Progressio has been leading the way on practical international development issues for more than forty years. Whether through placing development workers overseas, or in our policy and advocacy achievements, Progressio has a track record of making a difference. We work with people of all faiths and none.

University Outreach Volunteer

Fundraising team

Three month commitment

Two-three days a week (or equivalent hours)

Based in Islington/ Brixton, London[1]

Progressio is looking for a committed volunteerwho is passionate about international development issues,and with a particular interest in community fundraising and campaigning. This role is ideal for someone looking for hands on experience in campaigning, fundraising and/or events. You will be helping us to build support from young people, to plan and execute campaign asks and fundraising initiatives, whilst helping develop new relationships and motivating existing supporters. You will also have the opportunity to learn how to use the Raiser’s Edge database management system.

PROGRESSIO

Progressio, founded in 1940, is an independent charity, with strong roots and stakeholders amongst progressive Christians. It works with people of any religious belief or none to overcome poverty and injustice internationally. Progressio is committed to the pursuit of development based on democratic political and economic participation, social justice and gender equality.

Progressio works for justice and development through a combination of two approaches: Development Workers and policy/advocacy. We place experienced professionals as Development Workers with partner organisations overseas. The Development Workers undertake specific placements that help the partner organisations to improve their capacity and skills to be more effective locally in tackling poverty. Partner organisations are generally community and non-governmental organisations, trade unions, small-scale farmers, church and women’s groups and, in some cases, government ministries.

It is not just a lack of skills that keeps people poor. Therefore Progressio works for justice and development by seeking changes in policy at local and international levels. For Progressio it is important that policy change comes from the experience of working with our partners and we seek to enable the voices of the poor to be heard in the corridors of power at various levels.

Progressio is a membership organisation and we have a supporter base of approximately 3,000 people. Active engagement with our members, to inform and mobilise them is a vital part of our mandate. More detailed information about our work is available on our website:

VOLUNTEER PLACEMENT

Progressio is looking for a volunteer to support our fundraising team. This volunteer role requires someone with a genuine interest in fundraising, good writing and computer skills, and a willingness to speak to supporters over the phone.

-The Team

The Fundraising Team is made up of three London-based staff and four in-country staff (based in Dominican Republic, Honduras, Somaliland and Zimbabwe). The team works to secure funds from a range of sources including major donors, trusts and foundations, government funding (both UK and overseas) and, in some cases, corporate funding.

-What sort of tasks will this involve?

Tasks will vary, but theywill include:

  • Motivating and engaging existing supporters to fundraise or campaign at their universities, taking advantage of RAG week to increase support and awareness amongst young people.
  • Assisting in the preparation of materials and packs for outreach events/initiatives.
  • Researching opportunities within local universities and approaching RAG societies.
  • Helping to plan and execute outreach events/actions to support both the Campaigns Officer and Fundraising Executive.

-Is this volunteer role right for you?

You will receive orientation and support to carry out this role as required, but the person we are looking for should be able to bring the following to this role:

  • Good English skills, including spoken English as well as reading and writing skills
  • Good attention to detail
  • Ability to use your own initiative and work both in a team and individually
  • Good organisational and administrative skills and ability to manage own work
  • Initiative, enthusiasm and a proactive approach, including willingness to speak to people over the telephone
  • A professional and courteous approach
  • Good IT skills
  • Ability to commit to three months volunteering.

Some experience of young people and organising events, and/or of using social mediawould be useful, but is not essential.

-Training and Support

The volunteer will receive basicin-house training on Raiser’s Edge and (if relevant) will learn how to createand publish content onProgressio’s website, with support from the Fundraising Executive. The volunteer will be supported and supervised by the Fundraising Executive.

-Timescale

The placement will be for three months with the possibility of an extension.Ideally the volunteer will be able to commit two- three days per week(or the equivalent hours).

-Allowance

Lunch allowance (£3.50 per day). Expenses incurred for travel to and from Progressio from within the London area will be reimbursed (you will need to provide receipts for this).

-Based

Progressio’s Head Office - Islington, London –until mid-March 2012, then Brixton after the office move.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please email your CV and a covering letter explaining your motivation and how you meet the Person Specification requirements to .
We also appreciate it if you can download and complete an Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form(from and email it together with your cover letter and CV. Please specify ‘University Outreach Volunteer’ in the subject line.
Closing date:Sunday 26 February Informal interviews:Friday 2 March

Progressio is the working name of the Catholic Institute for International Relations

Charity reg. no.294329

- February 2012 -

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[1]Please note that from March 2012 Progressio will be moving to new offices located in Brixton, South London.