Volunteering

 

The Australian Institute of Policy and Science encourages volunteers to get involved in our activities. We need volunteers to sustain our work as a not-for-profit, and are deeply indebted to our current and past volunteers. Roles are currently available in NSW, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia.

 

We also accommodate student internships and work experience placements. As a relatively small organisation, our volunteer program is not overly formal, although every volunteer has a position desription and supervisor. All volunteer positions attract reimbursement of luncheon and travel to the volunteering position to a maximum of $10 per day volunteered, and any other work-related expenses explicitly agreed to with AIPS.

 

Volunteers can work with us on a range of tasks including event organising, science promotion activities, writing tasks, research and website maintenance. The Institute is open to considering other volunteer arrangements based around individuals' interests, study requirements, skills and availability by contacting us.

 

Below is a summary of volunteer positions we currently need in 2010:

 

• Web Assistant (Adelaide): Update sections of our website (some web experience required, ability to work with images, good written communication skills). Ideally this position would be based in Adelaide but could work remotely.  
• Editorial Assistant (Sydney/national): Work with the Executive Director and Editor of AQ: Australian Quarterly to attract contributions to 2010 themed editions of the magazine. Good oral and written communication skills a must. Knowledge of the policy and/or science sector an advantage. This position would suit a university student or recent graduate in communications, journalism, science(s), politics or a related field. The position could work remotely.
• Policy Assistant(s) (Sydney/National): Work to the Executive Director and service Institute working groups on climate change, renewable energy, water and/or health, our key theme areas for 2010 to support research, policy and outreach activities.These (up to four) positions would suit a university student or recent graduate in a related science field, communications, politics, economics or a related field. The position(s) could work remotely.
• Liaison Assistant (Perth and/or Darwin): Work to the Executive Director in Sydney in following up policy developments and arranging meetings with potential WA and NT supporters (state government, universities and corporate sector) with the aim of launching the Tall Poppy Campaign and Young Tall Poppy Science Awards in WA and NT in 2010. Assist with sponsorship proposals.This position would work remotely (potentially home-based).
• Liaison Assistant (Brisbane): Work to the Tall Poppy Campaign Mansager in following up policy developments, support preparations for meetings with potential QLD supporters (government, academic and industry sectors) for the launch of the Tall Poppy Campaign and the second Young Tall Poppy Science Awards in QLD in 2010.  This position might initally work remotely (potentially home-based).  A retired or PT teacher, or a recent graduate might be suitable for this position. A passion for science communication and engagement would be an advantage.
• Schools Assistant (Melbourne): Work to the Victoria / Tasmania Tall Poppy Campaign Manager to grow our youth outreach and mentoring program in Victoria and assist in organising events in partnership with universities and other organisations in Victoria targeting youth, parents and the broader community to encourage an understanding of science and an interest in pursuing careers in science. A retired or PT teacher might be suitable for this position. Good IT and admin skills would also be considered highly. 
• Program Assistant (Hobart): Work to the Victoria / Tasmania Tall Poppy Campaign Manager to assist in promoting the Victoria / Tasmania Young Tall Popy Science Awards and developing proposals and partnerships for an outreach program in 2010. This position would initially work remotely (potentially home-based).  A retired or PT teacher or recent graduate might be suitable for this position. A passion for science communication and engagement would be an advantage. Good IT and admin skills would also be considered highly.

 

Testimonial:

I have found volunteering with AIPS a most rewarding and beneficial experience. The AIPS team is extremely supportive, and has made me feel welcome and valued. In addition to gaining experience in a wide variety of tasks and programs, I have benefited from a work program tailored to my specific interests, abilities, and future career goals. Volunteering with AIPS is an excellent opportunity, and I have no hesitation in recommending it to others.

- Edmund Ward, Policy Assistant, June 2009