National Volunteer – Leadership and Development

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, focusing on the potential of people in developing countries to shape their own futures. VSO's approach, known as Volunteering for Development (VfD), prioritizes the most marginalized individuals, fostering active citizenship that drives local community-led change and contributes to sustainable development goals even after projects conclude. VSO has a global presence, working in various countries to implement its mission and support communities in need.

Job Overview:
The National Volunteer – Leadership and Development role is designed to support youth-led Community Support Groups (CSGs) and networks, such as the National Youth Forum and grassroots Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), across selected districts in Bangladesh. The primary focus of this position is to enhance inclusive leadership capacity among these youth platforms. The volunteer will engage in professional-standard coaching, reflective practice, and co-facilitated learning experiences. The role aims to help these groups integrate shared decision-making, inclusive facilitation, and values-driven leadership into their daily operations. This position is crucial for fostering a new generation of leaders who can effectively advocate for their communities and drive positive change.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Volunteer will be responsible for the following duties and responsibilities:

• Collaborate with youth-led CSGs and networks to assess their leadership needs and develop tailored capacity-building programs.
• Facilitate training sessions and workshops focused on inclusive leadership, decision-making processes, and facilitation skills.
• Provide ongoing coaching and mentorship to youth leaders to enhance their skills and confidence.
• Support the development of action plans that promote active citizenship and community engagement.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of leadership initiatives and provide feedback for continuous improvement.
• Foster partnerships with local stakeholders to enhance the impact of youth-led initiatives.
• Document and share best practices and lessons learned from the engagement with youth groups.
• Participate in VSO's broader initiatives and contribute to organizational goals.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the National Volunteer position should possess the following qualifications:

• A background in social sciences or a related field is essential.
• Proven experience in coordinating youth groups and civic engagement initiatives is required.
• Familiarity with youth development issues in Bangladesh and knowledge of active citizenship approaches is crucial.
• Strong skills in training coordination, stakeholder engagement, and event facilitation are necessary.
• Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to VSO's values and mission, particularly in promoting equality and diversity.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a degree in social sciences or a related field. This educational foundation is important to understand the complexities of youth development and civic engagement, as well as to effectively facilitate training and support youth-led initiatives.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have relevant experience in coordinating youth groups and civic engagement initiatives. This experience should include working directly with young people, facilitating training sessions, and engaging with community stakeholders. Familiarity with the local context in Bangladesh and previous involvement in youth development programs will be advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in Bengali is mandatory for this position, as it is essential for effective communication with local youth groups and stakeholders. Proficiency in English is also beneficial, as it may be required for reporting and documentation purposes. Additional language skills relevant to the local context may be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This is a national volunteer role specifically open to Bangladesh Nationals. The position does not specify a salary, contract type, or length, indicating that it may be a voluntary engagement. Volunteers will receive an allowance in local currency to cover reasonable living expenses, although it may not be sufficient to send money home. Accommodation provided will be basic, reflecting the organization's commitment to working with some of the poorest communities. VSO promotes equal opportunities and values a diverse workforce, ensuring a fair recruitment process.