drive social and environmental impact.

Key Responsibilities: Develop and implement communication strategies to raise awareness of RUWAI’s work. Create compelling content (articles, social media posts, newsletters, press releases, donor reports). Manage and grow RUWAI’s social media platforms and online presence. Support the design and dissemination of impact stories, campaign materials, and advocacy content. Liaise with media, partners, and stakeholders to promote RUWAI’s initiatives. Assist in organizing communication for events, project launches, and campaigns. Ideal Candidate: Strong written and verbal communication skills. Experience in social media management, content creation, event planning, fundraising, journalism. Knowledge of environmental and rural development issues is a plus. Graphic design, photography, or video editing skills are an advantage. Committed to RUWAI’s mission and able to volunteer 5–10 hours per week.

What You’ll Gain: Meaningful experience contributing to real impact in rural communities. Exposure to grassroots development and climate advocacy. Networking opportunities and professional growth. Reference letter and recommendation upon successful completion.

Minimum Hours per Week:

10+ hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

Rising Capacities for Children Africa (RICCA)

Rising Capacities for Children Africa (RICCA) tackles child poverty in rural Kenya, especially in Kirinyaga County, by creating inclusive, child-friendly learning environments. Through the Ricca Afterschool Center, children aged 6–17 access personalized support, mentorship, and engaging programs in arts, sports, agriculture, and digital literacy. These activities foster academic success, creativity, social skills, and life competencies while making learning fun and accessible. RICCA also works with schools to improve teacher quality, infrastructure, and resources, and engages parents in the process. By bridging rural–urban gaps and promoting intercultural dialogue, RICCA empowers communities, protects children’s rights, and breaks cycles of poverty through education.

After-School Curriculum Design Specialist

About RICCA

RICCA is a grassroots organization in rural Kenya working to create equal learning opportunities for marginalized children in public primary schools. We run after-school centers that provide safe, creative spaces where children can learn through play, storytelling, and exploration — not just exams.
RICCA was founded by Kenneth Gitari, whose own journey from a small rural village inspired him to reimagine education so that every child, no matter their background, can dream, learn, and thrive.

About the Role

We’re looking for a Curriculum Design Specialist (Volunteer) to help us strengthen and structure our after-school curriculum framework. This role is ideal for someone passionate about child-centered education, play-based learning, and creating real impact in underserved communities.

What You’ll Do

• Design and structure an engaging after-school curriculum that builds literacy, numeracy, and life skills.
• Integrate play-based, creative, and culturally relevant learning approaches for children in rural settings.
• Collaborate with our team to develop fun, practical lesson ideas and facilitator guides.
• Support the training of local facilitators on effective, inclusive teaching methods.
• Develop adaptable learning materials and frameworks that community educators can easily use.

Who You Are

• You have experience in Curriculum Development, Education Design, or Child Development.
• You’re familiar with alternative learning approaches such as project-led or experiential learning.
• You’re creative, resourceful, and passionate about education equity.
• Experience with rural or resource-limited settings is a strong plus.

What You’ll Gain

• A chance to shape an impactful education model reaching children in rural Kenya.
• Collaboration with a passionate grassroots team creating lasting change.
• Recognition and exposure through RICCA’s website, newsletters and a letter of appreciation.

Minimum Hours per Week:

4-6 hours per week

Duration:

1-2 months

dmtr
dmtr tackles global hunger and the interconnected challenges of climate change, poverty, and low productivity for smallholder farmers. Over 670 million people face chronic undernourishment, often due to poor access to finance, climate shocks, and inefficient food systems leading to significant waste.

The startup champions local innovation, believing communities hold the best solutions but lack the support to scale. dmtr focuses on building an equitable, climate-resilient agri-food system by empowering early-stage innovators and social startups through a three-pillar approach: Educate (creating content on food system challenges), Inspire (connecting entrepreneurs with mentors and investors through workshops), and Enable (securing funding and visibility from impact investors).

By fostering this ecosystem, dmtr helps locally developed, technology-driven solutions gain the resources needed to scale, strengthen local economies, and build resilience against global challenges.

