Remember, even if you don’t see a role here which you think suits your skills and experience, please still get in touch.
You can tell us a little bit about yourself, your skills and your interests through our Apply page. We look forward to hearing from you.
Research Assignments
Business Development Specialist
Business Strategy for Social Enterprises
Business Management Consultant, Sri Lanka
Business Management Consultants, Malawi
Corporate Finance
Sales Management
Distribution Network Development
Consultancy Roles
Disaster Risk Managers / Engineers
Hospital Administrator
IT Consultant
Fundraising Associate
Health Programme Manager
Microbiology Lecturer
Computer Sciences Lecturer
Biotechnology / Biochemistry Lecturer
English Literature Lecturer
Church Musician
Research Assignments
These placements are designed with students in mind but applications are welcomed from individuals (both young and old professionals alike) with relevant experience and an interest in the topic. The assignments below are self-funded, meaning volunteers must raise funds to cover the cost of flights, accommodation and their time in country. If you are interested in applying for one of these roles, please email a cover letter and CV to info@challengesworldwide.com
Egypt
Sales, Distribution and Marketing Strategy with Nahdet
Might be of interest to individuals such as postgraduate business school students or undergraduates with significant appropriate experience.
Researching Strategies on Inducing Internal Change on Sexual Harassment with Nahdet
Might be of interest to individuals with a social science background, particularly psychology.
Using the Arts to Improve Mental Health and Awareness of Social Issues with Red Tomato
Might be of interest to theatre or drama students with an interest in using the arts for international development.
Strategies to Mobilise and Manage Volunteers with The Nile Project
Might be of interest to individuals with experience in managing groups of volunteers and an interest in using music to help foster connections and spread cultural and environmental awareness.
Sustainable Eco-Tourism Models and Arts & Cultural Education with The New Hermopolis Foundation
Might be of interest to individuals with an interest in eco-tourism and strong research skills, particularly International Development students.
India
Impact Assessment of Water and Sanitation Development with Waterlife
Might be of interest to postgraduate International Development students as this project cuts across economics, health, and gender, among other topics. Undergraduate statistics students with an interest in international development are also encouraged to apply. An interest in water and sanitation development is desirable.
Law and Renewable Energy Research Project with Drishtee
Might be of interest to individuals who either hold or are working towards a degree in Law and would like to support an Indian social enterprise for approximately 8 weeks.
Assessing Self-Sustaining Agricultural Models with Vrutti
Might be of interest to individuals with a management background and some experience in evaluating projects. Applicants with an interest in agriculture would be preferred.
Malawi
Market Research, Strategy and Promotion with Nasfam
Might be of interest to individuals with a business school background who have a knowledge of and interest in marketing strategies.
Environmental Impact of Growing Moringa with African Agricultural Management
Might be of interest to individuals with a geo-science background, particularly in soil and sustainability.
Facilitating Inclusion of Rural Farmers with Rice Value Chain Development Project
Might be of interest to postgraduate students interested in both food security and developing access to value chains. Applicants should be confident with the concept of inclusive business.
Business Planning with Rice Value Chain Development Project
Might be of interest to postgraduate students interested in business planning and assessing the viability of the project as an investment.
Deforestation Research Opportunities with CPL
Might be of interest to individuals with knowledge of deforestation and its effects on communities. The specific topic of research and methodology can be devised alongside CPL.
Forestry Management and Mapping Research Opportunities with CPL
Might be of interest to individuals with an interest in forestry management and mapping. The specific topic of research and methodology can be devised alongside CPL.
Sustainable Land Management Research Opportunities with CPL
Might be of interest to individuals with an interest in sustainable land management. The specific topic of research and methodology can be devised alongside CPL.
Water Project Research Opportunities with CPL
Might be of interest to individuals with a knowledge of water projects in developing countries. There is a degree of flexibility for students to devise a research project.
Feasibility of Gravity-Fed Water Supply Systems to Rural Communities with Concern Universal
Might be of interest to postgraduate students in International Development or Engineering, with a particular emphasis on water, sanitation and hygiene projects. Undergraduate students with significant experience will also be considered.
Evaluation of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV Project with SRGDI
Might be of interest to individuals with skills in and knowledge of community health, maternal and child health issues, HIV/AIDs and prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV.
Business Development Specialist
Project length:
Between 3 and 12 months, beginning summer 2013
Organisation summary:
Our partner is a development charity which aims to reduce poverty through practical ICT solutions. It collects IT equipment for distribution in hospitals, universities, schools, and not-for-profit organisations in over 100 countries. They also work on initiatives to increase access to ICT among poor and disadvantaged communities by providing e-learning courses, training and environmental advocacy.
