Planet Search Volunteer
VLUCHTELINGENWERK VLAANDEREN
SINT-JOOST-TEN-NODE, Belgium
Description
Vluchtelingenwerk Vlaanderen has a legal helpdesk where lawyers, social services, volunteers and people in need of international protection can seek answers concerning the asylum procedure and the right to reception. In 2022, we launched the ‘Planet Search’ program. This research program aims to support lawyers and social services by providing them with specific country of origin information, tailored to the situation of their client. This information can be crucial to support the application of international protection. Starting from specific cases, the Planet Search volunteer conducts research and supplies sources of information on the situation in the country of origin. Concretely: ▪ Answering ad hoc requests for detailed country of origin information ▪ Compiling thorough reports on pressing subjects ▪ Actively establishing and maintaining an informal network of co-workers in European partner-organisations ▪ Promoting the program among legal and social practitioners in Belgium
Accommodation, food and transport arrangements
The volunteer will receive a monthly payment (€973,33) for organisational support, covering accommodation and food expenses, and a monthly amount of €152,08 for individual expenses. The volunteer can choose their own accommodation; many choose to stay in Brussels. Vluchtelingenwerk Vlaanderen will support the volunteer in finding appropriate accommodation by providing relevant sources (websites, social media groups…) where accommodation is published. Home-to-office travel will be paid; the office is situated just a 5-minute subway ride away from the historical centre of Brussels.
Training during the activity
Intercultural training will be part of the training organised by JINT (the national agency for ESC in Belgium). These trainings aim to create intercultural encounters, which are essential in the project, and they will remain a subject in feedback sessions and evaluations. Internal training is being periodically set up to keep staff and volunteers steady on track with these regulations. Every new staff member and volunteer receives an introduction and folder with essential information on the organization. More training can be provided internally or externally during the year.
Participant profile
▪ Degree in Law, Human Rights, International relations or a similar field of study ▪ Understanding of and high interest in the situation of asylum seekers and refugees, and of the role of humanitarian and international agencies in providing them with protection and assistance ▪ Understanding of the role of civil society in migration issues ▪ Openness and non-discrimination as core values and working principles ▪ Strong research skills ▪ Strong written and oral English skills ▪ Being able to work independently ▪ Flexible ▪ Planning and organizational skills, able to adhere to deadlines
Activity dates
A total of 52 week(s) during the period 03/02/2025 to 02/03/2026
Activity location
KRUIDTUINSTRAAT 75, SINT-JOOST-TEN-NODE, Belgium
Activity type
Individual volunteering
Looking for participants from
Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden
Activity topics
Reception and integration of refugees and migrants
Citizenship and democratic participation
Deadline for applications
Application deadline: 08/12/2024 23:59