Research & Publications Lead

Purpose: Provide strategic research and editorial leadership to guide dmtr’s focus and visibility

Key Responsibilities: 

• Analyze current research and innovation trends in hunger reduction, food systems, and agri-tech.
• Produce quarterly insights on target geographies, solution areas, and startup ecosystems.
• Lead the writing of the monthly newsletter and blog content.
• Collaborate with the podcast and workshop teams to ensure content aligns with strategic themes.
• Identify gaps in knowledge and recommend topics for guest contributions, events, or funding campaigns

Essential Skills:

• Strong research and analytical skills, particularly in global food systems and social enterprise.
• Excellent writing and editorial skills, with the ability to distill complex information for broad audiences.
• Ability to synthesize academic research, reports, and data into actionable insights.
• Strategic thinking to inform dmtr’s focus areas and content planning. Experience in thought leadership, communications, or editorial publishing

Minimum Hours per Week:

2-3 hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

dmtr
dmtr tackles global hunger and the interconnected challenges of climate change, poverty, and low productivity for smallholder farmers. Over 670 million people face chronic undernourishment, often due to poor access to finance, climate shocks, and inefficient food systems leading to significant waste.

The startup champions local innovation, believing communities hold the best solutions but lack the support to scale. dmtr focuses on building an equitable, climate-resilient agri-food system by empowering early-stage innovators and social startups through a three-pillar approach: Educate (creating content on food system challenges), Inspire (connecting entrepreneurs with mentors and investors through workshops), and Enable (securing funding and visibility from impact investors).

By fostering this ecosystem, dmtr helps locally developed, technology-driven solutions gain the resources needed to scale, strengthen local economies, and build resilience against global challenges.

Fundraising & Development Lead

Purpose: Drives all fundraising efforts including donor engagement, grant applications, and funding partnerships

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify and pursue funding opportunities from trusts, foundations, institutions, and individuals.
• Write and manage grant applications and donor reports.
• Build donor pipelines and steward relationships.
• Collaborate on campaign messaging and fundraising events

Essential Skills:

• Grant writing, impact fundraising, donor relations
• Familiarity with the social innovation and AgTech funding landscape

Minimum Hours per Week:

0-1 hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

Our partner is an international development and relief organisation with Christian roots, working to tackle poverty and inequality. They support local partners and communities to unlock potential and achieve sustainable change.

They are seeking a Finance Trustee to join their Board. Candidates should be qualified finance professionals with relevant experience in financial management, governance and risk, and be supportive of the organisation’s values and ethos.

As Finance Trustee, you will support the Board in fulfilling its financial responsibilities: advising on financial strategy, reserves and investment policy; reviewing budgets, management accounts and annual financial statements; and contributing to governance and strategic planning. You will also work closely with the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee to provide independent oversight of financial performance.

The Board meets four times per year (a mix of online and in-person in London), and trustees are expected to commit around 1-2 days per month to their duties.

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For more Trustee and Treasurer roles please visit the AfID website.

Village Solar

In Malawi, a significant portion of the population lacks reliable electricity infrastructure, leading to limited opportunities for education, healthcare, and economic growth. Village Solar strives to overcome these challenges by offering affordable and dependable solar energy solutions that can alleviate energy poverty, improve living conditions, and foster sustainable development in Malawian villages.

Architect

Village Solar is looking for a creative architect or designer to support the design of a small community facility in rural Malawi. The project involves creating a practical and inspiring space that supports community training and local entrepreneurship.

We are looking for someone who can:

• Help conceptualize the layout and structure of the facility
• Develop simple design sketches or blueprints suited to local conditions and materials
• Collaborate remotely with our team to ensure the design is functional, sustainable, and cost-effective

If you have experience in community architecture, low-cost or modular design, or sustainable construction, we would love to hear from you.

Minimum Hours per Week:

4-6 hours per week

Duration:

One-off project

At Oxfam, we're not just selling pre-loved items and unique finds – we're working together to build a radically better world. With your help, we will turn pre-loved treasures into resources that empower communities worldwide.

We’re seeking friendly, reliable individuals aged 18 or over who want to make a difference in their community by helping their local Oxfam shop to stay open for as long possible. We need people to open and close the shop, and ensure volunteers know what tasks to undertake so the shop can run smoothly.

No prior experience is needed, as we provide full training. If you’re open to learning, enjoy working with others, and have a passion for helping people, you’ll fit right in!

You have the time to become a volunteer in your community; you might be looking for work experience, the opportunity to meet new people, or keep active.

By volunteering with us in one of our amazing retail spaces you will be raising essential funds for Oxfam – all whilst learning new skills and meeting some incredible people.

