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FAQ

Why have we designed this fellowship?

Research tells us that organisations that have used volunteers have been able to achieve the same impact as those that have not at half the cost. We designed this fellowship for the following reasons:

  • Volunteer Management is a new and upcoming career which is not known to many. The fellowship will give a glimpse into what a career in volunteer management will entail, and provide a path for extroverted people-lovers to build a career in working with a large number of people, to create social impact.  

  • To enable NGOs to achieve their goals by leveraging volunteers at scale and in a structured manner. The lack of a dedicated Volunteer Manager is a key factor that prevents NGOs from realising the full potential of the scale and impact they can achieve through the talent that may not be looking to work in the social sector, but can contribute both time and skills.

  • The Fellowship will train the fellows in all aspects of sourcing, engaging, retaining and motivating volunteers as well as engaging their organisation, thus building a cadre of highly skilled talent that will not only have great growth opportunities for themselves but also enhance the potential of the organisations they work for. 

  • The Fellowship will also build the internal capacity of the NGOs to engage Fellows and volunteers year after year with very high ROI in the form of actual value created

What does success mean for this Fellowship?

The success of the Fellowship is determined by the following factors:

  • 1,00,000 volunteering hours per NGO in Year 1 = 1 million volunteering hours created across 10 NGOs

  • Built/Improved the capacity of 10 NGOs to engage volunteers

  • 10 Volunteer Fellows trained to be Volunteer Managers

  • 100% of the Fellows get absorbed in the NGO (or in other organisations in the sector) @ min salary of Rs. 30,000 p.m

  • Articulation of an RoI for each NGO (Value of Volunteering hours in monetary terms)

What to expect from your host NGO?

The Fellowships expectations from the host NGO are:

  • Onboarding and induction to the organisation's culture and work

  • A chance to interact with the staff and organisation's stakeholders to understand the programme needs and plan volunteering activities

  • All necessary tools and support to perform your role well 

However, please be aware that nonprofits are not rich with funds and may not be able to provide a fancy workplace or benefits.

What career path can I expect post 1 year of Fellowship?

Here is what the Fellow can gain from the 1-Year Fellowship:

  • The field of volunteering is upcoming and new and there are several job opportunities awaiting skilled people. On completing the fellowship successfully the Fellow will be offered a full-time payroll position in the NGO they have worked with an average 10% hike in salary, compared to the stipend.

  • Atma and their partners will also enable placement in other nonprofits in India in roles where a skilled volunteer manager can be absorbed if the original NGO you did your Fellowship with isn't able to absorb you. Between Atma and its partners, we offer a 100% guaranteed placement at a minimum salary of Rs.30,000 per month to those who successfully complete the Fellowship. 

  • Additionally, this Fellowship and the network access the Fellow gets will open up job opportunities for them in other organisations as well, including in corporates that seek volunteer management talent.

How will I be supported during the 1 year fellowship?

The Fellow will be supported in the following ways:

  • Periodic training via boot camps, and learning sessions (both physical and online) to help understand and learn about all aspects of volunteer management (from recruiting to motivating to retaining, placing, engaging and upscaling volunteers)

  • There is a dedicated, experienced Volunteer Manager from Atma who will support the Fellows on their daily operating challenges and enable them to make the most of the opportunities that come their way. The Atma VM will be a guide for the Fellows. 

  • Additionally, you will receive mentoring and guidance from the leadership of the NGO you are placed in.

  • A panel of experts from the social sector will be available to provide training and also occasionally to have deep conversations with and learn from. 

What is the role of a Change Fellow?

The role of the Volunteer Lead Fellow (one per organisation) will include: 

  • Full time one year commitment with the host NGO

  • Creating and identifying volunteering opportunities

  • Sourcing and managing volunteers

  • Planning and executing volunteering projects

  • Tracking volunteer data and reporting volunteering numbers and hours

  • Conducting pre- and post-intervention baseline/end line to review the impact

  • Create systems and processes required to manage the volunteering vertical

  • Coordinating with stakeholders within and outside the host organisation (eg. working with the partnerships team to engage CSR/corporate employees in volunteering)

  • Periodic reporting to Atma Fellowship Volunteer Manager

  • Attending training & capacity-building workshops & boot-campsESIRABLE)

  • Have been a volunteer manager/ leader. (Desirable)

  • Bachelor's degree or above in any field (Desirable)

There is no upper age limit to apply. However, candidates must be adults, i.e., at least 18 years completed as on April 1, 2023.

Who should apply for the role of a Change fellow?

You should apply if you relate to the following:

  • You love interacting with people and are able to convince and excite people and enjoy building networks

  • You are not easily fazed by challenges and believe in making things happen even if they seem difficult

  • You want to bring a change on a large scale

  • You love volunteering and believe that everyone should volunteer

  • Keen to work in the development sector

  • You wish to explore and gain experience at grassroots and field levels in the nonprofit sector

Where will the Volunteer Lead Fellow be working from?

Volunteer Lead Fellow will be placed in the NGO and will be required to work out of the NGO office in Mumbai. Some NGOs may offer partial WFH options. 

What if you are not based in Mumbai?

Only apply if you are willing to relocate at your own expense to Mumbai. Please reach out to trupti@atma.org.in for any further queries"

What is the duration of the fellowship?

The Fellowship will run for one year i.e. 12 months. If selected, you are expected to join on the 01st of April 2023.

What is the selection process for this role?

The process consists of four major stages as listed below:
Stage 1- Application to fill out online
Stage 2- Task-based assessment (Participate in a volunteering event and bring 10 volunteers with you to it)
Stage 3- Personal Interview
Stage 4- Onboarding and placement with the NGO

What are the benefits for the Volunteer Lead fellow?

The benefits are:

  • Explore the new "unexplored" non-profit volunteering vertical as a career

  • Capacity building through training & boot camp for managing to volunteer for nonprofits

  • Experience working with dynamic NGO top leadership to drive volunteering vertical

  • Develop leadership skills and enhance your decision-making abilities by leading and managing the volunteering needs and volunteers

  • Joy and satisfaction of helping an NGO achieve their goal of helping their stakeholders

How much will the Volunteer Lead Fellow get paid?

Fellows will be paid a stipend of INR 25,000 per month during the Fellowship period.

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