Organization Overview
Tostan is a Senegalese-born nonprofit organization currently operating in six African countries. Our vision is human dignity for all. Our mission is to empower African communities to bring about sustainable development and positive social transformation based on respect for human rights. Tostan’s core values include the following: communities’ first, learning and innovation, partnership and dialogue, passion and pride in our work, respect and humility toward others. This vibrant organization is rapidly scaling its successful model across Africa.
Tostan is headquartered in Dakar, Senegal and has a small office in Washington, D.C., USA. In each of the six West African countries in which we implement our programs, a national coordinator leads a team of local staff in adapting the Tostan approach to the context of the specific country and region. We also have sister offices in Canada and Sweden that lead fundraising efforts in these regions and conduct outreach with the African diaspora. For more information, please visit: www.tostaninternational.mystagingwebsite.com
Responsibilities
Communication:
Communicating with department heads, directors, volunteers to share information about activities, planning, etc.
Communicating with volunteers, individually and in groups, to address personal and professional progress and difficulties
Communicating with staff (individual meetings, staff meetings, retreats, etc.) to learn more about potential placements for volunteers, assess staff difficulties and successes with volunteer collaboration, and increase understanding of organization-wide operations
Reporting on program-wide and individual volunteer activities (including drafting the annual report)
Updating Volunteer Program page on organization’s Intranet
Recruitment, Selection, and Orientation:
- Performing regular needs assessments of current volunteer positions available and new positions to create
Reviewing received volunteer candidate applications; work with relevant staff to select final candidates and prepare for their arrival
Facilitating an initial professional, cultural, and linguistic training for new volunteers
When possible, accompanying volunteers to their sites for an introduction and work session with local colleagues
Administration and Logistics:
Assessing material and logistical needs for volunteer’s professional missions and living conditions; writing, submitting, and following up requests
Editing and translating volunteer documents, as needed
Following administrative procedures for volunteers’ arrivals and departures
Reviewing volunteers’ and supervisors’ evaluations; sharing pertinent suggestions with applicable staff members
Creating, reviewing, improving, organizing, and sharing program support documents
Creating new support documents for volunteers’ professional development, new volunteers’ orientation, and other capacity-building activities
Maintaining and improving existing partner relationships by attending meetings and events, clarifying partnership terms, sharing feedback with other stakeholders
Exploring, establishing and developing partnerships with other organizations and institutions, while researching feasibility and benefit to Tostan
Key Qualifications and Selection Criteria
Knowledge and Experience:
BA and equivalent experience
Experience with a non-governmental / non-profit organization
Experience in African country (preferably Senegal)
Experience in volunteer management or facilitating groups in multicultural situations
Experience in project management
Language Proficiency:
This position requires high levels of written and oral English and French.
Other languages that Tostan works in would be an advantage – especially Wolof.
Characteristics:
Functions effectively in a multi-lingual, multi-cultural milieu
Embodies cultural sensitivity, empathy and a respect for people and different points of view
Develops and manages relationships at all levels, and acts with diplomacy and tact
Maintains a positive and cooperative attitude
Has an encouraging, empowering and supportive team spirit
Is a strategic thinker, and demonstrates integrity and good judgment
Is resilient, takes the initiative, and is persistent under pressure
Key Information
This is a volunteer position with a small benefit package. The position will be based at Tostan International in Dakar, Senegal.
To Apply
Please email resume and thoughtful cover letter, outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position, to hr@tostaninternational.mystagingwebsite.com with “Volunteer Program Coordinator” in the subject line. The deadline to apply is October 15, 2015. Please be prepared to submit references should you be contacted for an interview. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Tostan is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate all candidates without consideration of race, religion, age, sex, origin, nationality, handicap or other criteria made illegal by applicable laws.