Consultant, Future of Volunteerism Project

Consultant, Future of Volunteerism Project Apply Now

Vacancy No. S06601 Contract Type Consultant Application Deadline 01-Jul-2024 Job Posted on 17-Jun-2024 Country FIJI Duty Station Suva Duration 2 months Grade Consultant, Not Applicable

Organizational Context

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, with a network of 191-member National Societies (NSs). The overall aim of IFRC is “to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by NSs with a view to preventing and alleviating human suffering and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world.” IFRC works to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people before, during and after disasters, health emergencies and other crises.

IFRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (Movement), together with its member National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The work of IFRC is guided by the following fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.

IFRC is led by its Secretary General, and has its Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The Headquarters are organized into three main Divisions: (i) National Society Development and Operations Coordination; (ii) Global Relations, Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalization; and (iii) Management Policy, Strategy and Corporate Services.

IFRC has five regional offices in Africa, Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, Europe, and the Americas. IFRC also has country cluster delegations and country delegations throughout the world. Together, the Geneva Headquarters and the field structure (regional, cluster and country) comprise the IFRC Secretariat.

IFRC has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment and other forms of harassment, abuse of authority, discrimination, and lack of integrity (including but not limited to financial misconduct). IFRC also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles.

Job Purpose

The main purpose of the consultancy is to conduct a comprehensive research project focused on understanding volunteer motivation within the Pacific Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The Consultant will analyze current volunteer engagement, identify trends and challenges specific to the Pacific Island context, and determine what makes the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement a compelling volunteer option. This research will be used to develop data-driven recommendations for strengthening volunteer recruitment, engagement, and overall effectiveness within the organization.

The consultant will report directly to the National Society Development Manager, Suva CCD office, keeping him informed of progress and liaising on any critical decisions throughout the project.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

The consultant Future of Volunteerism Project will be responsible for achieving the following key objectives:

Objective 1: Understanding the Future of Volunteerism in the Pacific

• To gain a comprehensive understanding of volunteer motivations, experiences, engagement patterns, and barriers to participation within the Pacific Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (RCRC).
• This will be achieved through an analysis of volunteer profiles and a broader examination of trends and challenges in Pacific volunteering, with the goal of informing recommendations for strengthening volunteer recruitment, engagement, and retention strategies within National Societies.

Objective 2: Understanding the Red Cross's Value Proposition for Pacific Volunteers

• This objective delves into determining what currently makes and could potentially make the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement an attractive volunteer option compared to other organizations.
• Through analysing volunteer motivations and experiences, the research will pinpoint the specific aspects of the Red Cross that resonate most with volunteers in the Pacific.
• Additionally, it will identify the inherent strengths and characteristics that differentiate the Red Cross from other Volunteering organizations. This information will provide valuable insights into the existing appeal of the Red Cross, allowing National Societies to leverage these advantages and solidify their position as a choice for volunteers.
• Conducting the evaluation in accordance with the terms of reference and project concept note.
• Dissemination of the final report to key stakeholders.
• Preparing a final report that includes findings, conclusions, and recommendations.

Job Duties and Responsibilities (continued)

Inception Report & Literature Review: This report outlines the finalized research methodology, data collection plan, and a detailed timeline for project completion.

Data Collection (Surveys, Focus Groups, Interviews): The Consultant will conduct surveys, focus group discussions, and interviews with volunteers and key informants to gather data on motivations, experiences, and support structures.

Data Analysis: The Consultant will analyse the quantitative and qualitative data collected to identify trends, patterns, and key insights.

Consultation with Working Group: The Consultant will present the draft report and recommendations to the IFRC CCD Pacific Regional Research Coordinator and the Working Group for feedback and discussion.

Draft Research Report: This report summarizes the research findings, including data analysis, key insights, and preliminary recommendations for enhancing volunteer recruitment, engagement, and effectiveness.

Final Research Report: This report incorporates feedback from the Working Group and presents a comprehensive analysis of volunteer motivations, key trends and challenges, and actionable recommendations.

Presentation: The Consultant will deliver a presentation summarizing the key findings and recommendations from the research report to the IFRC CCD and Working Group.

Location

• The consultancy will be delivered for the IFRC CCD Pacific Office. The consultant will stationed at their usual place of residence during the mission and will travel to 4 National Societies location to gather data for the research. Logistic expenses to the location will be covered by IFRC.
• The consultant will engage in regular meetings, either in person or virtually, with the National Society Development Manager located at the Suva CCD office.
• Flexibility is essential, as there may be changes to the schedules of virtual activities.

As part of the screening process, you are invited to submit information supporting your experience, expertise, and capabilities as follows:

• 1. One-page capability statement describing your experience in writing proposal/ survey/ report/ development. Language skills should be noted specifically stating if the applicant can prepare professional documentation in that language.
• A writing sample of which you are the sole author (at least one but not more than three samples).
• Statement of daily compensation rate (CHF or USD), with details of the past year's assignments, if applicable.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, Development Studies, or a related field.

Qualification in research methodology is desirable.

Experience

Minimum 2-5 years of experience conducting research projects in the Pacific Island region.

Proven experience in volunteer motivation research, particularly within the non-profit sector.

Experience with mixed methods research approaches (quantitative and qualitative).

Experience in data analysis using statistical software.

Experience within the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement

Good knowledge and experience in the Asia Pacific region

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

Strong analytical and research skills.

Excellent project management skills.

Experience in conducting focus groups and interviews.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Cultural sensitivity and understanding of the Pacific Island context.

Good verbal and written communication, coordination, research and writing skills

Good virtual coordination, communication and collaboration skills

Competencies, Values and Comments

Values: Respect for diversity; Integrity; Professionalism; Accountability

Core competencies: Communication; Collaboration and teamwork; Judgement and decision making; National society and customer relations; Creativity and innovation; Building trust