EUROPEAN VOLUNTARY SERVICE: MONKEY BUSINESS

Dear partners, friends and EVSenthusiasts,

With this invitation we would like to inform you about our upcoming free EVSpositions. AAP Rescue Centre for Exotic Animals, a Dutch Animal Welfare NGO, has experience as an EVSReceivingOrganization since 2008. In 2012, we also took over the task of Coordinating Organization. Since then AAP offers two to three EVSpositions three times a year.Soon, we will be applying again to the Erasmus+Programme(deadline of January 5tht, 2014) for new EVSvolunteers.

What:European Voluntary Service as a volunteer Animal Care at AAP, Almere, the Netherlands

When:FromFebruary 2017 till February 2018

Duration:12 months

How many:Two EVSvolunteers between 17 and 30 yrs of age

Nationality/residency:AnyEU-nationality and residencyoutside The Netherlands

How to apply:Send your motivation letter and CV to
mentioning “EVSALM-2016R3” in the subject of your mail

Application deadline:7th of September, 2016

BACKGROUND ON RECEIVING ORGANISATION

AAP is a European rescue centerfor exotic animals (see also The animals that end up with AAP often come from illegal trade, research laboratories, circuses, illegal zoos or directly from private individuals. The foundation specializes in the rescue and rehabilitation of apes and monkeys. Also, small exotic mammals are sheltered by AAP, including raccoons, skunks and prairie dogs. Prior to their arrival atAAP they oftenhave been seriously abused and severely neglected. At AAP the animals receive the professional care needed for their recovery. AAP’s aim is to make the animals mentally and physically healthy and to place them in a more natural environment, such as a natural enclosure or in a renowned zoo.

SOCIAL AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

As an EVS volunteer at AAP you will be part of a large group of volunteers who work within AAP. The volunteer will be in close contact with employed staff, other volunteers and many interns.
AAP is located on a recreational area in Almere, “De Kemphaan”. It is an attractive area with different organizations working with nature. There is a biological farm, a place where youngsters learn about nature, where children with fewer opportunities can have a free vacation and of course there is AAP. “De Kemphaan” is located 8 km from the city center.
AAP has twoguest houses, one on its own premises and one in the residential areas of the city. Here you will live together not only with other EVSvolunteers but alsowith other volunteers who work at AAP but who are not associated with EVS. Tasks to be performed with regard to the volunteerhouse are also part of the EVSexperience.Youwillact as a contact between the inhabitants and AAP, which will give you the opportunity to improve your managerial and social skills.In general, staying in the AAP-volunteerhouse gives you an opportunity to participate in social activities and learn more about the Dutch culture.
On occasions AAP also organizes meetings for all volunteers and friends of the organization.

As a Coordinating OrganizationAAP will also arrange for the necessary requirements, such as language support, pocket money etc..The staff of Animal Care Departments takes care of thorough training and guidance in the voluntary work of all new volunteers. Moreover, as EVS-volunteer, during your project you will participate in trainings organized centrally by the Dutch National Agency, you willcome into contact with EVSvolunteers from other projects and activities of partner NGOs in Almere and the rest of the country.If you want to know more about being an EVS volunteer, please download the Erasmus+ProgrammeGuide.

ACTIVITIES

As a volunteer you will be working inan active and flexible organization. Despite the fixedproject description, there are many opportunities for personal growth when volunteering at AAP. Within the EVS year, you will experience allfour animal care departments of AAP, i.e. quarantine and three rehabilitation departments for small mammals, primates andchimpanzees respectively. At all departments you will actively take part in the caretaking process of different kinds of exotic animal species.Experienced animal caretakersprovide you with thorough training and guidance.

AAP strongly prefershaving volunteers for 1 year. The volunteers will have the opportunity to experience multiple aspectsof animal carewithinthe organization. There will be fixed patterns and tasks you have to perform but after some time there will be opportunities to change tasks, depending on your abilities, interest and especially attitude.

WHAT KIND OF EVSACTIVITIESAAP RESCUE CENTRE OFFERS

Animal Caretaker
(2long term EVSvolunteers)

•Works 4 days a week in a team of experienced animal caretakers and will be trained to carry out daily activities independently.

•Is responsible for cleaning the animals’ enclosures.

•Assists in furnishing the animals’ enclosures, e.g. replacing floor covering of enclosures and erecting beams and other structures.

•Makes enrichment items for the animals to stimulate natural behaviorand keeps an eye on their overallbehavior.

•Helps to prepare food and feeds the animals.

•Takes care of small maintenance.

•Reports peculiarities to the experienced caretakers and takes part in writing daily reports on the animals’ health and care.

At AAP the main focus is on the animals’ welfare sothe majority of your activities will be directly linked to this. The teamleaders of the different departments will decideon what kind of responsibilitiesyou will be assigned; this depends on the progress you are making and the confidence, reliability and understanding you show to the caretakers and team leaders.This means that activities of several EVS-ers might different. How your individual responsibilities and tasks evolve during your EVS project is largely dependent on you!

Also, all EVS-ers at AAP are involved in proper management of the AAP guest houses (for details see section ‘Social and Working Environment’), which will challenge your social and managerial skills.

PROFILE OF THE EVSVOLUNTEER

Becausethis project is for a maximum period of time in theEVSproject, AAP, as a Receivingand Coordinating Organization,hascertainrequirements in regard to volunteer skills.