They currently require a Business Development Specialist to develop and implement a business strategy to maximise the equipment and support they provide.
Job description:
The volunteer will work with the team to support their activities in securing sales of computer equipment to existing partners, research new potential partners to sell computers to, and research new potential partners offering services/equipment that will add to its portfolio of products. The role will also involve investigating partner opportunities with NGOs in Africa who deliver projects and programmes of work which our partner could add value to, either by sales or fundraising.
Support is also required to devise a business development plan and to develop networking and stakeholder relationships in the UK. The volunteer will keep abreast of trends in news and events in the IT and sustainability operating environment using networks, personal contacts and the IT and business media to ensure our partner remains well informed of pertinent developments in its relevant markets.
Requirements:
This is a very hands-on role and will suit a self starter with international development experience, ideally from a technology based industry. A willingness to travel throughout Africa and to London regularly would be desirable, as well as:
- Experience in managing, leading and driving business development.
- Experience of developing, implementing and managing business development strategies and associated procedures.
- Experience of working within an international development organisation, preferably in the field.
- Excellent negotiation & influencing skills
- Experience of a customer services function, and managing the end-to-end customer experience.
- Experience of leading a team; including change management, performance management, conducting regular one to ones with team and providing feedback.
- Ability to work efficiently under own initiative delivering high quality outcomes to tight deadlines and targets.
- Ability to deal effectively with people from all backgrounds and from all hierarchical levels
- Ability to establish, develop and manage relationships with key individuals and organisations.
- Excellent inter-personal and presentation skills
- Market research skills
- Cultural sensitivity
Applications from volunteers with experience within a technology-related commercial industry or a senior post with an international development organisation would be preferred.
Please not that this is an unpaid role, however all expenses (including flights, accommodation, insurance, daily subsistence etc.) will be covered.
Business Strategy for Social Enterprises
Project length:
3-6 months, beginning mid June 2013 so please apply as soon as possible
Organisation summary:
We are currently supporting a London-based charity and a Ghanaian NGO working together to improve the lives of children in Ghana. They do this by running projects which empower local people, such as foster homes and programmes addressing the quality of school management. They are hoping to be locally sustainable and free from dependence on aid by 2018. This will be achieved by the developing of profit making businesses in Ghana.
Job description:
A volunteer is required to pioneer and develop social enterprises with the above goal in mind. The successful candidate will improve capacity to deliver these social enterprises, by developing the organisation’s business department, staff, operations and management in Ghana.
As well as structuring the business department, the volunteer will offer advice on developing the existing and potential businesses in the organisation’s portfolio.
The role will involve working closely with UK managers on strategy and department capacity. You will also support senior managers in Ghana to improve their structure and drive their individual areas of work.
Requirements:
Applicants will be educated to degree level or equivalent. A Masters level education, finance qualifications and/or project management qualifications would be an advantage. Candidates will demonstrate:
- Significant experience analysing and developing SMEs
- Strong business finance skills
- Significant experience in working across cultural boundaries
- Significant experience of team management
- Experience in training and developing staff
- International business experience (ideally in Africa) would be desirable
- Experience in healthcare or tourism would be an advantage, as would an understanding of social enterprise and social return on investment.
Please note that this is an unpaid voluntary role, however all expenses (including flights, accommodation, daily subsistence etc.) will be covered.
Business Management Consultant, Sri Lanka
Project length:
June 2013 for 3 months
Organisation summary:
Sri Lanka Enterprise Development (SLED) is a Scottish Government funded project providing consultancy services to SMEs, especially in remote rural areas. SLED aims to develop a sustainable programme of training and mentoring aimed at creating and expanding a local pool of qualified business consultants capable of delivering a range of services tailored to the needs of Sri Lankan SMEs. The project has now come to an end and we are looking for a volunteer who can provide support to drive on-going sustainability for the local business consultants’ services.
Job description:
We require one business management consultant with business strategy, consultancy and mentoring experience. The consultant will provide:
- Mentoring to local business consultants to help them complete their qualification in consultancy
- Support local business consultants to work out their options for the future, and if applicable, develop a strategic plan
- Support local business consultants to drive new business development to ensure sustainability of their services
Requirements:
The ideal candidate will have
- Business strategy and new business development experience
- Experience of consultancy and of working with SMEs
- Experience of providing mentoring
- Experience of delivering qualifications would be preferred
- Experience of working in the developing world would be preferred.
