Volunteer Gender, Disability & Social Inclusion (GEDSI) Volunteer
Part-time, 2 days (15 hours) per week Based in the Opportunity International Australia Office (Sydney CBD)
Opportunity International Australia is looking for a GEDSI Volunteer to join our impactful international development agency and become a crucical member of the Programs team, helping strengthen our work in Gender, Disability and Social Inclusion across our international programs.
Our organisation
Opportunity International Australia is an Australian Aid accredited agency and member of the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID).
Motivated by the parable of the Good Samaritan, Opportunity International Australia seeks to end poverty in developing countries – one family and one community at a time.
With a track record of empowering more than 6 million marginalised women entrepreneurs in Asia for more than 54 years, Opportunity International Australia is delivering innovative services, such as impact investing, small business loans, savings, insurance, and training.
To break the cycle of poverty for good, Opportunity also increases women and their families’ access to healthcare and quality education, while strengthening communities to reduce the risk of gender-based violence – creating a new future for generations to come.
Role description
Opportunity is committed to strengthening its GEDSI and safeguarding practises throughout its innovative services, offering access to finance, market and digital technologies for women, people with disability and other minority groups. This role will assist the GEDSI & Safeguarding manager by providing support for policy development and research activities to advance access to finance for marginalised women entrepreneurs, strengthen GEDSI and safeguarding practices across financial service providers, development organisations, and stakeholders in the financial inclusion ecosystems in Asia.
This role offers the opportunity to develop practical skills in research and policy development particularly in women’s access to finance, safeguarding and GEDSI areas.
Regular staff and training sessions will help volunteers develop essential technical skills and provide greater insight into the non-profit sector as well as building in-depth knowledge about access to finance, and Opportunity’s program countries.
Volunteer responsibilites
- Assist in the research, design and embedment of Opportunity International GEDSI strategies through research and data analysis
- Support the GEDSI & Safeguarding Manager and relationship managers to integrate GEDSI lens across the lifecycle of Opportunity’s projects / programs.
- Support robust gender equality and disability inclusion assessments with partners, ensuring findings are integrated in outcomes, indicators and activities – aimed at improving GEDSI practices.
- Support the development of tools and resources to strengthen GEDSI implementation across all of Opportunity’s programs including microfinance.
- Support the convening of GEDSI brainstorming sessions with Opportunity staff and program partners.
Application requirements
- Preferably have Sustainable Finance or International Development or Social Impact backgrounds who are looking to gain practical development finance experience
- Creative, fun and ‘switched-on’ individual who has the ability to use their initiative and work independently when required
- Confident communicator with clear written and verbal communication skills
- Research and organisational skills, ability to multi task and meticulous attention to detail are essential
- Knowledge in Microsoft Word, Publisher, Excel and Outlook is essential
- Skills in Canva, and or Adobe InDesign are desirable but not essential.
Criteria for selection
Volunteers will be selected based on the selection committee’s judgement of best suitability to the following criteria:
- Commitment to the core values, vision and mission of Opportunity
- Skills suitability (as per the application requirements)
- Passion for helping families out of poverty through provision of access to finance (micro enterprise development)
- Compassionate, flexible and cooperative
- Cultural fit with the Opportunity team.
Opportunity is a child safe organisation. The successful candidate will be required to adhere to our Child Protection Policy. This role will require a criminal / police check.
How to apply
To apply for the GEDSI & Safeguarding Volunteer, email Fifi Rashando, our GEDSI & Safeguarding Manager at frashando@opportunity.org.au with your:
- Resume
- Cover letter (no more than one page)
In the cover letter, please explain why you would like to volunteer for Opportunity and how you think your skills meet the requirements of the role.
Note: applications without a cover letter will not be considered.
Applications close 30th September 2024. Applications will be considered as they are received – early applications are encouraged.
This is a volunteer role that will provide the successful applicant with a wonderful learning opportunity.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
Opportunity International Australia believes a diverse workplace is a happy workplace and encourage applications from people of all different backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from CALD backgrounds and people with disabilities. They do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital or parental status.
Opportunity is an inclusive organisation. We aspire to build a team that truly represents our diverse society. All applicants, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, disability, and sexuality, are encouraged to apply. If you require adjustments to the recruitment or interview process to accommodate your specific needs, let us know and we will try to provide them.
For more information about the benefits of volunteering at Opportunity go to https://opportunity.org.au/join-a-community/volunteers-and-internships/