What you will be doing

• Undertaking shop related tasks agreed with the Manager, for example:
• Opening or closing the shop.
• Ensuring that the shop is ready to trade or cashing up at the end of trade
• Allocating tasks to members of the volunteer team.
• Selecting, sorting, and pricing donated stock.
• Chatting to customers, giving great service on the till.
• Researching valuable and vintage stock.
• Visual merchandising: creating eye-catching window and in-store displays.
• Photographing and listing items for the online shop.
• This role may include occasionally lifting boxes. We prioritise a safe working environment and provide comprehensive health and safety training to all volunteers.

The skills you need

• We ask that you are reliable and on time for your volunteering
• Full training and support is given for this role - no prior experience is required
• Happy to be part of a team and collaborate effectively with others
• Confident communicator

What's in it for you

• Some lunch and travel costs paid (speak to the Manager first to understand what is covered)
• Access to training and development
• Grow your confidence and meet new people
• Flexible volunteering schedules that fit your lifestyle
• Free confidential support by the Retail Trust
• Possible references for future employers

At Oxfam, we're not just selling pre-loved items and unique finds – we're working together to build a radically better world. With your help, we will turn pre-loved treasures into resources that empower communities worldwide.

We’re seeking friendly, reliable individuals aged 18 or over who want to make a difference in their community. No prior experience is needed, as we provide full training. If you’re open to learning, enjoy working with others, and have a passion for helping people, you’ll fit right in!

You have the time to become a volunteer in your community; you might be looking for work experience, the opportunity to meet new people, or keep active.

By volunteering with us in one of our amazing retail spaces you will be raising essential funds for Oxfam – all whilst learning new skills and meeting some incredible people.

What you will be doing

• Undertaking shop related tasks agreed with the Manager, for example:
• Chatting to customers, giving great service on the till.
• Selecting, sorting, and pricing donated stock.
• Visual merchandising: creating eye-catching window and in-store displays.
• Accepting donations from members of the public, speaking to the donors and asking them a few questions..
• Following clear instructions to label donations in order to maximise income.
• This role may include occasionally lifting boxes. We prioritise a safe working environment and provide comprehensive health and safety training to all volunteers.

The skills you need

• We ask that you are reliable and on time for your volunteering
• Full training and support is given for this role - no prior experience is required
• Happy to be part of a team and collaborate effectively with others
• Happy to speak with other people, and follow instructions to complete a task

What's in it for you

• Some lunch and travel costs paid (speak to the Manager first to understand what is covered)
• Access to training and development
• Grow your confidence and meet new people
• Flexible volunteering schedules that fit your lifestyle
• Free confidential support by the Retail Trust
• Possible references for future employers

Sembeza Africa 

Sembeza Africa provides Quality Physical Education (QPE) programs that empower youth and communities in Uganda, integrating sports with education, gender equality, and environmental sustainability.

Uganda’s youth face significant barriers, including limited access to quality education, early pregnancies, and a lack of inclusive opportunities for physical and personal development. With over 75% of the population under the age of 30, Uganda needs initiatives that address these challenges holistically. Physical education in many schools remains underdeveloped, leaving children without the critical skills for leadership, teamwork, and resilience. Furthermore, environmental degradation threatens the communities we serve, and gender inequality continues to limit opportunities for girls to participate in sports and education.

Sembeza Africa focuses on delivering Quality Physical Education (QPE) programs that promote physical activity as a foundation for learning and life skills. By integrating sports into education, we empower youth to build confidence, develop leadership abilities, and foster inclusivity. Our programs also incorporate elements of Traditional African Sports and Games (TASG) to preserve cultural heritage while making physical education more engaging. Through structured QPE initiatives, we address critical issues such as gender equality, environmental stewardship, and access to education, aligning our work with Uganda’s national development priorities and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Content Editor

The Content Editor will be responsible for creating and editing content that brings our story to life. The person will be required to work in collaboration with the social media manager, sometimes acting as their backup.

Key Responsibilities 

• Edit photos and videos for social media and campaigns.
• Collaborate with the Social Media Manager and Communications Team to align visuals with ongoing projects.
• Organise content (videos, photos, raw footage) for future use.
• Add captions, transitions, and graphics to improve the quality and appeal of media content.
• Support visual storytelling initiatives that reflect Sembeza Africa’s mission and values.

Skills and Qualifications

• Experience or strong interest in video and photo editing.
• Familiarity with media editing tools 
• Basic understanding of concepts in video production.
• Creative eye for detail and strong visual storytelling instincts.
• Organised, reliable, and able to meet deadlines.

Minimum Hours per Week:

7-9 hours per week

Duration:

6+ months