Although unpaid, all expenses will be covered by us and our partner organisation. We provide return flights, insurance, inoculations, in-country accommodation and transport. You will also receive a daily stipend for meals and subsistence.
Business Management Consultants, Malawi
Project length:
3 months, from June onwards (there will also be openings later in the year, so please do apply even if you aren’t available immediately)
Organisation summary:
Capacity Building for Enterprise (CBE) is a Scottish Government funded project aimed at increasing business expertise and developing a pool of professional consultants in Malawi . It provides direct consultancy services to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Malawi and delivers mentoring programmes to indigenous local trainees.
Now in its second phase, the project builds on previous successes to enhance the capacity, performance and viability of private enterprise in Malawi. This will be achieved by setting up a local consultancy firm in Malawi to establish a qualified and responsible base for local business advice. It will also continue to promote the above objectives of training and mentoring local trainees and providing targeted consultancy support to businesses.
Job description:
Management consultants with business planning and strategy experience are required to:
- Support the local consulting firm in its functioning and its work with small businesses
- Support and mentor its trainee business consultants in their work in business diagnostics and the consultancy assignments that follow from that – including mentoring trainees to assist small and medium enterprises to develop realistic business plans
- Mentor trainee business consultants in developing requisite skills such as business analysis and diagnostic reports, financial reporting and marketing
- Support its trainee consultants in working towards a professional qualification in consulting (implementing what they have learnt and putting it into practice)
Requirements:
Successful applicants will have:
- substantial experience working directly with small businesses
- substantial business planning, strategy and change management experience
- substantial experience of management consulting
- a firm understanding of financial reporting and marketing
- experience in training and mentoring others
- minimum 4-5 years experience.
Corporate Finance
Project length:
3 months
Organisation summary:
Many of our partners look for business professionals to render technical assistance in cooperation with their existing in country team.
Job description:
Help to set up financial practices and, prioritise the investee companies,
- Delivering a training programme for Staff on financial management
- Production of guidelines on financial management
- Working with the staff to increase their capability and capacity
- Investigating and auditing current investments
Requirements:
- Understanding of finance and accounting. Preferably to CFO level
- Experience of accounting, audit and financial reporting
- Training experience
- Experience of the developing world preferred
Sales Management
Project length:
2-3 months
Organisation summary:
Many of our partners work in sectors where strong sales teams are vital. Direct sales, market development and internal management are all areas where we need expertise.
Sectors can range from livestock, fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), solar products, other renewable products, agriculture products and sales of brand new products into new markets.
Job description:
Duties may include
- Training and/or recruiting sales staff
- Production of guidelines and process for sales management
- Marketing advice
- Development of distribution models and networks
- Business to Business sales, Business to customer sales
Requirements:
- Understanding of Sales and Marketing
- Understanding of different models of sales and marketing
- Experience of FMCG or agricultural sales preferable
- Training experience or a passion for passing on your skills
- Experience of the developing world preferred
Distribution Network Development
Project length:
2-3 months
Organisation summary:
Many of our partners work in sectors where there is no strong, established sales and logistics network. This often needs to be build from scratch or brought together and fixed.
Sectors can range from livestock, fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), solar products, other renewable products, agriculture products and sales of brand new products into new or developing markets.
This sort of trade is core to development of the private sector in Developing countries and we’re keen to hear from anyone with experience in these areas.
Job description:
Duties may include
- Developing Distribution networks
- Training and/or recruiting staff
- Production of guidelines and process for distribution management
- Marketing advice
- Investigation of current distribution models and networks
- Investigation of distribution Business to Business and Business to customer.
Requirements:
- Understanding of and experience in a Distribution Network Role.
- Experience developing a distribution or logistics supply network.
- Experience within industrial, food, beverage or agricultural sectors preferable
- Training experience or a passion for passing on your skills
- Experience of the developing world preferred
Consultancy Roles
Over the next few weeks, we’d be very keen to hear from individuals who have experience working in the following areas:
- NEW Business incubation
- Flour / maize milling
- Organic livestock production, particularly poultry
- Coffee, particularly export markets for Africa
Disaster Risk Managers / Engineers
Challenges Worldwide is looking for an associate to travel to South America to help our partner organisation. Our partner is based in an earthquake and tidal wave zone where there are 125,000 uninsured buildings owned by low-income families or businesses that would be helpless following a disaster.Job description:We are looking for individuals experienced in disaster risk management to plan how local inhabitants can recover and reconstruct their property if a major earthquake occurs.
You will help to set up a strategy to face the after-effects of an earthquake, including planning measures to reduce disaster risk and implementing development actions.
