United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland: Volunteer - Africa Programmes Assistant

Background

War Child is an award-winning international charity which works with local partner organisations to support children acutely affected by conflict. War hits children the hardest. This is fundamentally wrong and outrages us. War Child believes that something can be done about this. War Child helps provide protection for children who are acutely marginalised by the effects of conflict in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic. As well as being known for working in the world’s most dangerous war zones, War Child is famous for its association with the music industry - having broken records and boasting award winning albums. To learn more visit http://www.warchild.org.uk

War Child is currently looking for an exceptional VolunteerProgrammes Assistant – Africa to provide administrative support to our programmes in DRC, CAR and Uganda. The role will be managed by the Regional Programme Coordinator for Africa.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

Administration

• General administration & support to the programmes team including answering phone calls, scheduling meetings and taking minutes
• Travel planning, including booking flights, accommodation, visa applications and coordinating travel for the programmes staff

Internal Communications and Information Systems

Effective management information systems are crucial for monitoring, reporting and evaluating our work. The Programmes Assistant Volunteer will:

• Maintain up-to-date information logs – for example up-to-date lists and files of grants and funders, researching new funding calls, updating country-specific programmes overviews and induction presentations
• Support in collection information from the field offices e.g. on beneficiary numbers, case studies, and success stories, under the direction of the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Advisor
• Respond to other ad-hoc requests from members of the Programmes team, and the WCUK London office as a whole, particularly the Fundraising and Communications departments

Research and Development

Our field based work needs to be complemented by quality desk research. The Programmes Assistant Volunteer will conduct research for website, reports, and new institutional proposals.

Proposal Writing and Reporting

Most of War Child’s funding for projects comes from institutional donors and partners such as the European Commission, UNICEF and Comic Relief. We also approach trusts and foundations for matched funding and to fund small complementary projects. The Programmes Assistant Volunteer will:

· As directed by the Regional Programme Coordinator, liaise with country teams in order to gather information for concept notes, proposals and reports

· Contribute content to and proofread proposals and reports for a variety of donors

Person Specification - Essential knowledge, skills and experience

• Masters degree in a relevant field (development, human rights, international law, anthropology, social work)
• Fluency in spoken and written English and French is essential
• Demonstrable interest in child protection, development and conflict
• Strong analysis and research skills
• Excellent written communication that is clear and concise.
• Highly organised with excellent attention to detail, strong administrative skills and the ability to prioritise effectively
• High level of computer literacy, including basic knowledge of MS Excel
• Strong interpersonal skills and able to build and establish good relationships
• Able to work in a team and independently

What will the Volunteer gain from the role?

• Understanding of issues faced by communities and children in conflict and post-conflict settings

• Develop experience of working on donor research, proposals and reports of development projects

• Experience working remotely with field teams

• Opportunity to take part in and contribute to departmental and organisational-level meetings

Duration and Commitment

We require a commitment of 6 months for a minimum of 3 – 5 (Mon to Fri) days a week (the days can be flexible), starting in early April 2016.

Travel and Expenses

Travel expenses (London zone 1-6 or equivalent) and lunch (£5 per day) will be reimbursed and the position will be based in War Child’s offices in Kentish Town, London. Please note, this is a voluntary position and hence unpaid.

Please note:

· You must have the right to live and work in the UK. This is a London-based volunteer position, War Child will be unable to cover any relocation or housing costs.

· As we are a small charity with limited resources, we are only able to respond to shortlisted applicants.

· Please send your CV and a brief covering letter outlining

• how you meet the knowledge, skills and experience we are looking for and,
• why you are interested in this position

To: recruitment@warchild.org.uk by 11:59pm of Monday 21^st March 2016. Please state in the subject line ‘Programmes Assistant Volunteer – Africa.

· All shortlisted candidates will be expected to commit to our Child Safeguarding Policy, which will be sent prior to interview. This policy is a fundamental expression of our values and it is at the very core of our work and what we do.

· Proposed Interview dates will be held on a at our Kentish Town office between 1^st and 4^th April 2016.

· The successful applicant will be expected to undergo a DBS police check or submit a receipt of police clearance from permanent country of residences. War Child will reimburse police check costs. The successful candidate will need to provide 3 satisfactory written references, (from most recent employer if applicable, any other previous employer and a character reference, references can be accepted from educational referees such as school principal, tutors etc).