Volunteer with Development Wala

Development Wala is a purpose-driven platform working to strengthen the social and development sector by connecting professionals, organisations and opportunities. We support NGOs, nonprofits, social enterprises and other impact-focused organisations through recruitment and talent sourcing, capacity building, and monitoring, evaluation and impact documentation.

We also work to make social sector opportunities more accessible to aspiring professionals and changemakers.

We are inviting motivated individuals to join our volunteer team and contribute to different areas of Development Wala's work.

About the Opportunity

This is an open volunteer opportunity for individuals who want to explore the development sector, gain practical experience, contribute their skills and become part of a growing professional network.

Whether you are a student with no prior work experience, a recent graduate, an early-career professional or someone with years of experience in the development sector, you are welcome to apply.

You do not need to have experience in every area. We are interested in your willingness to learn, your interests and the time you can realistically commit.

Please note: This is an unpaid voluntary opportunity. It does not carry a salary, stipend or guaranteed employment.

Areas of Volunteering

Volunteers can express interest in one or more of the following areas, depending on their skills and the team's current requirements.

1. Recruitment and Talent Sourcing

• Support the identification and sourcing of suitable candidates for social sector opportunities.

• Assist with candidate outreach, application tracking and recruitment coordination.

• Help maintain recruitment trackers and candidate databases.

• Support communication with applicants and partner organisations.

2. Outreach and Partnerships

• Identify NGOs, nonprofits, CSR teams, foundations and social enterprises for potential collaboration.

• Support outreach through email, LinkedIn and other professional networks.

• Assist with partnership proposals, follow-ups and meeting coordination.

• Help build relationships with universities, institutions and development sector networks.

3. Content Creation and Communications

• Research and develop content related to development sector careers, social impact and organisational initiatives.

• Assist with writing articles, captions, newsletters, scripts and campaign materials.

• Contribute ideas for podcasts, interviews, videos and other communication initiatives.

• Support content planning and editing.

4. Social Media Management

• Assist with planning and scheduling content across relevant platforms.

• Support community engagement and responses to messages and comments.

• Track content performance and suggest improvements.

• Help maintain consistency in Development Wala's online presence.

5. Administration and Operations

• Support internal coordination, documentation and record-keeping.

• Maintain trackers, spreadsheets and shared organisational records.

• Assist with scheduling meetings, preparing agendas and following up on tasks.

• Help improve internal workflows and team coordination.

6. Curriculum and Capacity Building

• Assist with developing learning materials, workshop content and training modules.

• Research relevant topics and organise learning resources.

• Support the preparation of presentations, exercises and participant materials.

• Contribute ideas for workshops and learning initiatives for development professionals.

7. Documentation, Monitoring and Evaluation

• Assist with documenting projects, activities, meetings and organisational learning.

• Support the preparation of reports, case studies, presentations and impact stories.

• Help organise qualitative and quantitative information.

• Contribute to basic monitoring, evaluation and learning activities.

8. Research and Knowledge Development

• Conduct desk research on development sector organisations, programmes and emerging issues.

• Assist with preparing research briefs, background notes and knowledge resources.

• Map organisations, potential partners, opportunities and sector trends.

• Support evidence-based content and resource development.

9. Other Areas of Contribution

Have a different skill or interest that could contribute to Development Wala's work? We welcome applications from individuals interested in technology, data management, design, video editing, event coordination and other relevant areas.

Who Can Apply?

We welcome applications from:

• Students and fresh graduates with zero years of professional experience.

• Early-career professionals exploring the development sector.

• NGO and nonprofit professionals who want to contribute their expertise.

• Researchers, educators, consultants and other experienced professionals.

• Individuals from any academic background who are interested in social impact.

Prior experience is not mandatory for most areas. Relevant skills, curiosity, reliability and a willingness to learn are important.

What Will You Gain?

Depending on your contribution, role, performance and the duration of your engagement, Development Wala may provide:

• Certificate of Volunteering/Experience: Recognition of your contribution and period of engagement, subject to completing the agreed responsibilities.

• Letter of Recommendation: Consideration based on the quality, consistency and impact of your work.

• Career Guidance: Guidance on exploring career pathways and opportunities in the development sector, subject to team availability.

• Job Search Support: Access to relevant guidance and support through Development Wala's professional network, where feasible. This does not guarantee a job or placement.

• Practical Experience: Opportunities to work on real organisational tasks, collaborate with a team and develop relevant professional skills.

• Professional Networking: Exposure to other volunteers, development professionals and organisations in the social impact ecosystem.

Expected Commitment

We understand that volunteers may be studying, working or managing other responsibilities. We encourage applicants to be realistic about the time they can contribute.

Volunteers are expected to:

• Communicate clearly and respond within agreed timelines.

• Take responsibility for assigned tasks and complete them to the best of their ability.

• Participate in team meetings or check-ins as mutually agreed.

• Respect confidentiality and handle organisational and candidate information responsibly.

• Work collaboratively and treat colleagues, candidates and partner organisations with respect.

• Inform their team coordinator in advance if they are unable to complete an assigned task.

The specific responsibilities, expected time commitment, reporting arrangements and duration of engagement will be discussed before a volunteer begins.

Why Volunteer with Development Wala?

Development Wala is building a more connected social and development ecosystem, where professionals can find opportunities, organisations can access support, and people can contribute to meaningful work.

By volunteering with us, you can contribute to this effort while exploring your own interests, learning new skills and understanding how different functions operate within a growing social impact platform.

How to Apply

If you are interested, apply through the application link provided with this opportunity. In your application, tell us:

• A little about yourself and your interests.

• The functional areas you would like to contribute to.

• Any relevant skills or experience you have, if applicable.

• How much time you can realistically commit.

• What you hope to learn or contribute through volunteering.

Students, freshers and applicants with no prior experience are encouraged to apply.

We look forward to hearing from people who want to learn, contribute and grow with Development Wala.

Important: This is an unpaid voluntary opportunity. Certificates, recommendations and career support are not automatic and will depend on the nature and quality of your contribution, the agreed terms and the availability of support.