Volunteer roles for the International Development sector

Do you want to make a real difference?

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.

Here's why Oxfam is the perfect opportunity for you:

Be a Second-hand Superhero: In our high street shops, Ecommerce Hubs and Online Shop, people like you help create exciting and inspiring collections – retail therapy with a purpose!

Increase Your Skills: If you have a particular interest, you can build on it to gain valuable retail experience to add to your CV, such as merchandising, customer service, and teamwork.

Find Your Community: Meet like-minded people who share your passion for a fairer world.

Flexibility: We know life gets busy. That's why we offer flexible volunteering options. A few hours a week is all it takes to make a big difference.

Oxfam isn't just another charity shop. We're a movement of passionate individuals working to create a fairer world, and we’d love you to be a part of it!

What happens next?

After you apply, the manager will ask you to come in for an initial chat. This is not an interview, just a chance to get an idea of what you'd like to do help out. From there, you can meet the rest of the volunteer team and get involved with whatever area of the shop takes your interest!

Do you want to make a real difference?

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

This role is hybrid based in Birmingham Third Space (687 Stratford Road, B11 4DX)

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 looking for a engagement intern to assist the fundraising and engagement team in developing events, project management and admin support..

Main tasks:

• Administrative tasks such as collating data, contacting signups for pledges, various challenges, deployments and events. 
• Assist with administrational tasks relating to fundraising 
• Create content for social media
• Contact guests who have booked for events
• Research venues, catering and other fundraising related tasks for upcoming events 
• May be asked to go to occasional events dependent on location ​

Skills and Abilities​:

• A good understanding of humanitarian relief
• Effective written and oral communication skills 
• Good content creating and social media skills
• Problem solving skills 
• Ability to prioritise your workload 

Benefits of volunteering with us​:

• Experience of volunteering in an international charity
• Great experience for gaining employment
• Experience of operating within the outreach division of a large organisation
• Excellent training opportunities
• Opportunity to develop knowledge and skills within community engagement and outreach​
• 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:

1. This is an unpaid position but we will pay for your “out of pocket” expenses in line with Human Appeal’s volunteer expenses policy
2. A detailed induction and training, providing all the information and skills needed 
3. A dedicated member of staff to provide ongoing support and supervision
4. A volunteer handbook that outlines all of the policies and procedures you will need to be aware of whilst volunteering

Could you use your voice to help tell stories that really matter?

As a Media Volunteer with Christian Aid, you’ll help bring powerful, real-life stories to life—sharing how supporters across the UK are creating change and challenging poverty. Whether it’s capturing moments from local events or shaping stories for media, you’ll play a key role in helping more people see the impact and feel inspired to act. 

This is a flexible, creative role where you can grow your skills while making a genuine difference. You’ll work alongside a supportive team, building confidence in writing, storytelling and media engagement—turning everyday experiences into stories that reach new audiences and spark action. If you enjoy connecting with people and want to use creativity for good, this could be a great fit. 

We're looking for volunteers in England, Scotland and Wales (where Welsh language skills would be a bonus).

Position Overview

An exciting and unique internship opportunity to work closely with key senior operational staff in a respected UK international development charity; this position has strong vocational content for anyone looking to break into the international development sector with future possibilities of progression into roles within the UK and/or Madagascar.

The post holder will gain hands-on experience in international development, gain understanding and skills across a wide range of duties associated with programmes development, corporate fundraising, volunteer coordination, and practical charity management.

The internship spans a minimum of six months and is a remote role. The diversity of activities that will be undertaken provides training for an early-career development professional who can effectively and efficiently deal with a comprehensive range of tasks related to the complex world of overseas development work.

Reporting to: Grants and Administrative Assistant

Location: Remote

Commitment: Part-time, two days a week for a minimum of six months - with full flexibility to choose which two days you work, and the option to adjust or change those days as needed.

