Back Volunteer and Logistics Intern/Officer

Position Overview

This in-country post provides planning, logistical and pastoral support to all of SEED Madagascar’s international staff and volunteers. The officer will work alongside both national and international staff providing a wide range of support to SEEDs international staff team including day to day lead on recruitment, on boarding of staff, monitoring training and pastoral care. In addition the postholder will work alongside SEEDs field based conservation staff in managing short term volunteer recruitment, support in the field and promotion of the programme. The diversity of activities undertaken will provide a wide-ranging experience for an early career development professional who can effectively and efficiently deal with a comprehensive range of tasks related to the complex world of overseas development .

About the organisation

SEED Madagascar is a British Charity working in partnership with communities in the south east of Madagascar. We integrate high quality community health, sustainable livelihoods, education infrastructure and conservation programmes to support long term, sustainable change and add to international best practice through research and publication across all of our programmatic areas. We are now looking for entry level officers and managers to work alongside national staff and expand our team.

Title: Intern for initial three months, change of title and responsibilities to Officer subject to passing probationary review after 3 months

Reporting to: Senior Volunteering and Logistics Officer

*Location:*Fort Dauphin, Anosy Region, Madagascar

Commitment: 12 months extendable

*Salary:*Voluntary, unsalaried, contribution to living expenses and insurance

*Job type:*Office based with around 15% time spent in the field (field expenses covered)

Duties and Responsibilities:

International Staff

1. Assist pre-departure logistical support and advice with visas, hotels, flights, accommodation, medication etc.
2. Support on the management and tracking of logistics for incoming international staff
3. Assist international staff during their initial time with SEED including arrival, orientation, social inclusion, housing and any other issues
4. Support international staff with ongoing logistical issues, such as visa renewals, sickness, and housing
5. Assist with the recruitment of international staff, including advertising vacancies and updating our recruitment database
6. Updating international staff databases
7. Support the reviewing and updating of procedures and documentation relating to the onboarding of international staff
8. Ensure all of SEEDs policies and procedures are evident throughout the work of the department, including those for safeguarding, whistleblowing and anti-corruption, and undertake continual training to ensure these are always promoted
9. Any other logistical required by the Senior Volunteering and Logistics Officer, International Operations Manager or Director of Programmes and Operations in line with the tasks of the post

Short-term Volunteers

1. Work alongside the international team, including those in the conservation research team, to provide support to volunteers prior to coming to Madagascar
2. Support welcome talks, orientation talks and activity briefings to ensure volunteers are fully informed about project work, local culture etc.
3. Support volunteers to settle in and work in the field placements to ensure successful communication between volunteers, project teams, guides.
4. Assist with the logistics and support for student groups both pre arrival and whilst in the field
5. Liaise with conservation research team to ensure support and care is provided to manage and maintain the physical and mental wellbeing of volunteers
6. Maintain, review and update volunteering information including orientation guide, orientation talks and all documentation in the coordinator’s file
7. Work on marketing the volunteering programme, maintaining existing partnerships and engaging new audiences
8. Support on the collection, analysis and dissemination of feedback from the volunteer programme
9. Work alongside the Communications and Media Officer to create content for the volunteering programme, including writing regular Facebook, blog posts and website copy

Person Specification

• Experience of volunteering, abroad or in a developing country is desirable
• Have excellent communication skills
• Have excellent MS office skills and be comfortable using G-suite programmes
• Be fluent in English, although French language is not required, it would be an advantage
• Be patient and understanding when dealing with concerns
• Be comfortable living and working in rural, basic conditions when in the field
• Have the ability and desire to build capacity across cultures, working with teams from different economic and cultural backgrounds and across multiple language barriers
• Possess an open mind and the ability to form good relationships both internally and externally with a variety of social groups, including excellent listening and verbal communication skills and a flexible and patient attitude
• Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to SEED’s ethos and approach and be a good ambassador for the organisation at all times
• Be able to work to and advocate for all of SEEDs policies and procedures, safeguarding those that SEED works with and reporting any concerns appropriately
• Demonstrate the ability, social skills and confidence to give clear guidance and support to other members of the team in respect of the philosophy and procedures of SEED in order to protect both their safety and the reputation of the NGO
• Be punctual and be able to work to tight deadlines in an organised manner and to a high standard
• Be able to work both independently and as part of a team
• Have passion, curiosity and motivation for the job while working in an honest and trustworthy manner.

Practicalities

The successful candidate will be able to financially support themselves for the full duration of this post and will have their own laptop computer (non-tablet) and tent.