BE THE CHANGE
JESUIT REFUGEE SERVICE EUROPE
Brussels, Belgium
Description
The JRS volunteer service enables young people to contribute to more inclusive EU societies, being engaged with and supporting vulnerable people, and constructively respond to a major challenge that the EU is facing in this moment, which is the rising of populism, nationalism and anti-immigration sentiments. The JRS Volunteer service aims to promote solidarity by enabling young people to volunteer in this cross-border European JRS project that increases cooperation in a field of interest for Youth, and allows them to become active citizens, promote cohesion and social inclusion by showing solidarity with refugees and vulnerable migrants. The JRS Volunteers will participate in high quality solidarity activities in the areas of JRS Europe´s Programmes/Fundraising, Communication and Advocacy Unit in Brussels respectively. Each activity will be related to a specific learning dimension, thus contributing to the personal development of the volunteer, to the team and to the local community.
Accommodation, food and transport arrangements
JRS Europe ESC program will support for Travel arrangements (including briefing on visa, vaccinations, insurance, local transport upon arrival in Brussels). At date of arrival, welcome and reception by Volunteer Coordinator and Mentor at Brussels office. Accommodation to be found before departure, either provided by JRS communities, or individually found with the support of JRS Europe. Volunteers hosted will sign a Volunteer contract, clarification of bank account for stipend. The volunteers will receive pay out of a stipend including pocket money, transport, food and accommodation.
Training during the activity
Please, mention in your application your preferred volunteering opportunity in: • Programs / Fundraising Unit : learning how to research a fundamental topic and roll out a program, the steps from concept to implementation, monitoring of a project and participate writing Grant Funding Applications or identifying new donors and approach them. • Communication : learning to use communication as a tool to advocate for the rights of refugees and migrants in a European network. • Advocacy : experience the different areas of advocacy with European public institutions and NGO networks in Brussels.
Participant profile
Between 18 and 29 years old (signing the volunteer agreement before your 30th birthday). From an eligible country of the ESC program as published here (selected countries). Ukrainian displaced youth with a temporary protection status in the EU can apply and won´t need a sending organisation from Ukraine. Interest in working with refugees and people from diverse cultures, and feeling comfortable in a multicultural team. Ability to speak and write in English (our working language is English), while knowledge in other European languages is also welcome. Previous experience or studies in the refugee field, or having volunteered in civil society projects is an asset, but not a requirement. Being open to learn about organisational processes and skills, with a sense of taking initiative. Willingness to work in an office environment, using Microsoft Office suite. Please note: we are the European office, coordinating projects for JRS on European level, thus our work is more office work, while our colleagues in the partner organisations are the ones who are mainly in direct contact with beneficiaries.
Activity dates
From 01/06/2026 to 31/05/2028
Activity location
Chaussée de Wavre 205, Brussels, Belgium
Activity type
Individual volunteering
Looking for participants from
Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo * UN resolution, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Ukraine
Activity topics
Reception and integration of refugees and migrants
Deadline for applications
Application deadline: 31/05/2028 23:59
Project code
2026-1-BE04-ESC51-VTJ-000401609