Salary: N/A (voluntary)

Responsibilities:

1. Supporting the Programmes & Partnership Manager in securing trust and foundation funding, which will include: performing donor research; drafting, proofreading, and editing grant applications and reports (in part or in full); and ad hoc administration relating to donor management.

2. Supporting the Corporate Liaison Officer to secure corporate funding, which will include: researching potential donor companies; supporting corporate facing marketing materials; and supporting creation of report and proposal materials.

3. Supporting the Managing Director and the Director of Programmes and Operation, to ensure the smooth running of the organisation, which will include: preparing financial reports and documentation; note taking at trustees’ meetings; supporting development of policy and procedural documentation; building on fundraising and networking opportunities; and supporting the recruitment process.

It should be noted that the successful candidate will take on a variety of tasks outlined above. While SEED Madagascar will make every attempt to tailor the tasks to the post-holder’s desired area of experience, this will be balanced by the priorities of the organisation.

Desired Knowledge/Experience/Skills/Qualifications

• Hold or be studying towards an undergraduate degree in or relating to international development (or have equivalent professional/experiential background).

• Knowledge and/or keen interest in development and/or conservation issues facing least developed countries such as Madagascar; previous experience living or working in a developing country would be an asset.

• Knowledge and/or keen interest in at least one of SEED Madagascar’s five core areas (community health; sustainable livelihoods; environmental conservation; education infrastructure and water, sanitation and hygiene); previous experience of community-based work would be an asset.

• Excellent analytical skills and ability to gather and assimilate information from various sources, compile documents (reports and proposals), and identify lessons learnt and best practice.

• Sound ability to adapt material for different audiences.

• Be able to conduct internet research.

• Be able to work both independently and as part of a team.

• Be able to financially support themselves for the duration of their internship as there is no stipend available for travel or sustenance.

• Strong written English is essential, French and/or Malagasy would be an asset.

• Be willing to take on mundane tasks such as drafting thank you notes for donors

Are you an enthusiastic organiser with a flair for bringing people together? TVS is a small charity working with rural schools in South Africa to empower vulnerable young people through education. We are recruiting a team of volunteers and are searching for a volunteer events organiser to help plan and deliver fundraising events that will make a real difference for our beneficiaries.

The role encompasses a variety of responsibilities including securing venues, managing budgets, recruiting volunteers, and promoting events, while cultivating relationships with donors and stakeholders to maximize income. We would expect you to start small but build up to the creation of a sustainable funding stream on which the charity can rely.

If you’re experienced in event management and have the contacts needed to make events successful, we’d love to welcome you aboard. This is a brilliant opportunity to make a positive impact, gain valuable skills, and work with other volunteers to support the work of the charity.

Are you passionate about helping others and skilled with digital tools? TVS is a small volunteer-led charity working with rural schools in South Africa to empower vulnerable young people through education. We are recruiting a team of volunteers and are searching for dedicated individuals to support our charity’s digital fundraising efforts.

As a volunteer digital fundraiser you would contribute towards unlocking potential and shaping a brighter future for children living in poverty in South Africa. Your responsibilities would include one or more of the following:

Campaign Development: Planning, delivering, and evaluating digital fundraising campaigns, appeals, and virtual events.

Digital Marketing & Advertising: Managing paid advertising on platforms like Meta, TikTok, and Google Ads to acquire donors.

Content Creation: Writing engaging content for websites, social media, and email marketing, ensuring high-quality, emotive messaging.

Website & Platform Maintenance: Updating online donation pages, using Content Management Systems (CMS), and ensuring tools like JustGiving or Easyfundraising are effective.

If you have experience with digital marketing, social media platforms, or online fundraising we’d love to hear from you. This is a brilliant opportunity to make a positive impact, gain valuable skills, and work with other volunteers to support the work of the charity.

