National Volunteer – BDS (Business Development Services) and Fund Mobilizing

Job Posting Organization:
VSO is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting volunteering as a powerful and practical means to combat poverty and inequality. Established with the mission to create lasting change through volunteering, VSO operates in some of the world’s poorest and most fragile regions. The organization believes in empowering individuals rather than merely providing aid, working alongside volunteers and partners to foster sustainable development. VSO's approach, known as Volunteering for Development (VfD), prioritizes the most marginalized communities, aiming to develop active citizens who can drive local change and achieve sustainable development goals even after projects conclude. VSO has a rich history grounded in evidence and learning, which informs its strategies and initiatives.

Job Overview:
The National Volunteer – BDS (Business Development Services) and Fund Mobilizing role is designed to support youth-led Community Support Groups (CSGs) and networks in Bangladesh, such as the National Youth Federation (NYF) and grassroots Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). The primary focus of this position is to enhance their resource mobilization efforts and ensure financial sustainability while promoting entrepreneurship and business development services. The volunteer will engage in demand-driven coaching and mentoring, co-creating simple tools that assist these groups in developing effective fundraising and partnership strategies. Additionally, the role involves helping them access micro-grants and innovation funds, as well as establishing systems for managing and accounting for resources that support youth-led initiatives in areas such as Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), climate change, disaster risk reduction (DRR), livelihoods, and inclusion under the ACTIVE Extension Project. This position is crucial for fostering youth empowerment and sustainable community development.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide coaching and mentoring to youth-led CSGs/networks to enhance their resource mobilization capabilities.
• Assist in the development of values-aligned fundraising strategies and partnership approaches.
• Facilitate access to micro-grants and innovation funds for youth-led initiatives.
• Co-create tools and resources that support financial sustainability and entrepreneurship pathways.
• Build systems for managing and accounting for resources effectively.
• Collaborate with local stakeholders to strengthen community engagement and support for youth-led actions.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of resource mobilization efforts and provide feedback for continuous improvement.
• Promote best practices in business development services and youth empowerment within the community.
• Engage in capacity-building activities to enhance the skills of youth leaders and community members. 1
• Represent VSO and its mission in various forums and community events.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should possess a strong academic background in social sciences, youth development, business, or education. They should demonstrate a keen interest or experience in youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, civic engagement, and grassroots community mobilization. Excellent communication and collaboration skills are essential, particularly in working with youth and local stakeholders. Familiarity with business development services (BDS) concepts and adolescent development is also required. Candidates should exhibit a commitment to VSO's values and mission, showcasing their ability to work effectively in diverse environments.

Educational Background:
Candidates are expected to have a degree in social sciences, youth development, business, education, or a related field. This educational background will provide the necessary theoretical foundation and practical understanding required for the role, enabling the volunteer to effectively engage with youth and community organizations.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have relevant experience or a strong interest in youth empowerment and community mobilization. While specific years of experience may not be mandated, familiarity with the challenges faced by youth in Bangladesh and previous involvement in similar initiatives will be advantageous. The ability to demonstrate resilience and adaptability in new situations is also crucial for success in this role.

Languages:
Fluency in Bengali is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication in Bangladesh. Proficiency in English is also desirable, as it may be necessary for reporting and collaboration with international stakeholders. Knowledge of additional local languages can be considered an asset, enhancing communication with diverse community groups.

Additional Notes:
This is a national volunteer role specifically open to Bangladesh Nationals. The position is full-time, although specific details regarding salary and contract length have not been specified. Volunteers will receive an allowance in local currency to cover reasonable living expenses, but it is important to note that this allowance may not be sufficient for sending money home. Accommodation provided will be basic, reflecting the organization's commitment to working with some of the poorest communities in the world. VSO reserves the right to close the job early if a sufficient number of applications are received, and they emphasize a fair and transparent recruitment process.