[NGO news] West African NGO seeking volunteer coordinator

Cody Donahue of the NGO Tostan writes:

Tostan is a rapidly growing US 501(c)(3) nongovernmental organization dedicated to providing human rights-based education to Africans who have little or no access to formal schooling.

Based in the West African country of Senegal, Tostan works in mostly rural regions to increase community engagement in projects related to health, literacy, the environment, child welfare, conflict resolution, and economic development.

Tostan is currently implementing its innovative educational program in Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea, Somalia, Mauritania, and Djibouti.

Each year Tostan welcomes college students, recent graduates, and professionals from all over the world who come to volunteer on its projects in Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea, and Djibouti.

Tostan is presently accepting applications for the position of volunteer coordinator. The volunteer coordinator is based in Senegal and is responsible for:

. recruiting qualified volunteers/interns;
. providing volunteers with an orientation to Tostan and life in Africa;
. working with staff to place volunteers throughout the organization;
. evaluating, supporting, and overseeing volunteers and their progress;
. various administrative duties.


A successful candidate will demonstrate:

. a strong interest in grassroots international development;
. a willingness to commit to a one-year contract (with preference given to candidates willing to stay longer than one year;
. values that are shared by Tostan;
. professionalism;
. strong time management and organization skills;
. strong written and oral communications skills in both French and English;
. previous experience living and/or working in Africa; ability to adapt and respect crosscultural differences;
. experience in managing volunteers or larger groups.

Tostan provides the volunteer coordinator with housing and a small stipend. Additional benefits may be available for qualified candidates.

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to
gannongillespie @ tostan.org