National Volunteer for Resilient Livelihoods

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 merely providing aid, focusing on the potential of individuals in developing countries to shape their own futures. VSO's approach, known as Volunteering for Development (VfD), prioritizes the most marginalized populations and is grounded in years of evidence and learning, fostering active citizenship that drives local community-led change and achieves sustainable development goals long after projects conclude. VSO values diversity and promotes equal opportunities within its workforce, ensuring a fair and transparent recruitment process.

Job Overview:
The national volunteer role is designed to support the implementation of resilient livelihoods, agro-ecological practices, and civil society accountability interventions under the ACTIVE project in Surkhet District, Nepal. The volunteer will work closely with partner organizations, farmer groups, mothers’ groups, and Civil Society Groups (CSGs) to enhance climate-resilient livelihood opportunities. This role emphasizes the promotion of inclusive and sustainable agro-ecological practices while also focusing on strengthening organizational capacity, accountability, and community participation. The volunteer will play a crucial role in facilitating positive change and ensuring that the interventions are effectively implemented, thereby contributing to the overall goals of the ACTIVE project.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the national volunteer include:

• Supporting the implementation of resilient livelihood strategies and agro-ecological practices in collaboration with local partners.
• Engaging with farmer groups and mothers’ groups to promote sustainable agricultural practices and enhance security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security.
• Facilitating training sessions and workshops aimed at building the capacity of local organizations and community groups.
• Assisting in the development and dissemination of educational materials related to climate resilience and sustainable practices.
• Monitoring and evaluating the impact of interventions on community livelihoods and environmental sustainability.
• Promoting civil society accountability by working with local stakeholders to enhance transparency and community participation in decision-making processes.
• Documenting best practices and lessons learned to inform future project implementations and share knowledge with other volunteers and stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for this position should possess a strong commitment to volunteerism and community development. They should demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups and have a passion for promoting sustainable practices. Additionally, candidates should have experience in community engagement, capacity building, or related fields. Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, are essential, as well as the ability to adapt to new situations and challenges. Candidates should also be open-minded and respectful of different cultures and perspectives.

Educational Background:
A background in social sciences, environmental studies, agriculture, or a related field is preferred. Candidates should have a solid understanding of sustainable development principles and practices, particularly in the context of rural livelihoods and agro-ecology. Relevant certifications or training in community development, project management, or environmental sustainability would be advantageous.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have prior experience working in community development, agriculture, or environmental sustainability. Experience in volunteer roles or working with marginalized communities is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a track record of facilitating training or workshops and engaging with diverse stakeholders to achieve project goals.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization and for reporting purposes. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Nepal, such as Nepali or local dialects, would be considered an asset and beneficial for community engagement.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time volunteer position with a flexible start date as soon as possible. The contract length is not specified, and the role is based in Nepal. Volunteers will receive a monthly allowance in local currency to cover reasonable living expenses during their placement, although it may not be sufficient to send money home. Accommodation will be provided, but it may be basic, reflecting the conditions of the communities VSO serves. VSO reserves the right to close the application process early if a sufficient number of applications are received, and they emphasize a fair and transparent recruitment process without any fees associated with the application.