Long Term Volunteer Opportunity with SERVE

Position: SERVE Long Term Volunteer role with placement partner, Young Africa HUB, Harare, Zimbabwe (to fill role of Regional Monitoring & Support Officer for SERVE and Programme Assistant with YA HUB)

1. Introduction

SERVE is a development and volunteering organisation committed to tackling the root causes of poverty to achieve justice, equality and opportunities for all. Since 2003 SERVE has worked in solidarity with communities living in poverty, supporting initiatives in Southern Africa, South-East Asia and South America. Inspired by the belief that “Solidarity In Action” can improve the lives of the most vulnerable, SERVE’s mission is to work in partnership to strengthen the livelihoods of young people and communities living in poverty by providing high quality vocational and educational learning opportunities, helping young people gain employment or start and develop their own businesses. The organisation is incorporated in the Republic of Ireland under the Companies Act and is a registered charity.

This Long-Term Volunteer (LTV) position is being offered in partnership with Young Africa Hub, who are based in Harare, Zimbabwe. SERVE have been partners with Young Africa since 2007. The mission of Young Africa (YA) is the integral development of underprivileged youth – young people are empowered through skills training for employability and entrepreneurship. YA teaches them skills of the hands to make them self-reliant, skills of heart and mind to live with dignity and responsibility, skills of the soul to live with purpose. YA runs holistic vocational training programmes throughout Africa. YA HUB is based in Harare and focuses on expansion of the YA model, providing support to existing YA affiliates and offering training and consultancy to other NGOs. Further support comes from the YA International office which is based in the Netherlands.

2. The Role

SERVE and Young Africa are seeking a Long-Term Volunteer to take up the role of SERVE Long Term Volunteer with Young Africa HUB at their office in Harare, Zimbabwe. The LTV will fulfil duties for SERVE and Young Africa (role of Programme Assistant).

The key tasks for SERVE include:

  • Supporting the implementation of SERVE’s Skills for Resilience Programme (SYRP) 2024-2027 that is being implemented in Zimbabwe and Mozambique (especially in-country monitoring of project progress; site visits; liaising with partners);
  • Supporting other donor funded projects that may emerge during the placement period;
  • Supporting Grant Writing and Report Writing for new funding applications;
  • Fulfilling a leadership role on SERVE volunteer programmes in southern Africa (should they take place during the placement);
  • Engagement with other SERVE/Dublin Province of the Redemptorist partners in Zimbabwe, especially Mavambo Trust;
  • Supporting SERVE’s Communications work by gathering stories about the projects we support;
  • Completing occasional visits to our partner Assumption Parish in Mazabuka, Zambia;
  • Supporting the development of new partnerships in Southern Africa, should the need arise.

Young Africa HUB is a busy office and the work can be varied. The role of Programme Assistant will primarily contribute to efficient tracking and reporting of the results of the YA Programme across the entire confederation. From time to time, tasks may be diversified across all areas of YA HUB’s programme work and the candidate must be willing and able to handle diversified tasks which can include:

Projects coordination

  • May be assigned responsibility to coordinate the implementation and reporting of some smaller projects implemented in multiple or single countries;
  • Support project coordinators with planning of project review meetings, minuting such meetings, and compiling progress reports;
  • Coordinate thematic steering committee meetings that involve teams at the Hub and relevant affiliate teams;
  • Support project monitoring visits to country operations to assess progress on the ground (with the support of project coordinators).

Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL)

  • Facilitate the completion of the Executive Report Template (a trimester reporting template, completed by all affiliates to track key indicators of the work of YA);
  • Produce the Quarterly Executive Report (consolidating input from all affiliates);
  • Participate in the production of the Annual Report (largely informed by the Executive Reports);
  • Coordinate with the M&E team to ensure adequate monitoring, evaluation, and learning for projects that the role holder will be coordinating.

Fundraising and Volunteer Management

  • Provide support to the fundraising teams in writing project proposals;
  • Be responsible for the Young Africa volunteer programme (engaging with Affiliates to ascertain areas for which they require volunteers, engaging with volunteers who express their interest to volunteer at YA, liaising with affiliates to place those volunteers, and providing accompaniment);
  • Any other reasonable assistance needed at YA HUB as it arises.

The Long-Term Volunteer will be managed jointly by SERVE’s Development Programme Manager and Young Africa’s Grants Coordinator or Partnership Manager.

3. Proposed Starting Date and Length of Assignment

The proposed starting date is mid to late March 2026. SERVE will provide a pre-departure training programme.

It is SERVE’s and Young Africa’s intention that the length of the assignment will be at least 12 months. The Long-Term Volunteer (LTV) position is being supported by funding from Irish Aid and funds are in place until mid-2027.

Please be aware that the role is dependent on a successful application for a Temporary Employment Permit (TEP) to the Zimbabwean Department of Immigration. Certified copies of key documents (personal, academic, health) will be required to complete the application. A visit to the Zimbabwean Embassy in London may also be necessary. SERVE and Young Africa will provide guidance on the application process but cannot guarantee a successful TEP application. SERVE will pay the costs for the TEP process. If a TEP is not secured then the placement/role will not proceed.

4. Candidate Profile

It is preferred that the candidate has the following profile:

  • Languages: fluent English (essential); willingness to learn Portuguese (for work in Mozambique)
  • Academic education: Third Level Qualification in a relevant discipline; Degree in International Development is preferable but not essential
  • Minimum age 21 (at time of assignment)
  • Minimum availability of one year
  • Relevant working experience in the development, voluntary or community sector
  • Must be interested in monitoring and evaluation work for development projects
  • Advanced IT Skills and experience in management or use of digital learning platforms are an advantage
  • Drivers license is essential
  • Personal characteristics: Independent worker; Optimistic; Energetic; Pro-active; Flexible approach to work; Resilience and willingness to work in a challenging environment
  • Skills: Some knowledge of Monitoring & Evaluation is an advantage; Strong skills in writing, PR and/or project proposals; Social skills; Capable of organising programmes and small events; Competent IT skills.

5. Terms and Conditions

SERVE and Young Africa offer the following terms and conditions to the successful candidate:

  • A monthly allowance of approximately €1,300 to cover living costs within Zimbabwe (final amount will be decided prior to placement);
  • Free accommodation at the YA HUB in Harare;
  • Two return flights from Ireland to Zimbabwe if the assignment is 12 months (i.e. the original outbound and return flight + one other return flight within the 12 months);
  • Comprehensive insurance cover;
  • Shared access to a vehicle within Zimbabwe (governed by a separate Vehicle Policy);

6. Application Process

Interested candidates are invited to submit a one-page cover letter and a CV (including two references) to john@serve.ie by 5pm on 14th October 2025.

The interview process will include interviews with SERVE staff in Ireland and interviews with Young Africa HUB staff in Zimbabwe. Prospective candidates will also have an opportunity to speak with the current role holder.