The role will also involve offering advice on financial protection and applicants are expected to have suitable knowledge of risk insurance.
Requirements:
- Experience of risk disaster modelling is essential
- Knowledge of seismic risk insurance
- Sound understanding of prevention measures
Hospital Administrator
Project length:
dependent on volunteer availability
Organisation summary:
Our partner organisation is a missionary hospital in the south east of Pakistan. There is currently only one government hospital in the area, which is severely underfunded and suffers from lack of basic facilities. There are other private hospitals in the area which are costly and not accessible to the poor. The mission hospital seeks to serve these vulnerable communities by providing access to healthcare. There is currently only one doctor at the centre, eight nurses, one accountant and nine support / maintenance staff. There is no hospital administrator at present.
Job description:
The hospital is seeking an individual with experience in hospital administration to strengthen the capacity and impact of the mission hospital. Since this position has been unfilled for quite some time, there is need for someone to recast a vision for the hospital and direct it in such a way that it can better serve the poor. The skilled volunteer would therefore have two key roles; firstly, to review and enhance the internal administration of the hospital, secondly to support the development of new administrative procedures amongst the team to leave a lasting impact.
Requirements:
A strong candidate will:
- be flexible and eager to learn about Pakistani culture,
- be open to other’s ideas and opinions,
- be committed to the mission of the hospital,
- have worked in hospital administration or charity administration previously,
- be familiar with public health practices and hospital operations,
- know how to write a grant,
- be able to work in a limited resource setting.
Please note that this is a voluntary position. Although accommodation will be provided by our partner organisation, volunteers will be required to raise some funds to cover their flights and time overseas.
IT Consultant
Project length:
4-8 weeks, dependent on volunteer availability
Organisation summary:
Our partner college is a leading authority on theological and pastoral education in Sri Lanka. It takes great pride in bringing together Sinhala and Tamil students, both male and female, in work and leisure. The college would like an experienced IT Consultant to offer advice on updating their IT systems.
Job description:
The successful volunteer will make recommendations and assist the college to upgrade its systems throughout the campus, especially in the offices, library and auditorium. Experience of training others in use of IT systems would be beneficial as students and staff may require help to use IT equipment in a more efficient way.
Requirements:
The successful volunteer will be suitably qualified and experienced in IT systems. It is also very important that they have the patience, understanding and tolerance to work in a low-resource environment.
Please note that this is a voluntary position. Although accommodation will be provided by our partner organisation, volunteers will be required to raise some funds to cover their flights and time overseas.
Fundraising Associate
Project length:
3-6 months, depending on candidate availability
Organisation summary:
Our partner organisation is a Church in India which promotes education, community development and Christian unity throughout the country. The Church supports various charitable rural development programs, hospitals, clinics and colleges. They are seeking an experienced Fundraising Associate to assist them in developing more sustainable models of fundraising to assist their on-going charitable activities.
Job description:
An experienced volunteer is sought to work alongside the Church’s General Secretary at their Headquarters in Delhi for a period between 3 and 6 months (depending on candidate availability). The volunteer will be asked to help in the day to day fundraising activities of the General Secretary and develop a long term fundraising strategy for the organisation. This may also include training another member of the staff team in methods of fundraising for charitable organisations.
Requirements:
Applicants should be organised, self-starters with previous experience in fundraising. Knowledge of Church institutions is preferable but not essential.
The successful volunteer will be involved in developing a comprehensive fundraising strategy and will therefore have experience of identifying, engaging and developing relationships with fundraising partners.
• Knowledge and experience in identifying fundraising partners
• Knowledge and experience in engaging partners and closing funding deals
• Capacity to work within tight deadlines
• Ability to work independently, set schedules and take initiative
• Ability to impart knowledge and expertise onto organisational peers
Please note that this is a voluntary position. Although accommodation will be provided by our partner organisation, volunteers will be required to raise some funds to cover their flights and time overseas.
Health Programme Manager
Project length:
3 months
Organisation summary:
Our partner organisation is a mission health care provider that is responsible for 45% of the health care needs of Ghanaians. With health facilities spread all over Ghana, some of the unit’s specific targets are; immunisation, health education, disease control and family planning.
Job description:
A volunteer is required to lead the health care unit management in building a strategic plan. Duties and responsibilities of the role will also include:
• General managerial tasks
• Family Planning talks
• Helping with immunisation procedures
• Routine home visits to specific clients/patients
• Attend to other needs relevant to the unit.
