Summary
New Field Foundation is seeking a volunteer Research Associate to provide research support as we develop our grantmaking program on grassroots women’s initiatives in Africa. This position offers the right candidate an opportunity to access and review information that is not readily available, while being part of a dynamic team in a creative process.
About New Field Foundation
New Field Foundation is a newly formed 501C3 non-profit corporation located in San Francisco as a Supporting Organization of Tides Foundation. Its mission is to provide grants benefiting women, children and families facing extreme poverty and injustice, through a range of strategies including economic empowerment, community organizing, and grassroots institutional capacity building. The Foundation anticipates forming long-term relationships with partner organizations as well as making small, targeted grants. New Field will initially focus on international grantmaking in Africa and Asia.
Volunteer Responsibilities
The volunteer Research Associate will provide support in all aspects of research on women’s initiatives in Africa. For each region, we will obtain a broad-strokes current picture of the women’s movement, and will explore how many, and what kind of, programs exist in the region that are initiated and led by women facing poverty and injustice. For two or three countries, we will conduct a more detailed profile including demographic data, overview of the NGO/civil sector, funding environment and funding gaps, overview of the status of women and women’s movement, and examples of organizations, projects and initiatives addressing New Field’s priorities.
More specifically, the volunteer Research Associate will:
1. Research funding flows into Southern Africa, and present summary
findings;
2. Update country statistics and data on Southern Africa countries;
3. Help identify women’s initiatives in Southern Africa and prepare
write-ups;
4. Compile information about relevant organizations in Southern and West
Africa;
5. Provide back-up research as requested by staff and present summary of
findings.
The Research Associate will be invited to attend briefings on different topics at various times.
Terms of Volunteering
We are seeking a Volunteer Research Associate who can ideally start immediately, is available for 8-12 hours per week, and can offer a commitment of 3-6 months. Preference will be given to candidates who are able to work from our office, which is based in the Presidio of San Francisco. The position is unpaid, but reimbursement for BART and MUNI travel is available.
Preferred Qualifications
1. Experience conducting online research and presenting summaries.
2. Strong written and verbal communication skills.
3. Effective in organizing large amounts of material electronically.
4. Interest in women’s issues, grassroots social change, and/or
international development.
Application Process
To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to Yuri Futamura, Foundation Associate, at [email protected]. The deadline for applying is Friday, March 5th, but early applications are strongly encouraged.
