Volunteer managers

VSO understands the benefits of people volunteering within their own country, as well as the benefits of international volunteering. Right now we’re looking for experienced volunteer managers to develop effective national strategies for volunteer programmes.

Roles are generally longer term, ranging from one to two years, but we also have occasional short term assignments for up to six months.

You’ll have at least two years’ experience of volunteer management, systems and techniques (five years’ for short-term placements). You’ll also need programme and project management experience, as you’ll be supporting your organisation in managing a new volunteer programme. You’re likely to work in a cross-cultural team with multiple stakeholders, so strong planning, organisational and communication skills are essential.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll provide training on volunteer management systems and support volunteers to ensure their skills are put to full use. You could be working in countries like India, Nigeria or Cambodia.

Example placement

Placement for: Volunteer development coordinator

Country: Sierra Leone

Working with the National Commission for Social Action you’ll use your volunteer management expertise to develop a national volunteering programme, help to secure funding and promote volunteering as a tool for social development across Sierra Leone.

What does the role involve?:

Assisting with the recruitment, selection and placement of volunteers
Assisting in project budget management
Working with staff to develop fundraising initiatives, including proposal writing
Developing monitoring and evaluation systems to monitor progress of volunteers and the overall programme
Collaborating with members of other volunteer involving organisations to share information and knowledge

Skills, qualifications and experience required

You’ll need a degree level qualification and experience in managing volunteers or volunteer programmes, project management and budgeting. Experience in fundraising and monitoring and evaluation is also required. Flexibility, creativity and patience are key, as resources are likely to be limited within the organisation.

And the rest…

Sierra Leone borders Liberia to the south-east, the Republic of Guinea to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. You’ll be based in the lively capital Freetown. Good facilities such as supermarkets, restaurants, internet cafes, a post office and markets ar all available. The country has some of the best beaches in the West Africa and you could visit Outamba-Kilimi National Park on a long weekend and spot diverse wildlife such as chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, buffalo, elephants and maybe even lions.

We’ll ask you to commit to 12-24 months to make a sustainable contribution to our development goals. In return, we’ll give you comprehensive financial, personal and professional support. We’ll provide you with extensive training before your placement, and our support package includes a local living allowance, return flights, accommodation, insurance and more. When you return to your home country, we’ll help you to resettle and many of our returned volunteers stay involved with us long after their placement ends.

Ready to apply?