National Volunteer- Policy and Advocacy

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 in developing countries, recognizing their desire, power, courage, and determination to shape their own futures. VSO's approach, known as Volunteering for Development (VfD), prioritizes the most marginalized communities, fostering active citizenship that drives local community-led change and contributes to sustainable development goals even after projects conclude. VSO's commitment to this mission is grounded in years of evidence and learning, ensuring that their initiatives are effective and impactful.

Job Overview:
The National Volunteer- Policy and Advocacy role is designed to provide technical support aimed at enhancing the capacity of Civil Society Groups (CSGs) in Bangladesh. This includes organizations such as the National Youth Forum, Youth Network, Women Farmer Association, and grassroots youth-led CSGs/networks. The volunteer will focus on strengthening these groups' abilities in public policy, civic participation, and locally led advocacy. The role emphasizes co-creation and demand-driven accompaniment, which involves coaching, mentoring, and providing tailored tools to help CSGs effectively monitor policy commitments. Additionally, the volunteer will assist in developing joint influencing strategies with duty-bearers, ensuring that systems become more responsive and accountable to the collective needs of marginalized groups, particularly women, girls, and persons with disabilities. The advocacy themes include Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR), climate resilience, disaster risk reduction (DRR), livelihoods, and safeguarding.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Volunteer- Policy and Advocacy will be responsible for a variety of duties, including:

• Providing technical support to Civil Society Groups (CSGs) to enhance their capacity in public policy and advocacy.
• Facilitating workshops and training sessions aimed at improving civic engagement among grassroots organizations.
• Developing and co-designing inclusive technical resources that support advocacy efforts.
• Mentoring and coaching CSGs to help them effectively monitor policy commitments and engage with duty-bearers.
• Assisting in the creation of joint influencing strategies that address the needs of marginalized groups.
• Promoting participatory governance and ensuring that advocacy efforts are inclusive and representative of diverse community voices.
• Utilizing digital tools and data literacy to enhance advocacy and policy dialogue.
• Building sustainable working relationships with various stakeholders to foster collaboration and positive change.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the National Volunteer- Policy and Advocacy position should possess the following qualifications:

• Proven experience in public policy, participatory governance, and locally led advocacy.
• Strong skills in co-designing inclusive technical resources tailored for grassroots organizations.
• Proficiency in digital and data literacy, particularly in the context of advocacy and policy dialogue.
• Excellent facilitation and mentoring skills, with a commitment to creating safe and inclusive spaces for all participants.
• A demonstrated ability to promote system-level change through collaborative efforts.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a relevant educational background that supports their ability to perform in this role. This may include degrees or certifications in fields such as public policy, social sciences, international development, or related areas. Educational qualifications should reflect a strong understanding of civic engagement, advocacy, and community development principles.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a significant level of experience in relevant fields. This includes experience in public policy, advocacy, and working with civil society organizations. Candidates should have a track record of engaging with grassroots groups and facilitating their involvement in civic participation and advocacy efforts. Experience in mentoring and coaching is also highly valued, as is familiarity with the specific challenges faced by marginalized communities in Bangladesh.

Languages:
Fluency in Bengali is mandatory for this position, as it is essential for effective communication with local communities and stakeholders. Proficiency in English is also desirable, as it may be necessary for reporting and collaboration with international partners. Additional language skills that reflect the diversity of the communities served would 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 flexible arrangement. Volunteers will receive an allowance paid 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 work with some of the poorest communities in the world. VSO promotes equal opportunities and values a diverse workforce, and reserves the right to close the job early if a sufficient number of applications are received. The organization is committed to a fair and transparent recruitment process, ensuring that no fees are charged in connection with the application or recruitment process.