Volunteer – Mentoring & Project Support

About the opportunity

Bechem Humanitarian Network (BHN) e.V. Germany welcomes motivated professionals, academics, graduate students, industry practitioners and other qualified individuals who would like to contribute their knowledge, skills and experience to our humanitarian and sustainable development work.

BHN Volunteers may contribute in different capacities according to their expertise, interests, availability and the needs of the organization. Opportunities may include serving as Mentors for BHN Academy Germany Scholars, supporting projects implemented directly by Bechem Humanitarian Network (BHN) e.V., or being assigned to collaborate with BHN partner organizations and institutions on specific projects and initiatives.

Volunteer assignments may cover areas such as digital transformation, artificial intelligence, education and digital skills, career development, project management, research, communications, health, agriculture, environmental sustainability, entrepreneurship, monitoring and evaluation, capacity building and other areas aligned with BHN’s mission.

Through its volunteer network, BHN seeks to bring together people from different professional, academic and cultural backgrounds who want to use their expertise to contribute to meaningful initiatives across Africa, the Global South and BHN’s wider international network.

Key responsibilities

• Serve as a Mentor for BHN Academy Germany Scholars, providing professional, academic, career or skills-development guidance.
• Support the planning, implementation and follow-up of BHN programs, projects and initiatives.
• Contribute professional or technical expertise to projects within the volunteer’s area of specialization.
• Participate in research, project development, capacity-building, training or knowledge-sharing activities.
• Support activities implemented jointly with BHN partner organizations, universities, institutions, NGOs or other stakeholders.
• Where appropriate, represent or support BHN in project meetings, workshops, working groups and collaborative activities.
• Contribute to the preparation of reports, project documentation, research materials, presentations or other relevant outputs.
• Work collaboratively with BHN staff, interns, volunteers, mentors, country representatives, scholars and external partners.
• Maintain professional standards, confidentiality and responsible use of BHN information and digital resources.
• Comply with BHN policies, safeguarding requirements, codes of conduct and project-specific procedures.
• Complete agreed responsibilities within established timelines and communicate effectively with the designated BHN supervisor or project lead.

Person specification

Essential

Applicants should demonstrate:

• A genuine interest in contributing to the mission and activities of Bechem Humanitarian Network (BHN) e.V. Germany.
• Relevant academic, professional, technical or practical experience that can contribute to one or more BHN programs or projects.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work respectfully with people from different countries, cultures, professional backgrounds and lived experiences.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within international and multidisciplinary teams.
• Reliability, professionalism and commitment to agreed responsibilities.
• Good digital literacy and ability to work with common online collaboration and communication tools.
• Good organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle organizational or beneficiary information responsibly.
• Commitment to safeguarding, respectful conduct, inclusion and equal opportunity.
• Good command of English, as English is the primary working language for many BHN international activities.

For applicants interested specifically in BHN Academy Germany Mentorship, relevant professional, academic or industry experience and the ability to guide and support scholars in their learning, professional development or career journey are expected.

Desirable

The following qualifications or experience are advantageous but not mandatory:

• Previous volunteering, mentoring, coaching or training experience.
• Experience working with NGOs, nonprofit organizations, universities, international organizations, development agencies or community-based organizations.
• Experience working on international development, humanitarian, education, digital transformation or capacity-building projects.
• Professional experience in areas such as artificial intelligence, digital technologies, data, project management, education, research, health, agriculture, sustainability, communications, entrepreneurship, monitoring and evaluation or related fields.
• Experience working with students, young professionals, entrepreneurs or professionals from Africa and the Global South.
• Experience working in multicultural or international teams.
• Additional language capabilities.
• Relevant professional certifications or specialist qualifications.

What BHN offers

Volunteering with BHN provides an opportunity to contribute to meaningful initiatives while remaining connected to an international network of professionals, institutions, learners and development partners.

BHN Volunteers may receive access to:

• Exposure to BHN’s extensive international network of professionals, academics, universities, NGOs, institutions, development partners and other stakeholders.
• Opportunities to contribute to BHN programs and international projects aligned with the volunteer’s expertise and professional interests.
• Opportunities to serve as a Mentor within BHN Academy Germany and contribute directly to the professional development of scholars.
• Access to the BHN digital ecosystem and relevant digital tools required for assigned responsibilities.
• Access to the full catalogue of learning and professional certification opportunities available through BHN partner programs, supporting continuous professional and personal development.
• Opportunities to develop practical experience through participation in real projects, international collaboration and multidisciplinary teams.
• Opportunities for professional networking, knowledge exchange and collaboration within the BHN community.
• A Volunteer Completion Certificate issued by Bechem Humanitarian Network (BHN) e.V. Germany upon successful completion of the agreed volunteer assignment.
• A professional Recommendation Letter, subject to satisfactory completion of the volunteer engagement and demonstrated contribution.
• Continued membership in the BHN e.V. Germany Network, providing opportunities to remain connected with the organization and its wider professional community.
• Consideration for future BHN projects, initiatives, mentorship activities and other suitable opportunities based on organizational needs and the volunteer’s expertise.

The volunteer engagement is intended to provide a meaningful platform through which individuals can contribute their skills while expanding their professional exposure, networks, knowledge and experience.

Selection process

Applications will be reviewed based on the applicant’s qualifications, professional experience, areas of expertise, motivation, availability and alignment with current or upcoming BHN volunteer opportunities.

The selection process may include:

1. Review of the submitted application and professional profile.
2. Shortlisting based on relevant skills, experience and current organizational or project needs.
3. An online discussion or interview with the appropriate BHN representative or project lead.
4. Matching of successful applicants to an appropriate BHN Academy Germany mentorship role, BHN project, department, program or partner-supported assignment.
5. Completion of relevant onboarding, safeguarding, confidentiality or organizational requirements before commencing the assignment.

Submitting an application does not automatically guarantee placement. Volunteer opportunities depend on current organizational and project requirements, and only shortlisted candidates may be contacted.

BHN may also maintain suitable applications within its volunteer talent network for consideration when relevant opportunities become available.

Safeguarding and equal opportunity

Bechem Humanitarian Network (BHN) e.V. Germany is committed to safeguarding, dignity, respectful conduct, inclusion and equal opportunity.

All volunteers are expected to uphold BHN’s professional standards and contribute to an environment free from discrimination, harassment, exploitation, abuse and inappropriate conduct.

BHN welcomes applications from suitably qualified individuals regardless of nationality, gender, ethnic or cultural background, disability, age, religion or other protected characteristics.

Depending on the nature of the volunteer assignment, particularly roles involving direct interaction with scholars, young people, vulnerable persons or sensitive information, appointment may be subject to appropriate reference, identity or background checks and safeguarding requirements.

Note: This is a voluntary engagement with Bechem Humanitarian Network (BHN) e.V. Germany and does not constitute an employment relationship.