Description of volunteer project and person specification

Title / Right to Education Project (RTE) Research Volunteer (Postgraduate Student)
Volunteer schedule / Flexible (ideally 2-3 days a week for the duration of the project, around22 months starting at the end of June) Working from home and occasionally from the ActionAid office
Recompense / Unpaid (reimbursement for reasonable travel expenses to
and from office location and for lunch)
Reporting to / (RTE) Research and Advocacy Coordinator
Context

Are you passionate about making a real difference?

ActionAid is a leading international charity working in over 45 countries. We work with the poorest women and children in the world, changing their lives for good. Our local staff provide immediate, hands-on support to women and children living on the margins of survival. Together we demand action at local, national and international level. We don’t walk away until we’ve achieved lasting change.

The Right to Education Project (RTE), housed at ActionAid International in London, is a collaborative initiative between ActionAid International, Amnesty International, the Global Campaign for Education, Save the Children and Human Rights Watch. RTE promotes mobilisation and accountability on the right to education, seeking to build bridges across human rights, education and development disciplines. RTE conducts research, builds capacity, develops resources for advocacy, and collaborates with a wide network of human rights, development and education practitioners.

Purpose of the volunteer role

RTE is seeking apostgraduate student volunteer to assist in the implementation of the RTE projects and initiatives. This volunteer opportunity will require an individual who has an understanding of Privatisation in Education. The ideal candidate would have some research experience in Pakistan, Ghana, Kenya or Uganda. The volunteer will assist in the Low-Fee Private School research and the Tax Justice research being able to develop new knowledge and skills. The volunteer will help draft case studies, policy papers and reports, and should therefore possess excellent English writing skills. The volunteer will also have the opportunity to participate in the organisation of RTE events and activities being able to work with key stakeholders. The volunteer will be part of a small team based at ActionAid International’s office in London and in close contact to ActionAid Country Offices in Pakistan, Ghana, Kenya and Uganda.

Key tasks and responsibilities
  • Contributing to ongoing research, particularly on privatisation in education and tax justice
  • Monitoring research on ‘low-fee’ private schools
  • Monitoring research on tax incentives, avoidance and evasion
  • Drafting case studies, policy papers and reports
  • Assisting in analysing data
  • Assisting in the organization of events, preparing documents and making logistical arrangements

Person Specification
Skills and Abilities
Essential / Desirable
Excellent research and analytical skills / Experience analysing qualitative and quantitative data
Fluency in English / Ability to speak other languages used in Pakistan, Ghana, Kenya or Uganda
Excellent writing and editing skills / Ability to translate complex economic and legal information into accessible information for non-legal or economic professionals
Strong interpersonal and organizational skills / Experience volunteering/ working with NGOs
Knowledge and Experience
Enrolment at Post-Graduate Education Level / PhD student in Education, Development, Human Rights or international Law
Advanced studies in education, development, human rights, international Law or other social sciences / Field work experience in Pakistan, Ghana, Kenya or Uganda
Understanding of privatization issues and Financing of Education / Knowledge of economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to education
Application

Interested applicants should email a CV and cover letter to y Sunday, 14thJune 2015. Interviews will be held on the 17th and 18th June 2015.