Supporter Engagement Officer

At TVS we’re devoted to empowering vulnerable young people through education. We aim to unlock potential and shape a brighter future for young people living in poverty.  We are recruiting a team of volunteers and are searching for dedicated individuals to help us to strengthen the bonds between our organisation and the incredible people who support our work with rural children in South Africa.

As a Supporter Engagement Officer you would have responsibility for one or more of the following:

Stewardship: Thanking donors and demonstrating the impact of their gifts.

Communication: Reaching out to supporters via phone, email, and social media.

Database Management: Updating supporter records and preferences.

Enquiries: Answering questions about donations, fundraising events, and campaigns.

Whether you have experience in customer service, community engagement, or simply a passion for making people feel appreciated, we encourage you to apply. Join our supportive team, develop your skills, and make a meaningful impact.

Sabre Education is an award-winning international NGO which, since 2004, has been providing children in Ghana with the best possible early childhood education by partnering with the government to implement play-based learning at scale.

To support our ambitious growth strategy both in Ghana and other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, Sabre is seeking to recruit
1-2 new Africa-based trustees for our Board, in response to recent retirements.

The Trustee position is a voluntary role requiring a minimum of four formal Board meetings a year (half day each) and occasional other meetings or events as they arise. A minimum three-year commitment will be required.

Trustees are responsible for the overall strategic direction and oversight of the charity, and provide support and guidance to the strong management team, holding it accountable to agreed objectives. The Trustees also collectively ensure effective governance, and compliance with company and charity law. As the ultimate decision-makers, they ensure the charity fulfills its purpose and manages resources responsibly.

This is an active Trustee group. Individually, Trustees are expected to contribute their skills, knowledge and experience to guide the charity, and to further its objectives. From time to time, Trustees will be asked to represent Sabre Education at external functions, or support Sabre’s work through engagement with key stakeholders and through their own networks.

We are looking for Trustees with the following profiles:

• Proven strategic leadership experience
• Strong communication skills and collaborative style
• An understanding and appreciation of good governance, compliance and risk management
• Lived experience in Africa, in particular Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Desirable: Professional skills and experience in at least one of the following core contexts:
  • Experience in scaling international programmes or organisations
  • Finance / Business Management

We are actively recruiting Africa-based candidates.

This is a pivotal moment for Sabre, and we are looking for Trustees who will actively engage – bringing challenge, insight and energy to help shape and deliver our next stage of growth and impact.

Love fashion? Know your brands? Know your retro from your vintage? We are looking for people that love clothes and accessories to help us select, research, prepare, photograph and list our stock for sale on Oxfam’s bespoke online shop. No previous experience is necessary, we will provide full training.

During these uncertain times Oxfam’s work to tackle global poverty is more vital (and more challenging) than ever before. Can you use your fashion knowledge to help us raise money to support and empower some of the world’s most vulnerable communities?

What you can do at the shop:

You can get involved with any of the following:

· Selecting the best stock from the amazing donations we receive

· Researching rare and valuable stock

· Preparation and presentation of stock

· Photography and editing

· Creating accurate and engaging online listings

· Creating engaging content for the shop's social media platforms

· Upcycling items, or creating new items from waste textiles

What we can offer:

Oxfam's core values are empowerment, inclusiveness and accountability, and we stand by these in all aspects of our work. We provide a safe, friendly and supportive environment and we have a range of tasks to suit all potential volunteers. When you volunteer with us you will have the opportunity to develop your skills (and enhance your CV) and bring your own ideas into the shop. You will be warmly welcomed and you will feel a sense of ownership over the work you do. We will provide full training, giving you the benefit of our experience. We provide references for our volunteers, and we believe nobody should be out of pocket to volunteer with us, so if you live outside the Cotham area we can help with reasonable travel costs.

What our team have to say about working at the shop:

“Oxfam has given me my first relevant volunteering experience – I’ve learnt about a range of different items as well as how an organisation works – and it gives me a chance each week to switch my focus away from uni work!”

