Community Engagement Volunteer needed in the Basque Country of Spain 2
ASSOCIATION DE COOPERATION AL DESAROLLO ABARKA
Oiartzun, Spania
Descriere
Volunteer role combines 3 days/week at Gipuzkoa Food Bank, supporting warehouse or office work, with flexible duties in roles like Forklift Operator, Social Entity Companion, Company Visitor, or Food Safety Officer. Once main tasks are done, volunteers help in other areas. Hours vary by role/season; a mandatory coffee break fosters networking and teamwork. Impact: improved food distribution, reduced waste, and stronger community ties. Plus, 2 days/week delivering digital literacy workshops in Oiartzun to reduce the digital divide, promote autonomy, and encourage inclusive age-tech use. Additional tasks include event coordination, promotion, and admin support.
Cazare, hrană și transport
Volunteers will stay in shared accommodation near Oiartzun (10-15 min to work, 15 min to city center). The house has Wi-Fi, heating, kitchen, washing machine, and bike access to San Sebastian (10km) and Irun (12km). A bus stop and supermarket are 10-15 min away. Monthly allowance: €180 for meals, €180 pocket money, €30 transport, totaling €390. Travel costs are reimbursed based on distance: €211 (100-499km), €309 (500-1,999km), €396 (2,000-2,999km), €580 (3,000-3,999km), €1,188 (4,000-7,999km).
Formare pe durata activității
• Pre-departure training covering topics such as intercultural communication, project management, safety measure. • On-site training in social media management, community engagement, event coordination and digital tools used by ABARKA. • Workshops on personal development, leadership, and teamwork.
Profilul participantului
1. Overview Project Summary: ABARKA ONGD is a non-governmental organization dedicated to community development, social inclusion, and youth empowerment. Through the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) program, ABARKA aims to foster solidarity, address societal challenges, and promote intercultural exchange. The volunteer will play a key role in enhancing community engagement and social media presence while supporting local initiatives for elderly care and social inclusion. Host Organization: ABARKA ONGD is committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for volunteers. With a strong focus on non-formal education, ABARKA has extensive experience in managing international projects and working with diverse communities. Location: Oiartzun, a small town in the Basque Country, Spain, known for its strong community spirit and commitment to environmental sustainability. Duration: 6 months, with the possibility of extension to 12 months. ________________________________________ 2. Role Description Tasks and Responsibilities: 1. Work with Gipuzkoa Food Bank (3 days/week and on demand) Activity: Permanent volunteering in the Oiartzun warehouse, mornings (8–13h), doing warehouse or office tasks. An agreement with ABARKA ONGD enables volunteers to participate in this essential work, directly supporting the organization’s daily mission to reduce the social divide. Through these efforts, ABARKA shares food aid with thousands of families in deep need, providing tangible support and fostering solidarity within the community. At the Gipuzkoa Food Bank, we offer a variety of volunteer positions to match different skills and interests: • Forklift Operator – Assist in moving and organising pallets of food in the warehouse. • Companion for Visits to Social Entities – Accompany staff on visits to organisations that receive food supplies, helping with communication and logistics. • Company and Association Visitor – Visit local companies and associations to strengthen partnerships and support food collection campaigns. • Food Safety Officer – Help ensure that all stored and distributed food meets safety and hygiene standards. Each volunteer will be assigned one main responsibility at the start of the volunteering. Each day, once the core tasks in that role are completed, you will be asked to support other areas as needed, ensuring the smooth running of daily operations. Working hours vary depending on the role and the season, with flexibility to adjust to operational needs. During the day, there is a mandatory coffee break for all volunteers. This is a dedicated time for networking, sharing experiences, and building the strong community spirit that defines the Food Bank. Everyone is expected to stop their tasks and join the coffee area when the break is announced. By joining us, you’ll not only contribute to fighting food waste and supporting vulnerable communities, but you’ll also become part of a team that values cooperation, adaptability, and human connection. • Contribution: o Direct solidarity: Support in the collection, classification, and distribution of food to vulnerable beneficiaries in Gipuzkoa, aligned with the mission to fight waste and social exclusion. • Ideal profile: o Stable commitment (3 day per week). o Physical capacity for logistical tasks. o Sensitivity towards the mission of combating waste and exclusion. o Organisational skills and teamwork. • Expected impact: o Improved efficiency in food distribution. o Strengthening the volunteer network (already over 180 regular volunteers). ________________________________________ 2. Digital Inclusion Programme in Oiartzun (2 days/week + on demand) Activity: In-person computer and digital literacy workshops for adults, delivered in Oiartzun. Sessions can take place in social centres, at home, or in community spaces. • AGE-TECH context: Age-tech refers to technologies designed for older adults to promote independence, prevent isolation, and boost social participation (voice assistants, sensors, adapted platforms). • Ideal profile: o Holding digital skills (basic computing, smartphone use, video calls, online admin platforms). o Empathy and teaching skills to work with adult or senior learners. o Flexibility to adapt workshop content to specific needs. • Expected impact: o Reduce the digital divide for older adults. o Improve autonomy for tasks such as banking, medical appointments, or family communication. o Foster local social innovation by promoting inclusive use of technology. 