Schools Programme Officer [Voluntary Position]

Background

War Child UK works with children who, as a result of conflict, live with a combination of poverty, exclusion and insecurity. These children might include street children, unaccompanied children or child-headed households, and children recruited into armed forces or armed groups. Our mission is to support and strengthen their protective environments. We look forward to a world in which the lives of children are no longer torn apart by war.

As well as working in some of the world’s most dangerous war zones, War Child UK runs a successful development education programme in the UK. We are looking for an exceptional volunteer to co-ordinate the Schools Programme as part of our Campaigns/Advocacy work.

The Schools Programme Officer should be able to demonstrate exceptional initiative, creativity and an enthusiasm for working with children and young people.This role will greatly benefit someone who is seeking to gain experience in the charity and education sectors – particularly in relation to international development within the UK schools system.

This role will be managed by the Policy and Advocacy Manager.

The role involves:

  • Being the main point of contact for schools working with War Child UK. This may include advising on fundraising activities;
  • Delivering presentations and workshops to support UK school students to actively engage with the issues concerning the most marginalised children in countries affected by conflict;
  • Being innovative and creative in drafting lesson plans and presentations;
  • Helping War Child UK progress the Schools Programme’s strategy;
  • Working closely with the Policy and Advocacy Manager to facilitate potential youth participation in War Child UK events;
  • Maintaining databases in order to evaluate and report on the success of the Schools Programme.

Working arrangements:

Our internships are 6 months with a flexible 3-5 days a week.

This role would be based in War Child UK’s head office in Kentish Town (London), but would involve regular travel to schools in and around the Greater London area.

This is an unpaid voluntary position, with a lunch allowance of £4 and your travel costs (within Zone 1-6 in London) reimbursed per working day.

What will you gain from this role?

While this is an unpaid, voluntary position, the chosen candidate will gain:

  • Genuine responsibility working on projects that will make a real difference to War Child UK.
  • Transferable skills such as project management, relationship building and team work.
  • Find out if the charity sector is right for you.
  • A reference on successful completion of your internship.

Person Specification

Essential / EXPERIENCE
  • Experience working with young people
  • Proven ability to work independently and with initiative

KNOWLEDGE
  • An understanding of the education sector
  • A basic understanding of International Development issues
  • Proficiency in MS Word, Excel and Powerpoint

SKILLS

Excellent oral presentationskills and confidence in public speaking

The ability to communicate effectively with children and young people

  • An ability to think and work creatively

Excellent organisational skills

Excellent written communication and the ability to adapt information to different audiences

Desirable / EXPERIENCE
  • Experience of working within the education sector and schools
  • Experience of working within an office environment and conducting desk research
  • Experience of project management and leading a team
  • Experience of how to build key strategic relationships and campaigns

KNOWLEDGE
  • Knowledge of the UK Citizenship curriculum
  • Knowledge of lobbying and advocacy

INTERESTS
  • An Interest in youth activism

TO APPLY:

If you think you are the right person for this role, please send your CV and brief covering letter, outlining how you meet the person specification, toShaheenSaibat byWednesday 17thApril 2013 at 10am.

Interviews and a short assessment are likely to take place on the week commencing the 22nd April 2013at our Kentish Town offices.

  • Shortlisted candidates will be expected to read and sign up to our Child Protection Policy. This policy is a fundamental expression of our values and candidates will be expected to answer questions relating to this policyduring interviews (this will be sent to interviewees in advance).
  • The successful applicant will have to undergo a CRB (criminal record) check and be expected to provide references.

Please note: we are a small charity with limited resources and we will only respond to applicants who are shortlisted for interview.