“You come across lots of interesting items, but it can be a thrill when you find something rare or out of the ordinary”

“I’ve been here for four years and I love it – very friendly team, very varied – dealing with high end clothing, antiquarian books, household items and much more – it’s great to find new homes for unwanted goods”

What we ask for:

· Enthusiasm for selling stuff online!

· A willingness to learn and to work within Oxfam's core values

· A commitment of a 3 hour shift per week for at least 3 months

· A commitment to abide by all shop health and safety processes

What your help will enable us to do:

Every pound raised in these incredibly challenging times supports Oxfam’s aim of ending extreme poverty. This income is vital to empower people to help themselves out of poverty, and, crucially, it allows us to act immediately when a disaster happens - saving lives and providing essential resources to help rebuild communities.

Can you help us raise as much as we can to continue our work this year? We won't live with poverty. If you feel the same way we would love to work with you!

Overview

The Volunteer Finance & HR Administrator will provide administrative support to the Finance & HR Department. The role offers an opportunity to gain practical experience within a busy charity environment while supporting a range of finance, Gift Aid and HR activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with finance administration, including filing, data entry and record keeping.
• Support the administration of Traid’s Gift Aid scheme.
• Maintain accurate records and databases.
• Carry out routine data checks and data cleansing activities.
• Assist with HR administration and personnel records.
• Support the preparation of correspondence and documentation.
• Help maintain records in accordance with HMRC, GDPR and organisational policies.
• Provide general support to the Finance & HR Department as required.

Qualifications & Skills

• Good attention to detail and accuracy.
• Good organisational and administrative skills.
• Basic IT skills, including Microsoft Office.
• Ability to handle confidential information appropriately.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Reliable and able to work independently once trained.
• Previous administration or data entry experience (desirable).
• Experience of volunteering or working within a charity (desirable).
• An interest in finance, HR or charity administration (desirable).
• Knowledge of Microsoft Excel (desirable).

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis; please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for next stages.

About us

ORCD UK is a new charity, the British arm of ORCD, a humanitarian organisation that has worked across Afghanistan for over a decade, delivering health, food, water, and emergency support. We are in our founding phase, building the fundraising that will let us support families facing one of the world's largest humanitarian crises.

The opportunity

We are looking for a volunteer with fundraising experience to help us execute our fundraising strategy over the next few months. We have a clear plan and a set of campaigns; what we need is for someone share their know-how as we get off the ground.

This is a flexible, online role of a few hours a week, ideal for an experienced fundraiser who wants to use their skills for something meaningful without a heavy time commitment. Whether you are between roles, giving back alongside a career or simply passionate about Afghanistan, we would like to hear from you.

What you might help with

• Helping refine our fundraising campaigns (winter, orphan sponsorship, water, nutrition)

• Support in identifying and securing new funding opportunities and strategic partnerships

• Explore digital fundraising and emerging trends

• Advising on individual giving and crowdfunding/giving platforms

• Guidance on approaching trusts, foundations and institutional funders once we are registered

• Sharing best practice and helping us avoid the common pitfalls of a new charity

About you

• Experience in charity fundraising e.g. across major donors, community, trusts/foundations and/or institutional funders
• A good understanding of the humanitarian funding landscape
• Happy to work remotely and flexibly
• Collaborative and comfortable helping a small team
• A genuine interest in humanitarian work

Please note this is an advisory role. You would not be expected to write or submit funding applications, just to share your know-how and steer us in the right direction. 

Purpose of the Role

The Strategic Partnerships Volunteer will support the organisation in identifying, developing, and facilitating strategic partnerships that respond directly to the needs and priorities identified by our delivery partners. The role focuses on translating on-the-ground demands into meaningful collaborations with institutions, organisations, companies, or networks that can add value beyond funding alone.

