This programme is for people who want to use their skills and can commit to 3-6 months to work with CWW overseas. An important part of the CWW process (and what makes us different from a lot of other volunteer sending agencies) is that from recruitment and right through your time overseas you will be supported by CWW staff who know your host partner and their work well.
You
You may be on a career break, changing jobs or wanting to gain experience in international development and working overseas. Alternatively your employer may be supporting you to take a secondment and you are seeking a challenging learning and development opportunity.
You will be using your professional skills overseas, often in challenging environments without the resources you are used to. Our volunteers succeed when they demonstrate their adaptability, determination, cultural sensitivity, professionalism and positive attitude.
To meet the needs of our overseas partners we primarily need volunteers with experience in: - Accountancy - Administration - Business Development - Management (General, Project, Strategic) - Finance - HR/Training - Law - Marketing/PR/Communications
We have a variety of work and can use your transferable skills so please contact us… to explore how your skills can be contribute to our partners work overseas.
The Work
You will be involved in organisational strengthening and capacity building projects – working at the core of your host organisation. You will act as a consultant sharing technical expertise that is either not available or not affordable locally.
We avoid service delivery work, as we think this is best done by local people. As a CWW volunteer you will undertake an essential assignment designed to help host partners develop their organisation. You will also share skills to enable the organisation to sustain your work once you have left.
Examples of the type or work you could do include: - Researching and planning income generation strategies - Setting up financial recording and reporting systems - Researching, writing and training staff on marketing strategies - Undertaking evaluation of particular projects - Reviewing and improving HR policy - Assisting in project planning and programme development
The Process
The process to becoming a CWW volunteer is very simple. First you need to send your CV which details your professional skills and experience to apply@challengesworldwide.com with a cover letter which details: - What type of work you are interested in doing - What particular skills and experience you have which will help you with this work - Why you want to get involved in working overseas - Your availability
We will then consider your skill set and conduct a telephone and face-to-face interview with you.
If successful, you will attend a 2 day training course and we can have you in contact with your host partner and overseas within 60 days!
Are you a Challenges Worldwide Volunteer?
1. Are you between 20 and 65?
2. Are you available to travel to the UK?
CWW take a personal approach. We have to interview you in person either in London or Edinburgh and work with you for two days of training in Edinburgh prior to your departure.
3. Are you able to commit to fundraising to cover your assignment contribution?
To remove the cost to our host partners, the costs of you living overseas are covered by you. CWW facilitate your fundraising with advice and an online fundraising account.
4. Do you have a minimum of 3 months to spend overseas?
We feel it takes a minimum of 3 months to make a lasting impact.
5. Do you have skills and experience to share overseas?
You must have the right level of experience, skills and enthusiasm to make positive changes with our partners.
6. Are you looking for an independent experience?
You will be given responsibility for the daily management of your own project, setting objectives and directing your time and achievements.
7. Are you looking for real work, rather than a ‘voluntourism’ experience?
CWW placements are work based. You will have an assignment to complete. The benefits to your host and yourself will be significant.
8. Are you dynamic, ready for a challenge and determined to use your skills to make a difference?
CWW projects are tough but with the right level of sustained effort the rewards for you, your host organisation and the wider community are great. Our volunteers themselves have identified adaptability, determination and cultural sensitivity as 3 of the key personal attributes we look for in addition to the necessary professional skills.
