Next Training Date: March 2011, actual dates to be confirmed by the end of 2010
Deadline for applications: 30 November, 2010
You will hear if you have been invited for an interview 4-6 weeks after the closing date.
Location: Mas Franch, Near Girona, Spain
Language skills: Excellent English skills (both spoken and written) and the ability to communicate in Nepali or a willingness to learn before deployment.
Time commitment: 12-15 months
Nationality: All non-Nepali citizens who meet the above requirements are eligible to apply. We are committed to diversity and encourage candidates from the global south. Given PBI's methodology, our projects cannot accept nationals from the country in which they are operating. Nepali citizens are eligible to apply to other PBI field projects.
PBI policy relating to anti age discrimination for field volunteers: Age is not a barrier to working on projects. However, the need for mature and experienced volunteers is critical because the organization needs to present an experienced face in our interactions with high level authorities in the countries where we maintain field projects and because volunteers need to be able to assess responsibly risk and security questions in areas of crisis or conflict. Therefore volunteers are often over the age of 25.
Principle purpose of the role
PBI-Nepal provides accompaniment and international solidarity for human rights defenders and nonviolent civil society activists whose lives and work are threatened by political violence. By creating safe space for local activists to carry out their work, PBI contributes to conflict transformation and helps build durable peace and human rights in Nepal. PBI is an independent, egalitarian, volunteer-based organization not affiliated to any religious or political institution.
PBI field volunteers protect threatened local non-governmental organisations through their physical presence, lobbying and information distribution.
Main duties, tasks and responsibilities of a field volunteer:
Working with civil society/human rights organisations
- Develop and maintain positive working relationships with Nepali civil society/human rights organizations.
- Provide international protective presence for accompanied human rights organizations.
- At all times work in a non-partisan manner.
- Collect, monitor and evaluate information to ensure that the objectives and activities of PBI Nepal are being met and that this is reported frequently to relevant staff members/committees in the PBI Nepal Project.
- Work and function in highly stressful and potentially threatening situations.
Team work
- Work and live as part of a multi/inter cultural team.
- Actively contribute to the maintenance of proactive communication mechanisms within the volunteer team including attendance at team meetings, providing input to team decisions, security protocols and political analysis.
- Prepare meeting agenda’s, facilitate team meetings and note decisions.
- Undertake to work in a non-hierarchical group that makes decisions by consensus.
- Track the news/political/human rights situation in Nepal.
- In line with PBI Nepal strategic objectives, research the human rights situation in Nepal and produce reports as required.
- Participate in and contribute to Project Committee and sub committee work, including attending PC and sub committee conference calls
Advocacy
- In coordination with the field volunteer team and In-Country Coordinator, represent PBI Nepal at networking/lobbying meetings with diplomats and key politicians, NGOs, UN institutions, and governmental and civil employees in order to dissuade any potential violence or threat.
- In conjunction with the Advocacy and Communications Officer assist with the production and writing of PBI Nepal communication materials for internal and external use.
Administration
- Prepare written reports and updates of field volunteer activities as appropriate for distribution amongst Project members.
- Write team notes, reports and develop resource materials and historical knowledge of field volunteer activities.
Other duties:
- Undertake such duties according to the philosophy of nonviolence, within the framework of international norms of human rights.
- Undertake such other duties as may reasonably be allocated, which may involve providing assistance in any area of the Project as may be required from time to time.
- Undertake all duties in accordance with PBI Nepal policies and procedures, in particular those relating to Harassment and Equal Opportunities.
- Promote PBI Nepal positively at all times.
Selection criteria for field volunteers:
Knowledge/Experience
- Nepal Conflict/Human Rights knowledge
- Nepal general knowledge
- Understanding of PBI mandate and non-partisanship
- Experience with Consensus decision making
Skills
- Organization and facilitation of meetings
- Resources development and report writing
- Presentation skills
- Inter-personal and team playing skills
- Excellent English skills (both spoken and written)
Abilities
- Competent in the use of Microsoft packages including Word, Excel and Powerpoint and use of the internet.
- Ability to function in highly stressful and/or threatening situation
- Ability to work in multi-cultural teams, cross-cultural environments
Other
- Commitment to nonviolence
- Willingness to undertake Nepali language training
- Field visits to be made to rural/isolated areas and often in inclement weather
- Can cope with basic living conditions and weather extremes.
- Attendance at evening and weekend meetings/conference calls as required
In addition to the above, the following criteria are desirable:
- Previous PBI or other field experience
- Working in conflict affected areas
- Preparation and conduct of advocacy meetings skills
- Involvement in/with human rights advocate agencies or PBI
- Research in relevant fields
- Working with civil society organisations
- Self awareness of stress and coping strategies
- Working knowledge of Nepal
What will PBI-Nepal provide?
- Subsidized language school
- Travel to Nepal
- Most in-country expenses, including health insurance, food and lodging
- Modest monthly stipend
- Resettlement grant at end of field service
What do I have to cover?
- Travel costs to training (we do have limited subsidies available), contribution of Euro 200 towards language school
I would like to apply, what do I do next?
1. Email us. Include your name, nationality, age and CV or resume. We will send you more details about the application process and PBI-Nepal's work.
2. Download this application form (.doc 84k) and this referee form (.doc 59k). Fill out the application form and have three referees (professional or academic); fill out the reference form and send both forms to us at the address below.
We are working with the various PBI country groups/sections to establish a Nepal Support Network. We strongly suggest you contact the section nearest to you to learn more. Involvement with your country group/section strengthens your application.
I have questions - Send us an Email
Please note that participation in the training, which is an integral part of our volunteer selection process, does not guarantee an invitation to join the field team.