Basic requirements:17-30 years old, EUnationality and residency outside the Netherlands

  • Being able to speak good English
    Clear communication is important for your own safety and that of your colleagues. As an EVS volunteer at AAP you work with potentially dangerous animals. If the volunteer does not speak English we will have problems communicating. During your EVS project you will develop your English skills further by communicating with your fellow volunteers.Almost everybody in the Netherlands speaks good English.
  • Being motivated
    A project that lasts for 12 months needs motivated volunteers.Please let us know in your motivation letter why you want to join the project.
  • Be aware that this EVS project is hard and physical work
    This EVS project involves a lot of physical work. Depending on the department where you will work,up to 60% will involve cleaning but you can enjoy the animals in the process. Unfortunately we cannot make exceptions as to the amount of cleaning, that is why you need to be passionate about the animals otherwise you will not enjoy this EVS experience.
  • Having affinity and some experience in working with animals
    AAP’smain activity is taking care of exotic animals thatneed temporary housing and/or specialized care. The volunteer must realize that most animals show signs of trauma and need to be re-socialized with members of their own species.It’s important that they arenothandled as pets. We call this the ‘hands off policy’. The interaction between the caretaker and the animal should always be minimal. The fact that the animals develop towards a more natural life should be the cause of satisfaction.
  • Having no allergies
    Having allergies for animal fur is problematic as you have to be around animals on a daily basis.
  • Being able to deal with strict protocols
    For your safety and for the sake of the animals there are strict protocols to work by. You must be able to work by these protocols. Mistakes can be dangerous for you, your colleagues and the animals.
  • Having no problem working one day in the weekend
    Animals don’t have a weekend break like we do this means you have to work one Saturday or Sunday every week. Of course in return you will get one day free during the middle of the week. It’s an EVS-rule, that every week the volunteers have at least two subsequent days off. In general, at AAP we work in two work-time schedules: one team taking care of the animals from Sundays to Wednesdays and another one from Wednesdays to Saturdays.

TASKS PERFORMED BYSENDING ORGANISATION

•AAP operates with sending costs of480 euro for each volunteer in all of its projects.

•In all cases, AAP Almere supports her projects by acting as Coordinating Organization (CO).

•For preparation, the SO is much advised to providethe volunteer with two books:“The UnDutchables” (by Colin White and Lauren Boucke) and “Embracing uncertainty” (by Susan Jeffers). These books appear to be very valuable in preparing the volunteer for coming to the Netherlands and for being able to handle the EVSproject successfully. Preferably, the SO provides the volunteer with both books during the pre-departure period.

•The SO is in charge of all preparations of the volunteer prior to his/her arrival to AAP, Almere, the Netherlands.

•The SO is responsible for making sure the CIGNAinsurance is completely in order before arrival of the volunteer. Uponarrival we need a copy from the enrolment form.

•Reimbursement of travel costs is always transferred to the volunteer’s bank account (or their SO in case they have taken care of advanced payment) after the first month of the project.

IMPORTANT NOTICES FOR VOLUNTEER

•AAP provides language-supportfor two hours a week for at least three months. Thissupport is focused on basic communication skills and pronunciation in the Dutch language.After this initial period, the volunteer can continue the language lessonsin their own time andat their own cost. Please note that for German(ic) languages these language lessons might be too easy.

•For your transport you will receive a bike to move through the city (also in winter).

•The accommodation will be in one of AAP’s guest houses, where also other volunteers and interns live. These houses operate on a dormitory basis. You will have to share a livingroom, bathroom, kitchen and garden with other volunteers; it’s important that you are fully aware of this fact.You will have your own bedroom.

•It is very wise to save some money before coming to the Netherlands. The pocket and food money is decent for an EVSvolunteer but won’t leave you a lot of space to explore the country. If you really want to enjoy your EVS experience, to explore the country and to meet up with other EVSvolunteers in other cities we highly recommend having some other resources other than the basic EVSallowance. Another important fact is that your CIGNA insurance does not payin advance.In practice, this means that you have to pay in advance for your healthcare and have to wait weeks before reimbursesthe money to your bank account.

•If you, atthe moment of applying,have a SO, please add the contact data (name, mobile number and direct e-mail) of your SO-agent in your application letter. If you don´t have one yet, we are willing and able to help you finding a reliable one.

•Please be aware that the automatic CIGNAinsurance for each EVSvolunteer does not cover risks associated with travelling (such as loss of luggage), therefore, you are advised to read the insurance conditions carefully and arrange an additional insurance if you feel it is necessary. Your SO can provide you with detailed information on the CIGNA insurance.

HOW TO APPLY & FURTHER SELECTION PROCEDURE

Please send us your CV and motivation letter (do not forget to mention the codeEVSALM-2016-R3 in the subject of your email).

Make sure your application is received 7thSeptember2016 at the latest. Do not forget to add a photo to your CV and also mention what you hope to learn byparticipating in this project. Make sure that you mention also your SO if you have one already (incl. contact details) and your telephone number and skype address where we can reach you in case of an interview.

From the applications received we will make a selection of 6 to 9candidates who will be contacted for telephone or skype interview (to be expected betweenend of August and beginning of September 2016. The selection will be conducted by a member of the AAP’s Animal Care staff.With the selected candidates and their SO’s AAP will apply for the EVS grant. Definitive approval of the project is to be expected around end ofdecember 2016.