What would I do?

As a long-term volunteer, you will be based in our small Secretariat in Brussels, you will work with many volunteers all around the world and you will have the opportunity to see the world. The main focus of volunteering year is for you to have the chance to develop new competencies, get new experiences to contribute to your educational and professional development, increase your intercultural awareness, and give you the opportunity to shape your voluntary work around your interests and areas you would like to develop.

You will also be involved in a variety of IFM-SEI projects during the year, as well as getting hands-on experience of contributing to the running of IFM-SEI. Some of the projects you may be involved with are:

• • Building Bridges: a global project aiming to promote peace education and dialogue through youth work by initiating a cross continental approach between Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe. The activities will include a final conference to reunite all partner organisations and share the outputs of the project.
• • European Falcon Network - Society is OUR!: a seminar which will explore the importance of civil society and how democratic participation is vital to the good functioning of the European Union in protecting and safeguarding fundamental rights, as well as sharing and identifying methods to combat shrinking civil space and promote civic engagement through volunteering in non-formal children’s and youth organisations
• • Journey of Youth Leadership: a two-year project to strengthen youth leadership in 12 youth organization in four world regions. The aim of the project is twofold: to share governance practices and develop ideas on how to improve transparency and internal democracy inside organisations, and to develop a leadership academy to train and coach young people (aged 18-25) in leadership skills, which will support them to take on leadership positions of groups and in boards of organisations.
• • Supporting thematic networks: supporting the work of one of our four thematic networks – rainbow, feminist, accessibility or migration network – to help deliver their education, campaigns and advocacy work.

My European Solidarity Corps volunteer placement with IFM-SEI has been so incredible because I have had a unique opportunity to learn skills, meet people and develop my international perspective and outlook! The best part of this programme for me is that you drive your own learning and development, so I have really had the chance to think about what I want to develop and make that happen myself by doing! I have had the chance to learn about non-formal education, facilitation, as well as the more operational sides of project management. I would recommend this position to people who are looking for a dynamic, motivating and interesting working environment

- Nadia, ESC 2019

My voluntary year in IFM-SEI was amazing. I learned a lot about the world around me and how powerful educational work can be. I had many unforgettable opportunities and memories which I wouldn't have without this experience. Now I have many new friends around the world and better knowledge to continue educational work on local level.

- Jassu, ESC 2018

I won't be exaggerating when I say that my EVS (European Voluntary Service) experience launched a new career path for me, introducing me to internationalism. Today, I have gained so much exposure from the opportunities that my EVS created for me, made a network of great and inspiring international friends. I have been recognized both nationally, regionally through awards and gained international scholarships all thanks to my experience during my EVS.

- Delphine, EVS 2012

The position is voluntary, however there is financial support for the volunteer by the means of:

• • Accommodation in Brussels (in a shared flat/house)
• • An allowance that includes money for meals, local transport and pocket money
• • Travel costs to Brussels (a lump sum depending on the distance to Brussels)
• • Insurance for the whole year
• • A language course (French or Dutch)
• • European Solidarity Corps training programme (to be confirmed) and lots of • training and development opportunities with IFM-SEI and our member organisations
• • An exciting and unforgettable experience, working for an international organisation in an international city!

You can apply if you fit the following profile:

• • Aged between 18 and 30 (must have reached 18 and must not be older than 30 at the start date of the activity)
• • Active in a member organisation of IFM-SEI in Europe and the Middle East *
• • Able to work in English (Spanish and/or French would be an advantage)
• • Able to commit a year to volunteering in Brussels
• • Computer literate
• • Basic knowledge of non-formal education
• • Support from your IFM-SEI member organisation
• • Your organisation has accreditation as an EVS sending organisation or holds Quality Label for volunteering projects**
• • The motivation to take back what you have learnt to your IFM-SEI member organisation to share good practice
• • Open-minded, friendly and flexible

We particularly encourage young people with fewer opportunities to apply!

*This call is open to young people residing in the EU Member States and the following Partner Countries: UK, Turkey, Egypt, Israel, Palestine, Armenia, Norway, Belarus and Georgia.

** The accreditation of the EVS and Erasmus+ volunteering will be considered equivalent to the Quality Label during this programming period. Therefore, organisations having been accredited under these programmes do not need to apply for the Quality Label.

My EVS with IFM-SEI was really special because it gave me so many incredible opportunities and I learned a lot about myself and what I value. I was based in Belgium for the year but it felt like I was actively practicing internationalism; I made lots of amazing new friends from all over the world.

- Frankie, EVS 2015-16

During my year at the IFM-SEI secretariat I learnt so much about socialist education and how to run an international youth movement that has the power to change society and to connect people worldwide through the motivation to change society. I got so much more self-confidence, because my colleagues empowered and believed in my educational skills. It was an amazing experience to work for IFM-SEI!

- Bine, EVS 2012-13

Being an EVS volunteer at IFM-SEI was a huge experience and fun at the same time. Together with the secretariat, we have been putting into practice IFM-SEI values; I gained more experience and expertise in non-formal education, improved my skills to make a positive change not only in my own life but in the community, I am a part of, too. It was the greatest and the most diverse adventure in for me so far.

- Teona, EVS 2014-15

My EVS was a life-changing experience. It is the biggest opportunity that I have ever gotten in my whole life. It was my first step into professional life. My EVS was also a life-saving experience. Working with IFM-SEI and being surrounded with great people sharing socialist values was extremely helpful. It provided me with the safe space that I needed at that moment. Doing an EVS also helped me learn a lot about myself and the world around me. It was a journey to my inner being that gave me the necessary skills and attitude that I needed in order to become an actor of positive change.

- Arnold, EVS 2015

If you are interested then you send your CV, a motivation letter (up to one page A4) and a support letter from your organisation. The motivation letter should outline why you would like to join IFM-SEI for a year as a long-term volunteer and what you feel you could bring to the role. We would ask for you to send all application documents to contact@ifm-sei.org by Friday 3 April 2020 (23:59 CET).

Please spread the word! If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to get in touch on the email address above.