Volunteer for Data for Advocacy (D4A) Hub

Job Posting Organization:
VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas) 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 local communities rather than providing aid, focusing on the capabilities and determination of individuals in developing countries to shape their own futures. VSO employs a Volunteering for Development (VfD) approach, which prioritizes the most marginalized individuals and fosters active citizenship to drive community-led change and achieve sustainable development goals. VSO has a significant presence in various countries, working with numerous partners and volunteers to implement its mission effectively.

Job Overview:
The volunteer role for the Data for Advocacy (D4A) Hub is designed to provide remote support to VSO-affiliated Civil Society Groups (CSGs). The primary function of this position is to coordinate and enhance collaboration among CSGs to promote the effective use and adoption of the D4A Hub. The volunteer will engage with CSGs to facilitate leadership in hosting the D4A Hub, ensuring that these groups can leverage the platform for advocacy and community engagement. This role is crucial in empowering grassroots organizations to utilize data effectively for their advocacy efforts, thereby contributing to the overall mission of VSO in promoting sustainable development and social accountability.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support CSGs in their leadership roles by providing guidance and resources for hosting the D4A Hub effectively.
• Engage with various CSGs to promote the wider usage of the D4A Hub, ensuring that they understand its functionalities and benefits.
• Foster collaboration among CSGs to share best practices and experiences related to the D4A Hub.
• Assist in the development of training materials and resources that can help CSGs utilize the D4A Hub for data collection and advocacy.
• Monitor and evaluate the usage of the D4A Hub by CSGs, providing feedback and recommendations for improvement.
• Facilitate workshops and discussions to enhance the capacity of CSGs in using data for advocacy purposes.
• Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders involved in the D4A Hub initiative, ensuring effective communication and collaboration.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should possess expertise in digital applications related to data collection, aggregation, analysis, and presentation. They should have experience in applying social accountability tools and participatory methods, such as intersectionality scorecards, Public Expenditure Tracking Surveys (PETS), social audits, and citizen-data generation. The candidate must demonstrate the ability to adapt and tailor these tools to diverse contexts, ensuring their relevance and effectiveness. Additionally, a proven capacity to strengthen CSGs through rights-based and participatory accountability practices is essential for this role.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a background in social sciences, data science, public policy, or a related field. A degree or equivalent qualification in these areas is preferred, as it provides the foundational knowledge necessary for understanding the complexities of data usage in advocacy and community development.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have prior experience working with civil society organizations, particularly in roles that involve data management, advocacy, or community engagement. Experience in training or capacity building within these organizations is highly desirable, as it demonstrates the ability to empower others and facilitate learning.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication within VSO and for the D4A Hub. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the regions where CSGs operate would be considered an asset, as it can enhance communication and engagement with local communities.

Additional Notes:
This is a volunteer position, and while the salary is not specified, volunteers will receive an allowance paid in local currency to cover reasonable living expenses in the host country. Accommodation will be provided, but it may be basic, reflecting the conditions in some of the poorest communities where VSO operates. The contract type and length are not specified, and the role is expected to be full-time, with the application closing date set for January 5, 202

• The start date for the position is as soon as possible, and VSO reserves the right to close the job early if a sufficient number of applications are received.