Volunteers

WE ARE CURRENTLY SEARCHING FOR VOLUNTEERS
to help with a variety of tasks, from daily support to long-term commitment.

We invite you to explore volunteering with Spanda. On this page, you will find listed the specific volunteer opportunities currently available. Please review the positions/projects described, and if interested, follow the instructions listed to contact us.

UNV

Spanda is registered with the UNV Online Volunteering service.

Volunteers are accepted year-round for any amount of time. Spanda will utilize the talents, interests, and skills of individual volunteers. Hours are flexible and the work environment is casual and professional. Though flexible, Spanda hopes that volunteers can commit at least 5-10 hours per week. Spanda is an equal opportunity employer, it considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, colour, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. Individuals of all ages and experiences are encouraged to inquire, particularly those interested in Global Democracy and Human Rights, Conflict Resolution, Interfaith Dialogue, International Relations, Political Science, or Middle Eastern Studies. The volunteer will have a hands-on learning experience in international relations and development NGO management.

Interested candidates should contact us and send a cover letter with a résumé and references. We will then be able to contact you directly when Spanda’s needs match your skills and interests. Please remember that the supply of qualified volunteers sometimes exceeds the demand for volunteers, meaning you may not receive an immediate placement.

Volunteer Roster

Spanda is creating a roster of individuals interested in future volunteer opportunities. If you would like to contribute your time and skills to Spanda in the future, please take a moment to contact us and send a cover letter with a résumé and references. As new opportunities and projects arise, we will review our volunteer roster to identify individuals whose skills and interests align with our operational needs. [Ref. 324/04/7].

Spanda is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All persons regardless of race, colour, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age or sexual orientation shall have equal access to positions, limited only by their ability to do the job.


INTERNATIONAL  FLEXIBLE VOLUNTEER  POSITIONS

Office-related Volunteer

To assist in administrative tasks for as-needed projects in our The Hague office. Primary duties can include, but are not limited to filing, assisting in the preparation of mailings, copying, updating/managing contact database, archiving periodicals/publications, phone calls, and other office functions. Depending on interest, the volunteer can also be involved in other chapter activities.
Requirements: Basic writing and knowledge of computer and data entry. The following qualifications are useful: Patience, poise, tact and courtesy; Previous administrative or clerical support experience; and excellent organizational skills.
The ideal candidate would be proficient in Dutch and English, French will be an asset.
Interested candidates should contact us and send a cover letter with a resume and references. [Ref. 324/04/1].

Communications Volunteer

The communications volunteer will assist Spanda Foundation staff in developing a communications strategy, including designing and producing materials; establishing media and community network contacts; and marketing. Some tasks include filing, putting together information packets, preparing mailings and assisting in special projects and events.
Requirements: Strong communication and public relations skills; knowledgeable about cross-cultural and global democracy issues.
The ideal candidate would be proficient in Dutch and English, French will be an asset.
Interested candidates should contact us and send a cover letter with a resume and references. [Ref. 324/04/2].

Development Volunteer

To support our programmes a variety of volunteers are needed. Based on experience, primary duties can include:
• Help develop ideas for raising funds to support programmes.
• Assist with research and cultivation of funding partners through foundations, corporations, government and individual donors.
• Assist with the planning and implementation of fundraising campaigns.
• Assist with identifying and applying for grants to support projects.
• Aid with special research projects
• Event planning/event assistance
Requirements: Strong writing skills; good interpersonal and communication skills to handle sensitive, confidential situations; public relations skills.
The ideal candidate would be proficient in Dutch and English, French will be an asset.
Interested candidates should contact us and send a cover letter with a resume and references. [Ref. 324/04/3].

