Fundraisers

Fifteen percent of the adult population in Mozambique is living with HIV and AIDS and it is estimated that by 2010 life expectancy will be just 36 years. VSO volunteers are working to improve the structure and management of local community-based organisations so they can provide better services to people living with HIV and AIDS, especially to marginalised groups such as women and vulnerable children.

Ahitipaluxeni was established by women living with HIV and AIDS in 2004. It is a small organisation that provides home-based care to people infected by HIV, and offers income generating activities to affected families, women and orphans. The organisation wants to expand its vital services but is currently lacking the funding and organisational capacity to do so. As a fundraiser with Ahitipaluxeni, you’ll build their organisational capacity and help to ensure their financial sustainability.

What does the role involve?

• Assisting the organisation in developing a strategic plan for their programmes as well as a fundraising strategy
• Planning and writing project proposals
• Training staff in raising funds for the organisation
• Supporting the development and implementation of new HIV and AIDS programmes

Skills, qualifications and experience required

You’ll need a degree level qualification with at least two years experience as a fundraiser with proposal writing and strategy development. You’ll also need strong communication and interpersonal skills and be flexible team player. Basic knowledge of Portuguese would be an advantage, but is not essential, as long as you’re willing to learn! As with all VSO placements, a positive attitude and good sense of humour are important qualities, that will help you to adapt to a new cultural way of working and living.

And the rest...

Mozambique lies on the eastern coast of southern Africa bordering Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa. Its stunning coastline stretches over 2,470km along the Indian Ocean. You’ll be based in coastal Maputo, the capital city of Mozambique. There are plenty of shops and facilities and the local fish market, located on the north end of Avenue Marginal is touted to be one of the best places in all of Africa for fresh fish and seafood. You’re most likely to live in a small flat within walking distance of the office.

We’ll ask you to commit to 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 financial 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.

VSO volunteers are working along the Thai/Burma border, supporting people’s movements and human rights initiatives with the aim to bring peace and democracy to Burma. As a fundraising and partnerships adviser you’ll be part of team of 10-12 VSO volunteers, sharing their skills with a variety of organisations fighting for the same cause.

You’ll work with Karenni, a local women’s rights non-governmental organisation, to empower Burmese women who are living in refugee camps (and are often marginalised) to get involved in decision-making processes and take on leadership roles within the camps. Your role will involve seeking new funding for Karenni, particularly from institutions and training your colleagues in fundraising processes and strategies.

What does the role involve?

• Seeking new funding opportunities for the organisation
• Developing new and maintaining existing relationships with donors
• Training Karenni staff in fundraising strategies, proposal and report writing
• Exploring new potential partnership opportunities to support Karenni’s work

Skills, qualifications and experience required

You’ll need at least two years’ experience in fundraising, ideally raising funds from companies and institutions. Experience in project management and monitoring and evaluation are essential, as are strong proposal and report writing skills. You’ll also need excellent communication and networking skills, as a large part of the role will involve developing relationships and partnerships with other organisations.

The needs in the Thailand-Burma border context are huge, and therefore patience, flexibility and a realistic expectation of what can be achieved are important. A sense of adventure would be beneficial, as you’ll be living in a rural area, travelling around by motorbike (VSO provides training).

And the rest...

Mae Hong Son is Thailand’s northern border city and is well known for its stunning scenery and diverse culture. Many different hill tribes, mainly from Burma, live in small villages dotted around densely forested mountains. You can either live in Mae Hong Son town and commute to work by motorbike (20km) if you prefer a more sociable base, or VSO can provide a house in the small village of Ban Nan Soi, where the Karenni office is situated.

We’ll ask you to commit to 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 financial 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.