3. Additional tasks • Event Coordination: o Assist in planning and executing cultural and social events, including workshops, seminars, and community gatherings. o Promote events through social media and other communication channels. • Administrative Support: o Help with administrative tasks related to project management, such as preparing materials, documenting activities, and maintaining databases. Daily Schedule: • 5 hours/day: Core tasks (social media management, community engagement, event coordination). • 2 hours/day: Personal project development and language learning. • Flexible working arrangements to accommodate volunteer needs and project requirements. (Monday to Friday) • Weekends: Free, with occasional weekend activities compensated by additional days off. ________________________________________ 3. Eligibility & Skills Required Competencies: • Languages: Proficiency in English and Spanish. • Skills: o Experience in managing social media platforms (content creation, scheduling, analytics). o Digital literacy (internet, AI, online banking user experience, administrative management online like to book meetings, answer emails, search institution, online tool for communication, digital safety…) also with tools for social media and online communication (e.g., Canva, social media dashboards). o Experience working with elderly people or individuals with special needs. o Experience in social animation activities or community-focused events. Preferred Competencies: • Ability to plan and execute small social campaigns. • Flexibility to assist in adult workshops and activities. • Strong interpersonal and communication skills. • Cultural sensitivity and adaptability. ________________________________________ 4. Learning & Development Mentorship: • Each volunteer will be assigned a mentor from ABARKA’s team to provide guidance, support, and feedback throughout the project. • Mentors will assist with personal and professional development, helping volunteers achieve their learning goals. • Regular one-on-one meetings to discuss progress, challenges, and personal development goals. Training: • Pre-departure training covering topics such as intercultural communication, project management, safety measure. • On-site training in social media management, community engagement, event coordination and digital tools used by ABARKA. • Workshops on personal development, leadership, and teamwork. Personal Project Space: • Volunteers will have the opportunity to develop and implement a personal project aligned with ABARKA’s mission and ESC objectives. • ABARKA will provide support and resources to help volunteers achieve their project goals. ________________________________________ 5. Practical Arrangements Accommodation: • Volunteers will be provided with safe and comfortable shared accommodation near the project site (10-15min working). The house is rented for the project, and it is located at 15min to the city center of Oiartzun. • Shared housing with other volunteers, equipped with modern amenities and internet access. Housing includes modern facilities such as Wi-Fi, Electricity, water, heating, Kitchen, fridge, washing machine and access to bicycle line connecting San Sebastian (10km) and Irun (12km). • The nearest bus stop is 10-15 minutes walking to and from the house. • The nearest supermarket is at 10-15 minutes walking from the house. Meals and other allowance: • Monthly Allowance will be provided to cover meals and pocket money; each volunteer is responsible for cooking their own food. • Money for Meal: 180€ per month. • Pocket Money: 6€ per day (About: 180€ per month). • Transportation to refill the public transport card: 30€ per month. • Total monthly allowance: 390€ Travel Cost: • Contribution to the travel costs of participants from their place of origin to Oiartzun (Spain) and return. o For travel distances between 100 and 499 KM: 211€ per participant o For travel distances between 500 and 1 999 KM: 309€ per participant o For travel distances between 2 000 and 2 999 KM: 396€ per participant o For travel distances between 3 000 and 3 999 KM: 580€ per participant o For travel distances between 4 000 and 7 999 KM: 1188€ per participant Insurance: • Comprehensive HENNER health insurance will be provided under the ESC program. • ABARKA also hold a yearly subscription to civil liability insurance covering any damage caused by it workers or volunteers during our activities. • ABARKA also hold a special Travel Insurance to cover it staff while travelling abroad for project purposes. It is issued before each trip. Safety Measures: • Volunteers will receive a detailed safety briefing upon arrival. • Emergency contact numbers and local support will be available 24/7. • Regular check-ins with ABARKA staff and the mentor to ensure the volunteer’s well-being. ________________________________________ 6. Community Engagement & Impact How Volunteers Contribute to ABARKA ONGD’s Goals: • Volunteers will play a crucial role in increasing the visibility of ABARKA’s projects through effective social media management. • By engaging with the local community, volunteers will help promote social inclusion and intercultural understanding. • Volunteers will support ABARKA’s mission to address societal challenges, such as unemployment, discrimination, and social isolation, through community-focused activities. Expected Impact: • Enhanced community engagement and participation in ABARKA’s initiatives. • Increased awareness of ESC projects and their benefits among local and international audiences. • Strengthened partnerships with local organizations and stakeholders. ________________________________________
Datele activității
De la 01/10/2025 până la 31/03/2026
Locul activității
Agerralde Etxadia 7b, Oiartzun, Spania
Tipul de activitate
Voluntariat individual
Se caută participanți din
Austria, Belgia, Bulgaria, Cipru, Croația, Czechia, Danemarca, Estonia, Finlanda, Franța, Germania, Grecia, Irlanda, Italia, Letonia, Lituania, Luxemburg, Macedonia de Nord, Malta, Moldova, Polonia, Portugalia, România, Serbia, Slovacia, Slovenia, Suedia, Ungaria, Țările de Jos
Temele activității
Social challenges
Citizenship and democratic participation
Creativity and culture
Nutrition and subsistence agriculture
Data-limită pentru înscriere
Termenul-limită pentru înscriere: 31/08/2025 23:59