Position Purpose             

The purpose of the Volunteer Coordinator role (‘the role’) is to understand, meet and support the health and well-being needs of the Rafiki Mwema volunteer community through advocacy, inclusion, access and recognition.

The role will play a key part in the on-going management and support of our Volunteers. It is noted that this position description may change as the needs of Rafiki Mwema change.

About the Organisation

Rafiki Mwema is a refuge for children in Kenya who are survivors of abuse, and our mission is to provide them with safety, nurture, education, hope and therapeutic care to support them in healing from their trauma and pave the way for a brighter future.

A simple, rented house in Kenya was where it all began. In 2011, our doors opened for girls who were victims of sexual abuse and needed refuge while their cases went through the courts. We called our home Rafiki Mwema, which means “loyal friend” in Swahili. Within a week we were caring for 22 girls, we now have a dedicated farm and provide care and support for 70 children.

It is Rafiki Mwema’s vision that through the repair of the physical and psychological damage inflicted on them, we can support our children to become emotionally connected, caring, and empowered young people and adolescents and support our future men to break the cycle of abuse by becoming safe, loving, kind partners, fathers and uncles who respect our empowered young women.

Rafiki Mwema are committed to understanding and repairing the intense trauma our children have experienced.

The role

This role will report directly to the Founder and Chair of the BOD and solidify its importance as the first point of contact for many potential volunteers. It is responsible for the engagement, retention and recognition of all volunteers in Rafiki Mwema. This includes being an on-going source of contact and support during the time our volunteers stay with us.

This role requires a commitment of approximately 10+ hours per month with the understanding that this may fluctuate at certain times. Within Rafiki, this role will work closely with all business areas of Rafiki Mwema including our sub-committee’s to support volunteers in their roles as required.

Main Responsibilities

Volunteer Support: effectively coordinate all aspects of the life cycle of volunteers including:

• ensuring all volunteers have a clear understanding of their role and that of Rafiki Mwema through the provision of information via the Volunteer Hub and all associated policies and procedures.
• championing our volunteers by recognising and promoting their achievements as appropriate.
• being accessible as an on-going supporting with regular contact.
• being able to recognise changes in volunteer engagement and provide resolution strategies and escalating as appropriate.
• comply with all WHS guidelines.

Selection Criteria

Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.

Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate and engage with a range of internal and external parties.

History of inclusion, consultation and collaboration. 

Sound time management, planning and organisational skills.

Proficiency in a range of Microsoft Office packages.

Demonstrated capacity to work both autonomously with limited support and as a team member.

Must have the following checks or be willing to obtain a Working with Children Check (free for volunteers)

Desirable:

Previous experience in a similar role (training, support and coordination).

Understanding of the role of Volunteers in an organisation.

Sound understanding of Work Health & Safety and Risk Management principles in relation to Volunteers.  

Rafiki Mwema encourages and nurtures diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from applicants who identify as Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, women and those from diverse backgrounds or life experiences.

All information provided upon application is kept confidential and is used solely for the purpose of assisting Rafiki Mwema in the recruitment process as we endeavour to build strong, diverse teams. We would like to thank all applicants in advance for taking the time to express interest in this role.

How to apply

If you’re excited by the opportunity but unsure if you have the desired skills we’re looking for? We’d love to hear from you! Please reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator via email at volunteer@rafikimwema.com or apply via the link provided