Volunteer Program Coordinator

1 October 2013 | Uncategorized

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.tostan.org

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@tostan.org 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.