Volunteer managers

Although Cambodia today is enjoying peace and stability, the country is still recovering from war, displacement and the massive depletion of it human resource base during the Khmer Rouge period. Almost 70 per cent of Cambodia’s population is under the age of 30 and many Cambodian youths lack the opportunities to actively contribute to society and Cambodia's development.

Youth Star Cambodia offers young people the opportunity to develop their potential through volunteer service, working in disadvantaged communities in the area of education, health and social development. As an organisation and programme management adviser you’ll strengthen the capacity of the organisation and ensure its continuing development as a leading and professional Cambodian non-governmental organisation.

What does the role involve?

• Supporting the director in providing quality leadership and management to the organisation
• Advising on operational and strategic planning processes and reviews
• Supporting the development of a post-volunteer programme
• Providing training and mentoring to programme staff in areas such as volunteer and placement assessment, supervision and management
• Support the implementation of an effective monitoring and evaluation system

Skills, qualifications and experience required

You'll need at least five years' experience of working as a manager in a voluntary organisation, ideally in a social or youth development context. Experience in staff management, operational and strategic planning as well developing monitoring and evaluation systems is essential. You'll beed excellent facilitation and communication skills and the ability to build relationships with a wide range of people, especially young people. Previous volunteering experience would be beneficial. Patience and flexibility and the willingness to learn the Khmer language are important, as it will help you to build strong relationships with  colleagues and understand Cambodian society and working culture.

And the rest...

Cambodia is a small country in Southeast Asia, bordered in the west by Thailand, in the east by Vietnam and in the north by Laos. Most of the country’s area is flat. You'll be based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital where French style villas and street-style cafes perch along tree-lined boulevards with the occasional majestic Khmer building thrown in.

Cambodian cuisine is quite similar to that of Thailand with lots of curries and coconut milk, but not as spicy. Cambodia also produces some excellent coffee and French-style baguettes can be bought at most street corners. The Youth Star off ice is modern and comfortable with air-conditioning and Internet access.

The 2003 Human Development Report described China's recent development as 'the fastest sustained economic advance in human history'. As as result a large number of people have been lifted out of poverty, but around 200 million still live on less that US$1 a day.

VSO is supporting the development of the voluntary sector in China to encourage professionals to share their skills and expertise with poorer communities in their country. The Huizeren Social Services Centre promotes sustainable development of volunteering in China through capacity-building of volunteer involving organisations (VIOs). The organisation is setting up a volunteer centre and is looking for an experienced volunteer manager to provide support and advice for the development and management of the centre.

What does the role involve?

• Facilitating the strategic planning process for the volunteer centre
• Setting up management systems and procedures
• Providing support to strategic partners and VIOs on aspects relating to volunteer programme development and management as required
• Developing partnerships and networks with national and international VIOs to share learning
• Supporting fundraising initiatives to ensure the financial sustainability of the organisation

Skills, qualifications and experience required

You'll have a degree-level qualification and substantial experience in developing and managing volunteer centres, including strategic planning, partnerships and programme development and setting up management systems. Some experience in training or mentoring others would also be beneficial. You'll need to be open-minded, patient and flexible and enjoy working and living in a different culture.

And the rest...

China is a vast country with the world’s biggest population. It’s also hugely diverse, with the shop-till-you-drop metropolises in the east, the desert landscapes of Xinjiang in the west and lofty mountains ans sub-tropical climate in Sichuan Province. You'll be based in China's capital in Beijing with a population of just under 15 million.

Beijing is one of the six ancient cities of China and has been the heart and soul of politics and society throughout its long history, so there’s plenty to see in your free time. The Great Wall is also nearby and make for a nice walk on the weekends! You’ll live in a flat with reliable electricity and water supply as well as good heating in the winter.

Although remarkable progress has been made in rebuilding Sierra Leone since the end of the conflict in 2002, the decade-long civil war has caused extensive damage to social sectors. The majority of Sierra Leoneans lack access to basic social services and many live below the poverty line.

The National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA) is a government commission seeking to alleviate poverty and prevent conflict from reoccurring. As part of this objective, NaCSA has established the Peace and Development Corps, a national volunteering programme aimed at giving young people the opportunity to get involved in supporting and rebuilding their own communities.

As volunteer development coordinator, you’ll use your volunteer management expertise to develop this 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 southeast, 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.