Online Volunteer

Job Posting Organization:
Purewish Foundation Uganda is dedicated to restoring hope and providing essential support to disadvantaged children, youths, and communities in Northern Uganda. The organization focuses on various aspects of community development, including education, health, sanitation, nutrition, and vocational training. Established with the mission to advocate for the rights and well-being of vulnerable populations, particularly children and youths affected by HIV/AIDS, Purewish Foundation Uganda aims to promote psycho-social support and income-generating activities. The organization also conducts research and disseminates information to raise awareness about the challenges faced by disadvantaged groups, striving to combat child abuse and protect their rights. Through partnerships with local and international charities, Purewish Foundation Uganda seeks to enhance its outreach and effectiveness in serving the community.

Job Overview:
The Online Volunteer will play a crucial role in supporting the Water for Dignity: Rainwater Harvesting and Menstrual Health Initiative for Schoolgirls in Northern Uganda. This project aims to improve access to safe water, sanitation, hygiene, and menstrual health services for vulnerable schoolgirls in rural communities. The volunteer will be responsible for conducting research on best practices, identifying grant opportunities, and assisting in the preparation of high-quality project proposals and technical documentation. The initiative addresses the chronic water shortages faced by rural schools, which disproportionately affect adolescent girls, leading to increased absenteeism and risks of poor academic performance, school dropout, child marriage, and early pregnancy. By providing reusable sanitary towel kits and menstrual health education, the project aims to empower girls and keep them in school. The volunteer's contributions will enhance the organization's capacity to implement and expand the project effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The volunteer will conduct research on best practices related to rainwater harvesting, school WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), menstrual health management, gender equality, and community-led development. They will support the development and review of project proposals and concept notes for submission to institutional donors. The volunteer will research grant opportunities and compile relevant eligibility and application information for the project team. Additionally, they will assist in preparing logical frameworks, work plans, monitoring indicators, budgets, and supporting technical documentation for grant applications. The volunteer will also develop educational materials, training manuals, fact sheets, and awareness resources on water, sanitation, hygiene, and menstrual health management. They will prepare project reports, case studies, impact stories, newsletters, presentations, and other communication materials. Furthermore, the volunteer will assist with monitoring, evaluation, and learning by organizing project data, documenting lessons learned, and compiling progress reports. They will contribute innovative ideas for sustainable and community-owned approaches to improving school WASH and menstrual health services and participate in virtual coordination meetings to provide technical recommendations for project implementation.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should possess strong research and analytical skills, with a background in project management, public health, education, or a related field. Proficiency in technical writing and proposal development is essential, along with the ability to communicate complex information clearly and effectively. The volunteer should be detail-oriented, organized, and capable of working independently while also collaborating with a team. Familiarity with issues related to water, sanitation, hygiene, and menstrual health is highly desirable, as is experience in working with vulnerable populations or in community development settings.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as public health, social sciences, education, or international development is preferred. Candidates with advanced degrees or specialized training in project management, technical writing, or related areas will be given priority. Relevant certifications in research methodologies or grant writing can also enhance a candidate's profile.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 1-2 years of experience in research, proposal development, or project documentation. Experience working with NGOs or community-based organizations, particularly in the areas of water, sanitation, hygiene, or menstrual health, is advantageous. Familiarity with grant writing and knowledge of funding landscapes related to education and health initiatives will be beneficial for the volunteer.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as all documentation and communication will be conducted in English. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Northern Uganda may be considered an asset, as it can enhance communication with community members and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This is a remote volunteer position, and the duration of the assignment is flexible based on the availability of the volunteer. The role is part-time, allowing for a balance with other commitments. The organization is open to recruiting volunteers from both national and international backgrounds. While this position does not involve fundraising or direct solicitation of donations, the volunteer's contributions will significantly enhance the organization's capacity to secure funding through well-prepared proposals and documentation.