Tactical Tech

[Open Call for a Volunteer to join our communications team] European Solidarity Corps Programme

6 minutes read | First published: September 10, 2024
3 persons in front of a colourful poster collaborating
Tactical Tech is opening a year-long volunteer opportunity for an individual who wants to learn more about creative interventions that champion a digitally resilient society and join our communications and partnerships team in the Berlin-based office.
Tactical Tech is an international NGO with an office in Berlin. We build communities' capacity to navigate and shape their collective social, political, and environmental futures within the context of digital transformation. We achieve this through innovative, collaborative, and impactful initiatives that are replicable, scalable, and adaptable.
This volunteer position offers a unique insight into the communications process of an international organization, from the strategic phase to operational tasks, as well as strategies around partnerships and the creation of networks of partners worldwide that champion digital and media literacy interventions in their communities. The volunteer will have the opportunity to engage with our different projects in a rotation methodology, ranging from projects focused on enabling critical thinking and digital literacy to projects dedicated to building the capacity of civil society actors on the evolving topics of influence and opinion-making in the digital age.

Your daily responsibilities will include:

Communication channels & Social media:
  • Support the development of project-led communications assets in different formats designed to reach different audiences and stakeholders.
  • Preparing content for the In the Loop eNewsletter.
  • Update the website regularly.
  • Social media management: Create a social media calendar, posts, and visual assets. Use the project assets for social media posts. Interact with the audience.
Relationships with partners:
  • Develop communications material to recruit, engage with and promote the work of Tactical Tech's partners.
  • Identify and draft impact stories for Tactical Tech websites.
  • Develop communications material to engage with and promote the work of Tactical Tech's partners.
Performance tracking and Statistics:
  • Create and maintain a library of sample images, branding, etc.
  • Maintain statistics on a. outreach, b—social media, and c. third-party media. Create quarterly reports and send them to the corresponding teams.
Your learnings will include:
  • Insights into innovative projects aim to explain to a broader public the challenges and risks of technology.
  • Learning about the communications work and strategies of an international NGO.
  • Develop your communication and partnership-building skills, such as writing, proofreading, networking and design.
  • Work alongside a diverse, international team of highly engaged professionals with various expertise.
  • Work alongside a diverse, international team of highly engaged professionals with various expertise.
  • Work with a team, as well as independently, with support and guidelines.
  • Broaden your international network.
  • Opportunities to bring and develop your own ideas.

Your profile

  • A bachelor's degree in Communications, Design, Marketing, or other related fields (e.g., Public Relations, Media Studies, Journalism). An advanced degree (Master’s, MSc) in any of these disciplines is highly desirable.
  • Strong understanding of digital media, content creation, and branding strategies.
  • Familiarity with graphic design tools such as Canva, InDesign, social media platforms, and marketing analytics is a plus.
  • Your interest in or other experience related to communications, design, video editing, social media management, or similar fields will help.
  • Passion for writing and experimenting with different storytelling formats is a plus.
  • Experience managing social media, experience in CMS, Gitlab, Canva, and other digital communication tools skills are a definite plus.
  • You are between 18 and 30 years old when starting and haven't done ESC (EVS) volunteering yet.
  • You are between 18 and 30 years old when starting and haven't done ESC (EVS) volunteering yet.
  • You must also be legally resident in an EU member state or one of the following partner countries: Republic of Northern Macedonia and Turkey, Liechtenstein, Iceland and Norway, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, Serbia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Republic of Moldova, Ukraine, Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Syria, Tunisia.
  • Good spoken and written English, as well as other languages, including but not limited to German, is a great asset in our work.
  • You find Tactical Tech's mission and values inspiring, and you are open to working internationally and being sensitive to political situations and different world views.
  • You enjoy working in a team or international environment, getting engaged with new challenges in a collaborative and supportive manner, and being committed to an active listening and learning culture.
As with any position at Tactical Tech, we cultivate a culture of inclusion for all our team members that respects their individual strengths, views, and experiences. Tactical Tech is committed to achieving this by applying its affirmative action, equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policy in all aspects of employment and work. We strongly encourage applications from members of underserved communities and individuals whose identities are underrepresented in this activity.

How does it work

  • The volunteer placement is for a period of 12 months and can start between August and September.
  • Weekly working time: 30-35 hours (typically Monday through Friday; work on weekends can occasionally be required due to events).
  • Holiday entitlement: 25 days for the total volunteering period.
  • Please note that we would like to host a volunteer in Berlin for the entire duration of the volunteering period.
  • Volunteers receive a monthly allowance of 1000,00 EUR for accommodation, livelihood, pocket money, and monthly tickets (if the accommodation is provided from our side, the allowance will be reduced).
  • Finding accommodation in Berlin might be challenging. For that reason, it is important for us that you are aware of it. We will support you in your search and provide necessary assistance, but you might need to be flexible about the accommodation.
  • Participants have access and are encouraged to take an opportunity to take a German online language course.
  • Reimbursement of travel, visa, and insurance costs and support with visa application. Support and assistance with other formalities on the ground in Berlin.
  • Participation in ESC seminars provided by the National Agency is required.

EUROPEAN SOLIDARITY CORPS (ESC)

This opportunity is related to European Solidarity Corps funding and, therefore, must meet the programme's requirements.
The European Solidarity Corps is an initiative funded by the EU Commission under Erasmus+. Tactical Tech is a hosting organization for volunteers; each incoming volunteer needs a sending organization from his or her country.
Therefore, please check already which organization could be your sending organization and contact them. You can also check the database of sending organizations online. More information: https://europa.eu/youth/solidarity_en

How to apply

Please email your application to jobs@tacticaltech.org, subject line "European Solidarity Corps—Communications Team" with your CV and a cover letter in English in one document in PDF format by September 30th, 2024.
Please provide the following information in your application:
  • Your competencies and skills with a focus on communications, design/subjects / personal focus that you can contribute - languages, working fields where you are/were active in. If possible, please include a writing or/and design samples.
  • Necessary information for possible visa application (whether you need a visa or what kind of support you need from our side) and your availability.
The application can also be submitted in an alternative form, e.g. as a video or a presentation, if it answers the above-mentioned questions.
Please note that you can only apply if you are under the age of 30 and if you haven't done ESC volunteering already before.
If you are interested in the opportunity but are not sure you fulfill the criteria or have any questions, please contact us at jobs@tacticaltech.org. Only successful candidates will be contacted. Unfortunately, we do not have the capacity to respond to individual phone and email inquiries.