INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER PROGRAMME “weltwärts”– Project Management

Job description

INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER PROGRAMME “weltwärts”– Project Management This volunteering position is specifically for residents of South Africa. Come to Germany and volunteer for democracy! Are you passionate about democracy, international cooperation and project management? Join Democracy International in Cologne, Germany, for a 12-month weltwärts volunteering programme and become part of an international team working to strengthen citizen participation around the world. As our Project Management Volunteer, you’ll gain hands-on experience in international project coordination, event organisation, partner communication, reporting and project administration – while spending a year in Cologne, learning German and experiencing life in Germany. About Democracy International Democracy International believes in the power of direct democracy and citizen participation to better our lives and the societies in which we live. Together we can bring about change. Our aim is to strengthen direct democracy and citizen participation at all political levels in the nation states, in the EU and on the global level. Supporting democracy activists from all over the world, organising knowledge-sharing events and campaigning at the EU and UN for more citizen participation - these are Democracy International's core activities. More info at: The weltwärts volunteering programme is a joint operation between the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through the service for developmental initiatives Engagement Global and civil society. If you require more information on the weltwärts volunteering programme, please visit the programme webpage at . Tasks & Responsibilities during the Volunteering Programme The tasks in the Volunteering Programme include but are not limited to the following: Team assistance: You will be part of Democracy International’s team and support our European, international and local project or general work wherever help is needed. This might include: Project implementation & assistance: Assist in the implementation of projects focused on citizen participation and democracy processes by supporting daily operations, coordinating activities with project partners, and ensuring alignment on deadlines and deliverables across all stakeholders. Assisting with event planning and coordination. Partner coordination: Help manage and maintain relationships with project partners, ensuring smooth and effective collaboration. This includes regular communication with partners to address project needs and foster long-term relationships. Continuous evaluation & reporting: Support the ongoing evaluation of project performance by assisting in monitoring progress and compiling data. Help prepare and submit accurate reports to the EU and other bodies, ensuring compliance with project guidelines and standards. Bookkeeping: Assist with project bookkeeping and accounting tasks, helping manage financial records and ensuring that all transactions align with funding requirements. Team assistance: Provide general assistance to the team. This includes preparing documents, coordinating meetings, contributing to administrative tasks, social media and other ongoing projects. Every volunteer has to attend a workshop series of at least 25 days during their stay in Germany. Approx. 12 seminar days will be allotted to an introductory, intermediate and evaluation seminar with us and our partners where you will also meet other volunteers in Germany. Added to this is a German language course at the beginning of your stay, a 5-day compulsory political seminar organised by the Federal Volunteering Service, i.e. the federal umbrella of volunteering services in Germany. To support your language acquisition of German, you are entitled to a leave of absence of 2 hours per week to take up further voluntary local activities in Cologne. Duration: 12 months starting in March 2027 Allowances: Each volunteer will receive 500€ to cover food and personal expenses. All other costs – accommodation, flights, insurance etc. – will be covered directly via Democracy International. In addition, you will receive a monthly pass for public transport valid all across Germany. Accommodation: Your accommodation will be in a shared household with another volunteer from South Africa and two European Solidarity Corps volunteers, who will arrive and leave around the same time. Two apartments with two or three rooms, a shared kitchen and bathroom per apartment are provided. Each volunteer will have a private bedroom. Application Deadline: The closing deadline for applications is close of business on 18th September 2026 . Your application should comprise of A full CV, including educational and professional qualifications, a full employment history showing the more significant positions, responsibilities held, and relevant achievements A cover note of not more than one page outlining your motivation for applying for the role. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview that will be held at the end of September 2026. Due to high volumes of applications received, should you not have received feedback on your application within three weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful. We reserve the right to withdraw any of our vacancies at any time.