Volunteering

 

The Australian Institute of Policy and Science encourages volunteers to get involved in our activities. We rely on volunteers to sustain our work as a not-for-profit. We can 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 description and supervisor. All volunteer positions attract reimbursement of luncheon and travel to a maximum of $10 per day volunteered, and any other work-related expenses. 

 

These are the volunteers we still need in 2010:

 

  • Graphic Design Assistant (Sydney - national): Develop new kit for national Tall Poppy Campaign promotion including Reaching Students program and work on content and presentation of our Annual Report for 2009-10 - urgent - required June 2010.
  • Outreach Assistant(s) (Perth and Darwin): Work to the Executive Director in Sydney to follow up policy developments with potential WA and NT partners (state government, universities and corporate sector) with the aim of supporting the launch annd implementation of Tall Poppy Campaign school and community outreach activites and Young Tall Poppy Science Awards in WA and NT. These positions could work remotely (potentially home-based).
  • Outreach Coordinator Queensland: A passion for science communication and engagement would be an advantage as you support our Tall Poppy Campaign Manager for the ACT/NSW/QLD in implementing a schools, teacher and also community based outreach activity base in Queensland. Great admin, computer and communication skills - including written - would be an advantage alongside strategic thinking. PT teacher, or a graduate might be suitable for this position.
  • Program Assistant (Hobart): Work to the Vic/Tas Tall Poppy Campaign Manager to promote the Young Tall Popy Science Awards and develop proposals and partnerships for the 2010 outreach program. This position would initially work remotely (potentially home-based).  A retired or PT teacher or recent graduate might be suitable. A passion for science communication and engagement would be an advantage. Good IT and admin skills considered highly.
  • Policy Assistant(s) (Sydney/national): join our volunter team to 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 positions would suit a post graduate student in a related science field, communications, public policy or a related field. The position(s) could work largely remotely but preferably be Sydney based.

 

The Institute is open to considering other volunteer arrangements based around individuals' interests, study requirements, skills and availability by contacting us in addition to the roles described below. Generally these are available to Australian residents or those with work rights and we do not normally support visa applications for such placements. 

 

Volunteer positions filled in 2010 include:

 

  • Events Officer - national (based Sydney NSW) - Post Budget Health Briefing 2010
  • Web and Online Development - national  (based Sydney NSW)
  • Outreach Officer - national (based Sydney NSW)
  •  Web Assistant - Adelaide SA
  • Innovation Assistant - national (based Adelaide SA)
  • Editorial Assistant: AQ - national (based Brisbane QLD)
  •  Editorial Assistant:AQ - national (based Sydney NSW)
  • Editorial Assistant: AQ - national (based Canberra ACT)

 Testimonials:


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