FAIRTRADE COMMUNITIES CAMPAIGNS ADMIN VOLUNTEER

The Fairtrade Foundation is looking for a volunteer to support with Fairtrade Communities Campaigns administration, ideally for 1-3 days in their London office (this is not intended to be legally binding or to create a contract). Fairtrade Communities Campaigns volunteers play a vital role in supporting this dynamic and diverse movement which has achieved making products with the FAIRTRADE Mark widely recognized and available and as a result has positively impacted the lives of millions of farmers and their communities.

The Fairtrade Communities campaign

Fairtrade Communities is a flagship campaign through which over 600 villages, towns and cities across the UK have achieved Fairtrade status aimed at building commitment and support from across their community. The goals include involving all sectors from the local authority to businesses, faith groups and educational establishments. The aim is to increase availability of Fairtrade products and raise understanding and awareness of Fairtrade across the community. Many more communities are currently working towards making an application while established campaign groups continue to develop and innovate locally. The campaign in the UK has inspired other countries to start similar national Fairtrade Town campaigns: 18 different countries continue to watch what’s happening and learn from the grassroots movement in the UK.

Commitment: Ideally you would volunteer for 1-3 days per week in our London office for at least 6 months. This arrangement is not intended to be legally binding or to create a contract.

Role description:

Fairtrade Communities Campaigns volunteers play a vital role in supporting this dynamic and diverse movement which has achieved making products with the FAIRTRADE Mark widely recognized and available and as a result has positively impacted the lives of millions of farmers and their communities. Volunteering is also a great opportunity to learn more about grassroots campaigning in the UK while gaining solid practical experience in administrative tasks including Customer Relationship Management databases and supporter relations. It would suit individuals with an interest in developing practical office skills, understanding the work of a fast-paced charity environment and individuals passionate in supporting communities across the UK in taking action. Our volunteers have ranged from students, career changers to retired business people.

Tasks include:

Assessing applications and renewal applications from local Fairtrade Town groups against the goals set by the Fairtrade Foundation
Supporting the administrative management of the Fairtrade Churches scheme
Writing feedback reports based on application forms, detailing recommendations for improvement and/or the extent to which each goal has been achieved (supervised by the Communities Campaigns Officer and Manager)
Drafting letters/emails and corresponding with applicants to inform them of the Foundation’s decisions
Assisting and answering enquiries from prospective/current campaigners regarding applications/renewals
Writing copy for the website, to share best practice and campaign success of Fairtrade Towns through a ‘Case Studies’ online library
Keeping the Fairtrade Towns groups database and filing system updated and complete
Skills required:

Excellent organisational skills, ability to take initiative
Excellent communication skills (written and oral)
Good IT skills: Primarily Microsoft Office package, though training will be given for more advanced features and programmes required
Self-motivated and pro-active approach to work, within a team setting
Experience of/ interest in campaigns and/or community organisations an advantage
What will you have learned / achieved by the end of this assignment?

Experience of working in a fast-growing, successful development organisation
Advanced office, administration, database and campaigner support experience
An understanding of the international Fairtrade system, and particularly the role of the UK movement.
Understanding of grassroots, cross-community, campaign activities
A volunteering reference
What type of people volunteer at the Fairtrade Foundation?

Anyone who has an interest in Fairtrade! Volunteers range from students to retired business people.


What are the hours?

Flexible. Our office is open Monday to Friday.

Location

Unless otherwise stated, positions are based at the Fairtrade Foundation's offices at 5.7 The Loom, 14 Gower's Walk, London, E1 8PY


We refund travel expenses (maximum £15 per day, preferably off peak) on production of a receipt or ticket and actual expenses incurred for lunch to the value of £5 on production of receipts, if volunteering for more than four hours a day or over the lunch period.

Applications

To apply for the above volunteering position please email volunteering@fairtrade.org.uk with a completed Volunteer Application form by Friday, 7 June 2019.

We regret that we are unable to assist non-UK residents who are planning to volunteer during a short stay in the UK with visa applications, finding accommodation etc.

The Fairtrade Foundation is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.