Development Volunteer

Innovative Human Rights NGO Seeks Development Volunteer

About Asylum Access

We are human rights advocates who support forcibly displaced individuals and communities as they reclaim their rights, agency, and power.

Our unique combination of legal empowerment, policy advocacy, and global systems change creates conditions in which refugees can live safely, move freely, work legally and go to school. Our work transforms the traditional approach of endless humanitarian handouts into a sustainable solution that honors refugees’ freedom, dignity, and autonomy, and equips them to make choices about their own lives.

Asylum Access’ global team and family of local civil society organizations advocate making human rights a reality for refugees throughout Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Our national organizations are led and staffed primarily by community members in those countries, and there is strong mutual trust and respect between our clients and us. On the international stage, we work with established institutions to shift the global system to better uphold and promote refugees’ human rights. We can help catalyze and lead systemic transformation because, uniquely among NGOs in the refugee response sector, we focus exclusively on rights and governance.

Department Description

The Development Volunteer will be part of Asylum Access’ Global Development department. The Development department ensures we have the resources to fulfill our mission: to make human rights a reality for refugees.

Position Description

The volunteer will assist the development department by conducting donor research and contributing to the drafting of grant pitches. Their work will contribute ongoing fundraising efforts and provide them with practical experience in nonprofit development and donor engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Research Support (40%)

Volunteers will conduct research on funding opportunities, donors, and government agencies that provide substantial funding for NGOs, with a focus on large-scale funders such as USAID, PRM, etc.  They will identify major funding opportunities for Asylum Access, especially those with divisions or programs dedicated to refugee response support.

• Research Support on Potential Donors (20%)

Using a provided list, volunteers will research donor profiles to assess alignment with our mission and strategic focus areas. They will also identify potential points of contact when available and assist with drafts for outreach when needed.

• Writing Support for Donor Pitches (30%)

Volunteers will assist in drafting donor pitches, highlighting our organization’s work, and preparing additional talking points backed by relevant facts about Asylum Access.

• Other duties as assigned (10%)

Reports to: Development and Communications Coordinator

Minimum Qualifications

• Strong identification with Asylum Access values, mission and vision.
• Close attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of work-related information and records.
• Proficiency in G-Suite and Microsoft Office.
• Time management and organizational skills.
• Strong writing and editing skills. Experience in drafting grant proposals, reports, or research summaries is a plus.
• Research and analytical skills, including the ability to synthesize complex information.

Preferred Qualifications

• Fluency in English is a must, since it is our working language, but Spanish knowledge is considered as a plus.
• Notable initiative and ability to work effectively, independently and in a team environment.
• Cultural savviness and intelligence, ability to work well in a diverse, multicultural workforce,

Compensation

This is a part-time, unpaid volunteer position.

Hours and Location of Work

This position will require 10-15  hours of work per week. Work will be fully remote from a location between the Pacific time zone (UTC -7) and Eastern time zone (UTC -5).  The minimum time required for this position is 3 months, but it can be discussed to be longer depending on the availability of the volunteer.

Schedule and hours are flexible, and official committed hours and work time will be formalized between the selected candidate and the position supervisor.

Application Instructions

Please upload your resume, cover letter, and brief writing/research sample in English to our website. In your cover letter, please describe your reasons for applying, relevant qualifications, and how you learned about the position.

Asylum Access is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We value the expertise of those who have experienced displacement, and encourage people with such lived experience to apply.

For more information about our organization, visit www.asylumaccess.org.