Fundraising volunteer - European opportunities

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Position Title: Fundraising volunteer - European opportunities
Location: Brussels
Country: Belgium
Deadline Date: January 2024

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
Ashoka is a global organization that focuses on social entrepreneurship and empowering individuals to become changemakers. Established in Belgium in 2008, Ashoka is part of a larger international network that spans multiple countries. The organization aims to build and cultivate a community of change leaders who work collaboratively to transform institutions and cultures worldwide, fostering an environment that supports changemaking for the betterment of society. Ashoka's mission is to identify and support social entrepreneurs who are addressing critical social issues, thereby creating a positive impact on communities and the world at large.

Job Overview:
The Fundraising Volunteer position at Ashoka involves a significant commitment to researching and mapping EU-level opportunities that relate to social entrepreneurship and youth empowerment. The role is designed to support Ashoka's strategic focus on accessing EU funding by identifying potential partners and suitable setups for collaboration. The volunteer will work closely with the Ashoka Belgium Director and the broader Ashoka Europe team, contributing to a project that aims to enhance Ashoka's relationship with EU institutions. This role offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the not-for-profit sector, particularly in the areas of social innovation and participative democracy, while taking on mission-driven responsibilities that can have a direct impact on the organization's future.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The main duties and responsibilities of the Fundraising Volunteer include:

• Mapping EU Programmes: Conduct thorough research to identify and map EU-level programmes that support social entrepreneurship, social innovation, youth empowerment, and participative democracy.
• Analyzing EU Institutions: Study the structure and mechanisms of key EU institutions and programmes to recommend suitable avenues for Ashoka’s engagement and partnership-building.
• Identifying Key Funding Opportunities: Identify specific EU funding opportunities that align with Ashoka’s mission and strategic focus, particularly in relation to youth and social innovation.
• Researching Potential Partners: Identify potential strategic partners, including NGOs, think tanks, and EU-level networks, that could collaborate with Ashoka Belgium and Ashoka Europe.
• Reporting on Programming Cycles: Track and compile details of relevant EU programmes, opportunities, and partnership-building for Ashoka engagement.
• Collaborating on Strategic Positioning (optional): Work with the Ashoka team to define Ashoka Belgium’s positioning within the EU social innovation and entrepreneurship space.
• Documenting Best Practices (optional): Capture key insights from research and create guidelines or templates for Ashoka’s future EU funding and partnership efforts.
• Presenting Findings (optional): Deliver clear, actionable recommendations through presentations and written reports to Ashoka’s leadership team regarding potential next steps with EU funding strategies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Fundraising Volunteer position should possess a passion for social entrepreneurship and the following qualifications:

• Interest in the Social Entrepreneurship Ecosystem: Familiarity with the social entrepreneurship landscape, either in Belgium or globally.
• Knowledge of the EU Funding Landscape: Previous experience or a keen interest in business development related to EU grants, tenders, or calls for projects.
• Proficiency with Office Suite: Strong skills in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, to effectively manage data and contribute to database creation.
• Adaptability: No pre-defined seniority level; roles and responsibilities will be tailored to the volunteer's experience and skills.
• Language Skills: Fluency in English is required, while proficiency in French and/or Dutch is advantageous but not mandatory.

Educational Background:
While specific educational qualifications are not explicitly stated, candidates are likely expected to have a background in fields related to social sciences, international relations, public policy, or a similar area that aligns with the mission of Ashoka and the responsibilities of the role.

Experience:
The position does not require a specific level of experience, making it accessible to individuals at various stages of their careers. However, candidates should demonstrate a genuine interest in social entrepreneurship and a willingness to engage in research and mapping activities related to EU funding opportunities.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in French and/or Dutch is considered an advantage but is not a strict requirement, allowing for a broader range of applicants to apply.

Additional Notes:
The Fundraising Volunteer position is a flexible commitment lasting between 3 to 6 months, with a starting date in January 202

• The role is based at Ashoka Belgium’s office located at Impact House, 20 Rue Joseph II, 1000 Brussels, with the possibility of remote working arrangements. The position is offered under a volunteer or internship contract, providing an opportunity for individuals to gain valuable insights into the workings of international NGOs and connect with inspiring social entrepreneurs.