Requirements:
• Excellent communication skills
• Strong analytical skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Above all volunteer should be a medical doctor with relevant experience in Clinics
This is an unpaid role and although accommodation will be provided, volunteers will be expected to pay for their own flights and living expenses.
Microbiology Lecturer
Project length:
3 months
Organisation summary:
Our partner organisation is a college founded by one of the the first Church of Scotland missionaries to India. The college is committed to imparting liberal education, pervaded by the principles and moral values taught in Christianity, to help nurture intellectually sound, morally upright, and spiritually oriented men and women.
The college’s Department of Biotechnology are recruiting a Lecturer to join their active teaching environment.
Job description:
The successful applicant will contribute to unit development and coordination, and lecturing and laboratory teaching in core units for the B.A (Hons) in Microbiology offered by the college. The role will involve:
- Assisting in the development of course modules
- Lecturing
- Laboratory teaching
- Research supervision
Requirements:
Candidates will preferably hold a Ph.D. in the area of cellular biology, microbiology or biochemistry and have some experience in undergraduate, large group teaching and research supervision.
This is an unpaid role and although accommodation will be provided, volunteers will be expected to pay for their own flights and living expenses.
Computer Sciences Lecturer
Project length:
Computer Sciences Lecturer Project length:
3 months
Organisation summary:
Our partner organisation is a college founded by one of the the first Church of Scotland missionaries to India. The college is committed to imparting liberal education, pervaded by the principles and moral values taught in Christianity, to help nurture intellectually sound, morally upright, and spiritually oriented men and women.
The college’s Department of Computer Science are recruiting a Lecturer to join their active teaching environment.
Job description:
The successful applicant will contribute to unit development and coordination, and lecture in core units for the B.Sc (Hons) in Computer Science offered by the college. They’ll be responsible for:
- Assisting in the development of course modules
- Lecturing
- Helping in the laboratories
- Research supervision
Requirements:
Candidates will preferably hold a PhD and have some experience in undergraduate, large group teaching and research supervision.
This is an unpaid role and although accommodation will be provided, volunteers will be expected to pay for their own flights and living expenses.
Biotechnology / Biochemistry Lecturer
Project length:
3 to 12 months, dependent on candidate’s availability
Organisation summary:
Our partner college is one of the oldest educational institutes in India. It imparts education across Arts, Science and Commerce, and postgraduate education in all three faculties is a norm rather than an exception.
Job description:
The college’s School of Biotechnology imparts education at B.Sc, M.Sc and doctoral research level. The successful volunteer’s duties and responsibilities will include:
- assisting with the development of course modules
- lecturing
- laboratory teaching
- research supervision
Requirements:
Candidates will have relevant qualifications in their subject area and will also have some experience in undergraduate, large group teaching and research supervision.
This is an unpaid role and although accommodation will be provided, volunteers will be expected to pay for their own flights and living expenses.
English Literature Lecturer
Project length:
July 2013 to January or June 2014, dependant on candidate’s availability
Organisation summary:
Our partner organisation is a college founded by one of the the first Church of Scotland missionaries to India. The college is committed to imparting liberal education, pervaded by the principles and moral values taught in Christianity, to help nurture intellectually sound, morally upright, and spiritually oriented men and women.
The college’s Department of English are require a Lecturer to join their active teaching environment.
Job description:
The successful applicant will contribute to unit development and coordination, and lecturing in core units for the B.A (hons) in English offered by the School. Other tasks will include:
• Assisting with the development of course modules
• Help organise and conduct Communicative English classes
• Support students of the college to developing soft skills
Requirements:
Candidates will have relevant qualifications in their subject area and will also have some experience in undergraduate, large group teaching and research supervision.
This is an unpaid role and although accommodation will be provided, volunteers will be expected to pay for their own flights and living expenses.
Church Musician
Project length:
negotiable
Organisation summary:
Our partner organisation is a church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands with 10,000 members in over 200 congregations. Over the last few years, they’ve been working on a programme to improve worship experience, but they feel the area of congregational music needs some attention. They are now looking for a Volunteer Church Musician to join them in April 2013.
Job description:
The successful volunteer will assist the church to build capacity in the area of music. He/she will work with congregations to provide leadership, direction and organisation in developing the overall music programme of the church. Activities will include:
- training musicians,
- working with children in music camps,
- working with church music groups directly, and
- facilitating the introduction of new musical technology to the congregations.
Requirements:
- Experienced in playing the piano and have a solid knowledge of church music. The ability to read music and play other instruments such as guitar and drums would be an asset.
- Good leadership, organisational, communication and people skills; able to coordinate and work well on their own initiative and with others.