Development Dept. | Project Reference Person

Closing date: Ongoing. Vacancy number: VOL 048/11. A non-remunerated, full-time position requiring a minimum commitment of 6 months, renewable. Spanda is now accepting applications for a volunteer position within the Development Department. Eligible candidates must have a degree in Law, Economics or Political Sciences, or a post-graduate degree in similar fields or at least a two-year training/working experience in a credit institution, corporation, or governmental institution.
We are especially interested in candidates with strong expertise in microfinance in developing countries.
A development volunteer will be assigned to Spanda’s current Mantra project. Mantra is a green microfinance project focusing on empowerment of women, education and renewable energy. The Project strives to alleviate poverty and revitalize communities by enabling them to attain economic self-sufficiency through suitable, sustainable and equitable development. Currently, Mantra’s focal objective is to improve the standard of living in selected villages in Sierra Leone and Chile by implementing a sustainable solar power plant, promoting the productive use of energy and bringing about income-generating activities.
Primary duties and responsibilities of development volunteer include, but are not limited to the following:
~ Drafting documents to be submitted to Dutch and foreign authorities, international organizations, corporations, legal advisers, partners, donors and relevant stakeholders in the programme
~ Liaising with any Dutch or foreign party involved in the structure of the programme
~ Preparing and participating in an internal and external meeting in the Netherlands and abroad
~ Help develop ideas for the successful raising of funds to support the programme
~ Participating in conferences, seminars, workshops, and roundtables in the Netherlands and abroad as a Spanda Delegate/Speaker to promote the project and cultivate a relationship with interested stakeholders.
Development volunteers must possess the following:
~ Strong drafting skills
~ Good interpersonal and communication skills to handle sensitive, confidential data and situations
~ Public relations skills
~ Ability to use computer technology and various office applications
Lateral thinking is an asset.
The ideal candidate will report to the Project Leader and may have junior assistants depending on the task.
Languages: excellent command of oral and written Dutch and English. Working knowledge of French and Spanish is an asset.
Volunteers are not financially remunerated, and Spanda is not responsible for volunteers’ travel expenses to and from The Hague, or for mandatory medical insurance during their volunteer period.
After the first 6 months, this position may be changed,  into a paid post depending on circumstances and availability of funds.
Interested candidates should email a short cover letter (max 150 words) with a one-page resume and references specifying the availability date to ‘Human Resources at hr@spanda.org. The subject of the email should be “Project Reference Personâ€. [Ref. VOL. 048/11].

Copy Editor Volunteer

Based on experience, primary duties can include:
•  To assist Spanda Foundation staff with the editing and preparation of written materials for use in proposals, fundraising campaigns and organizational events.
•  To search regularly for accurate information on crucial issues concerning Spanda’s areas of focus;
•  To list links to be published on Spanda’s website.
Requirements: Excellent written communication skills, copy editing and computer skills. Experience in the edition on the Internet, journalism, and communications will be an asset.
The ideal candidate would be proficient in Dutch and English, French will be an asset.
Interested candidates should contact us and send a cover letter with a resume and references. [Ref. 324/04/4].

Virtual Volunteer

This virtual volunteer work can be completed from home, or from a remote location abroad with a computer, internet connection, or phone. Examples include grant writing, fundraising, translation, web design, online research, editing, and graphic design.
The volunteer should have regular access to the Internet.
The ideal candidate would be proficient in Dutch and English, French will be an asset. Interested candidates should contact us and send a cover letter with a resume and references. [Ref. 324/04/5].

Volunteer Coordinator

The position is like that of a human resource manager (HR) or a personnel officer in a private or public sector organisation.
Requirements: Conceptual, management and interpersonal skills, an ability to communicate, consult and negotiate; assisting in special projects and events. SKILLS: Planning and goal setting; Interviewing volunteers; Consultation and negotiation; Rostering and organising volunteers; Decision making; Delegating projects and tasks; Communicating with people from diverse backgrounds; Conflict resolution; Dealing with difficult people; Conducting meetings; Time management; Report writing.PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES: Sensitivity to individual needs; Patience and persistence; Respect for the privacy of individuals; Initiative and assertiveness; Optimism; Commitment; Flexibility; Creativity; Honesty and trust; A sense of humour. The ideal candidate would be proficient in Dutch and English, French will be an asset. Interested candidates should contact us and send a cover letter with a resume and references. [Ref. 324/04/6].

Apply now!

We are very pleased that you are interested in being a vital part of Spanda Foundation. We highly value individuals like you who will make possible Spanda’s internationally respected contributions to achieving higher collective awareness and advancing peace, wisdom and understanding. To volunteer you should be within reasonable distance to The Hague, Netherlands.

More opportunities are available based on experience.

Thank you for wanting to volunteer at the Spanda Foundation.

Contact us and send a cover letter with a résumé and references. We will then be able to contact you directly when Spanda’s needs match your skills and interests. Please remember that the supply of qualified volunteers sometimes exceeds demand, meaning you may not receive an immediate placement.

Don’t have time? You can still support volunteerism with a donation to the Spanda Foundation. Donors are beautiful, too! Let your inner beauty shine by becoming a Spanda donor today!