Would you be interested in learning about coordinating international volunteer programs? Would you enjoy volunteering at the office of a youth exchange organisation? Welcome to the office team of Maailmanvaihto – ICYE Finland!
Maailmanvaihto – ICYE Finland is a non-profit organisation (NGO) working in the field of international volunteering. We organize long-term volunteer work programs for young adults and aim at advancing intercultural understanding, equality and peace.
Maailmanvaihto is a member of the International Cultural Youth Exchange (ICYE) Federation, which consists of 41 organizations worldwide. Maailmanvaihto coordinates ICYE and European Solidarity Corps volunteering activities. On a yearly basis, we send about 15-25 volunteers abroad from Finland and receive about 30–35 volunteers to Finland.
There are three full-time staff members working at the office: Secretary General, Program Coordinator and Communications Officer. Every year we also have international volunteers supporting our activities at the office and now we are looking for the next one! Besides this, several voluntary coworkers join in organizing Maailmanvaihto’s activities.
Location
Maailmanvaihto’s office is situated in the centre of the capital city Helsinki, about a ten minutes walk away from the central railway station.
Volunteers’ role and tasks
We want to offer our volunteer opportunities to learn about activities of a youth exchange organisation as well as to get involved in intercultural learning. An international volunteer will enrich our organisational culture by bringing in their ideas and views of a young person.
The volunteer will support the office staff by informing young people about the volunteering possibilities and by supporting the staff in organising international volunteer programs.
- The tasks of the volunteer include:
Office work related to coordinating European Solidarity Corps and ICYE volunteer programs including for example:- e-mail communication with volunteers and partners
- practical arrangements related to documents and travels
- promoting available placements and assisting in the selection process
- Supporting organising trainings for volunteers and other events, for example:
- facilitation of workshops
- presentations
- kitchen work, practical arrangements
- A small own project based on the volunteer’s own skills and ideas.
Volunteers’ profile
This volunteering project is suited for someone who would like to know more about international volunteering and working in an international NGO. We are looking for someone with a responsible approach to work and good organizational skills, as well as good teamwork and communication skills. As the work language at the office is mostly English, fluent English skills are useful in this volunteer position. We expect that the participant is ready to take on different types of tasks, takes initiative, is eager to learn and use their skills, and brings forward new ideas.
Accommodation, food, transportation, and days off & holidays
The volunteer will stay in a host family in the Helsinki area. Lunch will be provided in the form of a lunch allowance and other meals will be provided by the host family. The monthly travel card for the Helsinki area will be covered for the volunteer.
Volunteer’s working time is 32,5 hours a week. The volunteer will have 2 days off per week (mostly Saturday & Sunday) and will gain 2 extra holiday days each month.
Training during the volunteering period
The volunteer will have an on-arrival training camp and mid-term evaluation camp organised by the Finnish National Agency of the European Solidarity Corps. The volunteer will get access to the Online Language Support (OLS) tool of the European Solidarity Corps to support learning Finnish.
Accessibility information
In Maailmanvaihto’s office it is possible to move around with a wheelchair, but the office space is unfortunately not completely wheelchair accessible: there is a doorstep at the entrance which is approximately 7 cm high, and the toilet is not big enough for a wheelchair. If you need additional support due to a disability, a long-term illness, or other reason and would like to discuss if volunteering at Maailmanvaihto could suit you, please don’t hesitate to contact us for further information at esc@maailmanvaihto.fi. We’ll be happy to tell you more!
Activity topics
international cooperation, youth, youth work
How to apply?
No open positions currently, please check again later!
Further information
- If you wish to ask something about the open position for volunteering at Maailmanvaihto, please, see answers to frequently asked questions and European Solidarity Corps program page.
- If you don’t find an answer to your question, please contact us at Maailmanvaihto at esc@maailmanvaihto.fi.
- Please note that you can only apply for the open position by following the application instructions linked above.
Maailmanvaihto’s social media
Experiences of volunteers of Maailmanvaihto – ICYE Finland office
Greetings from abroad: from Georgia to Finland and from Finland to Philippines