Project Officer at Voluntary Service Overseas

VSO is the world’s leading international development organisation that works through volunteers to fight poverty. Working in 24 countries around the world, our unique role in international development is to place committed volunteers with carefully selected organisations where their skills can have the greatest impact. Our extraordinary volunteers live and work in some of the world’s poorest communities. Sharing their unique skills and experience to generate new ideas and new ways of doing things, helping the communities they work in lift themselves out of poverty. We’re not about delivering quick fixes, but instead we focus on long-lasting, sustainable change, that will impact generations to come. Join us and help us work towards our vision of a world without poverty.

Role overview

The Project Officer will be responsible for effective ICS project delivery by supporting Team Leaders, partners, host homes and volunteers by providing pastoral support, guidance on project implementation and upholding safety, security and welfare processes in the target community.

Skills, qualifications and experience

Essential:
Youth Work
Proven experience of working with and providing support to 18-25 year olds from a wide range of backgrounds with proven ability to facilitate learning in a non-formal environment
Cross-Cultural Working
Direct and substantial experience of working cross-culturally and able to communicate to a range of audiences and promote sharing and learning between cultures
International Development
Knowledge of issues which are common to communities in developing countries, possibly achieved through working or living in a developing country. Experience of promoting learning about development issues.
Communication
Fluency in English language, Confidence in public speaking and strong verbal communication to work effectively and inclusively with an overseas colleague. Strong written communication skills needed for writing reports.
Decision making – Sound judgement and the confidence to take independent action; a high degree of initiative and persistence combined with high levels of discretion and diplomacy.
Ability to analyses and synthesize complex information, use initiative in seeking solutions
Flexibility: able to adapt to new and demanding situations.
Supervision
Significant experience of working in a supervisory role. Proven ability to promote self-awareness, learning and development among individuals.
Relationship Building Skills: ability to build strong working relationships and partnerships in a multi-cultural environment and work as a collaborative team member
Planning and Organising
Able to develop clear and realistic plans to deliver agreed objectives within deadlines, involving key individuals in the planning process.

Desirable
Budget Management
Experience of managing budgets and undertaking accounting procedures.
Volunteering
Sufficient experience of working with ICS volunteers to understand the key factors which make volunteer placements viable, effective and rewarding.
Programme Design and Evaluation
Experience of designing and evaluating youth programmes in an international context. Experience of using monitoring and evaluation tools and processes.

Competencies and Behaviour

At VSO we believe progress is only possible by working together. Whether you want to join us as an employee, or as a volunteer working in your own country, overseas or online, our selection process includes an assessment based on these core competencies:

• Ability to be open minded and respectful
• Ability to be resilient and adaptive to new situations
• Ability to facilitate positive change and build sustainable working relationships
• Ability to seek and share knowledge

Equal Opportunities

VSO promotes equal opportunities and values a diverse workforce.

VSO reserves the right to close this job early if we receive a sufficient number of applications.

If you’re interested in applying for this role, please download the job description for more information.