Key Responsibilities

• Work closely with the team to understand the concrete needs, gaps, and priorities identified by partner organisations.
• Research and map potential strategic partners (e.g. NGOs, corporates, foundations, universities, public bodies) aligned with those needs.
• Identify partnership opportunities that may include in-kind support, technical expertise, training, resources, visibility, or long-term collaboration.
• Support the preparation of short concept notes or partnership briefs linking partner needs with potential collaborators.
• Assist in initiating and nurturing conversations with prospective partners, where appropriate.
• Maintain a simple tracking system of potential partnerships, contacts, and progress.
• Contribute ideas on how partnerships can be structured in a way that is ethical, balanced, and mutually beneficial.

What We Are Looking For

• Strong interest in partnerships, collaboration, and social impact.
• Ability to think strategically while remaining grounded in practical, partner-led needs.
• Good research and analytical skills.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Comfortable working independently, with guidance from the team.
• Sensitivity to power dynamics, context, and ethical considerations in international or community-based work.

Approach and Mindset

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with sensitivity to different cultural, social, and organisational contexts.
• Alignment with Disability Africa’s vision and way of working, including the Social Model of Disability, and a willingness to apply this ethos in practical partnership-building.
• An ethical and reflective approach to collaboration, grounded in integrity, transparency, and accountability.
• Commitment to inclusion and equal opportunities, and to approaches that expand access and participation for disabled children and young people.

Desirable (but not essential)

• Experience in partnerships, fundraising, business development, CSR, or NGO work.
• Familiarity with international development, disability inclusion, education, or community-based programmes.
• Experience working with or alongside grassroots organisations.

Time Commitment

• Flexible; typically 4–6 hours per week.
• Minimum commitment of 12 months.
• The role can be adapted to the volunteer’s availability and interests.

What the Volunteer Will Gain

• Hands-on experience in strategic partnership development within a values-driven organisation.
• Exposure to partner-led, community-based approaches to social change.
• Opportunity to shape real collaborations with tangible impact.
• Professional references upon successful completion of the role.

Location

• Remote / flexible.

Purpose of the Role

The Communications & Social Media Volunteer will support Disability Africa in strengthening its external communications and digital presence. The role focuses on translating programme realities into clear, consistent, and engaging content across social media and other communication channels, aligned with the organisation’s values and voice.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the planning and scheduling of social media content (primarily LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook).
• Draft posts that communicate programme updates, impact stories, partner highlights, and key milestones.
• Help ensure consistency of tone, messaging, and visual identity.
• Work with the team to translate project updates into clear and accessible communications.
• Support basic analytics tracking (engagement, reach, growth trends).
• Contribute ideas for campaigns linked to fundraising, events, or key moments in the year.
• Assist in maintaining simple content calendars and communication plans.

What We Are Looking For

• Strong written communication skills in English.
• Ability to communicate impact clearly without exaggeration or tokenism.
• Basic understanding of social media platforms and content formats.
• Organised and comfortable working to light deadlines.
• Creative but structured approach to storytelling.
• Comfortable working independently with guidance from the team.

Approach and Mindset

• Alignment with Disability Africa’s Social Model of Disability and rights-based framing.
• Strong awareness of ethical storytelling and representation.
• Care to avoid perpetuating traditional “aid” narratives that centre pity, saviourism, or deficit-based portrayals.
• Commitment to communicating dignity, agency, and structural inclusion.
• Respect for partner-led priorities and contextual nuance.
• Interest in inclusive communication and accessibility.

Desirable (but not essential)

• Experience managing social media for a charity, NGO, or small organisation.
• Basic design skills (Canva or similar).
• Familiarity with simple analytics tools.
• Interest in disability inclusion or international development.

Time Commitment

Flexible; typically 4–6 hours per week.
Minimum commitment of 12 months.

What the Volunteer Will Gain

• Experience shaping communications within a growing international charity.
• Exposure to programme-based storytelling grounded in dignity and inclusion.
• Opportunity to contribute to campaigns with real organisational impact.
• Professional reference upon successful completion of the role.