Civil Society Groups

Role Overview
Working at VSO

VSO is the world's leading international non-governmental organisation that works through volunteers to create a fair world for everyone. In 2022/23, over 7,700 dedicated individuals from across the globe volunteered with VSO, bringing their abilities to support almost 11 million people in 35 countries.

Our work centres on those who are left out by society – those living in extreme poverty or with disability and illness. Those who face discrimination and violence because of their gender, sexuality, or social status. Those who are at risk from disaster, disease, and conflict.

But they are not passive beneficiaries of aid; they are the "primary actors" at the heart of our efforts. From their perspective, we define the issues, opportunities, and solutions that drive sustainable, local-led change. These individuals are the key agents of their own transformation.

Role Overview Summary
The Accompanier will work closely with a cluster of selected Civil Society Group (CSGs) in Makueni County to capacity build, strengthen and continue with mentorship through VSO (VfD) volunteering for Development Approach. They will also strengthen the CSG's technical, organizational and leadership capacity, fostering gender and disability inclusion, support adoption of accountability and participatory practices, amplify people's collective voice for policy influence and make the government accountable. The role will help to build trust, co-facilitate holistic participatory capacity strengthening processes through accompaniment, mentoring, coaching, peer-learnings and field exposure, encourage linkages for collaboration and enable CSGs to become self- reliant and sustainable. Working alongside other VSO volunteer team, project staff, and local implementing partners, the role supports a shift in power where CSGs lead and volunteers facilitate, empower, connect and enable-through equitable partnerships, mutual respect, and locally led development.

Ideal Applicant Summary

Experienced in engaging civil society groups—such as grassroots, youth, women, and disability associations—to empower communities to claim their rights. Demonstrates a basic understanding of civil society strengthening, locally led development, equitable partnerships, and rights-based approaches. Skilled in using participatory tools including inclusive governance, social accountability, and citizen-led monitoring. Strong in facilitation, mentoring, and coaching, with a focus on creating inclusive, respectful spaces. Knowledgeable about volunteerism, local governance, and power dynamics. Committed to VSO's mission, values, safeguarding, and behavioural standards.

Equal Opportunities:
VSO is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. In line with our disability inclusion commitment, persons with disabilities who meet the requirements are strongly encouraged to apply.

Equal Opportunities:
VSO promotes equal opportunities and values a diverse workforce.

VSO reserves the right to close this job early if we receive a sufficient number of applications.
Disclaimer:
VSO is committed to a fair, transparent and merit-based recruitment. VSO does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Any such request in VSO's name is fraudulent and should be disregarded. Please report suspicious requests to

Additional Information

Accomodation
Please note that accommodation is not provided, as this opportunity is intended for individuals based in or residing within the project area.

Volunteer Allowance
All volunteers have an allowance paid in local currency. The allowance meets reasonable living expenses in country, but will not be enough to send money home.

VSO works with some of the poorest communities in the world which means accommodation varies and will be basic.

VSO is the world's leading development organisation that works through volunteers to fight poverty. We are unique in the way we bring people together to share their skills and experience, generate insights and ideas and, most of all, take action against poverty and exclusion. It's a highly effective approach that works, and today is helping millions of people in some of the world's poorest communities lift themselves out of poverty.