About VSI - Voluntary Service International
Voluntary Service International (VSI) is the Irish branch of Service Civil International, a worldwide peace movement that began in 1920. We work to promote peace, social justice, sustainable development and intercultural understanding through volunteering abroad and in Ireland.
What's Involved
The Coordinator's role involves volunteering with a group of Irish and international volunteers in Killarney National Park for 2 weeks during the summer. This is a residential project and the Project Coordinator will help volunteers settle in, organise the group on a daily basis, support good group dynamics, promote intercultural exchange and help to organise free-time activities as well as educate volunteers on VSI’s values and topics such as environmental protection through non-formal education methods.
The role also includes daily environmental work with the group, along with the National Park Conservation Rangers. Volunteers will use a variety of methods to help control the highly invasive and destructive plant Rhododendron ponticum. Volunteers have the opportunity to live within Killarney National Park itself, and work with their team in various areas of the Park to preserve natural Irish beauty.
VSI will provide:
- Two-day training covering: group dynamics, cooperation in an international environment, project management, etc. (free of charge for participants!)
- Access to educational materials and additional trainings in Ireland and abroad
- Coordination of a project with accommodation, food and travel expenses to and from the volunteering site covered (within Ireland).
- VSI support before, during and after the project.
- Evaluation of your experience and your learning.
- Project Coordinator Certificate (after your participation in the project).
What's required for this position
- Have some volunteering experience
- Good communication and organisation skills
- Enthusiasm and positive attitude
- Experience of working with international groups or running workshops would be useful as well as knowledge and some experience in youth work or the voluntary and community sector.
- As the Coordinators will also take part in the woodland conservation work with their group of volunteers, there is a certain amount of physical fitness needed: the terrain is difficult and tough, and volunteers need to be fit enough to handle this. For example there could be up to a 30 minute uphill walk to the worksite over rough ground.
- Education/ Training
- Fitness/ Health/ Beauty
- Hospitality/ Befriending
- Personable Skills
Level of English required for this role:
Intermediate English
Times and commitment required for this role
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
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| Morning | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
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| Afternoon | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
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| Evening | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
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Minimum time commitment: Once Off
Other Details
Location of volunteering opportunity:
Accommodation based in Arthur Vincent House in Killarney National Park
Other location details:
Different areas of Killarney National Park
Screening details for this role:
- Garda Vetting
- Informal Interviews
- References
- Application Form
Volunteers will be provided with the following supports:
- Support/ advice/ recognition
- Supervision
- Initial induction and training
- Reimbursement of expenses
- Insurance cover
- Ongoing training opportunities
Age restrictions:
Over 21
Is this opportunity suitable for groups/teams of volunteers?
No
Benefits you will receive as a volunteer
Volunteer will develop team management and refine your leadership skills, experience an amazing adventure with a group of international volunteers (+18) and contribute to building understanding among people from different cultures and nationalities.
Getting there
If selected, volunteers will receive detailed information sheet on how to reach the project location.
