🇨🇷 ESC Volunteering in Costa Rica 📱 Communications & Innovation Specialist for Migrant Rights with SJM-CR ✊

Do you want to put your communication and project skills to work defending the rights of migrants and refugees in Central America? The Jesuit Migrant Service Costa Rica (SJM-CR), hosted through Fundación ALBOAN, is looking for a Humanitarian Aid volunteer to support communications, project management and innovation for humanitarian action and migrant rights in San José.

About the Host

Servicio Jesuita para Migrantes Costa Rica (SJM-CR) supports migrant populations arriving in Costa Rica and is seeking support in project management, social and policy advocacy, and training for migrant and refugee populations.

FUNDACION ALBOAN

SJM-CR

11501 SAN JOSE, Costa Rica

What You'll Do

📱 Communication: lead activities in communication, social media management and other public outreach channels.

📊 Management and monitoring: support the design of a MEAL system, review logical frameworks, theories of change and operational plans, and draft project proposals.

📑 Policy advocacy: develop technical materials such as briefs, infographics and position papers, and support dialogue with various key stakeholders.

🤖 Training and innovation: facilitate workshops focused on DESCA rights (economic, social, cultural and environmental rights) and the use of artificial intelligence tools applied to projects implemented by civil society organisations.

⏱️ The commitment is 40 hours per week, working primarily in San José, with the option of one day of remote work per internal policy.

Training

🎓 Face-to-face training before volunteering takes place in Bilbao, Spain, followed by training programmes offered by the host organisation.

🌐 Volunteers have access to European training platforms including the Online Language Support (OLS), General Online Training (GOT) and SALTO.

🌟 During the experience, participants develop a range of transferable skills such as time management, independence, intercultural awareness and competence, teamwork, active listening and dialogue, a volunteer mindset, problem-solving and advocacy skills, and all skills acquired are certified through the Youthpass.

What's Covered

✈️ Round-trip expenses to and from the country, visa expenses and vaccines are covered.

🏠 Accommodation and its maintenance are provided, located near the organisation's offices in Montes de Oca, a safe residential area close to the campus of the country's leading university.

💶 An allowance for personal expenses is provided, along with other support services such as training and language support, and support throughout the volunteering period by both the hosting and sending organisation.

🌎 Also in Latin America, open in 🇬🇹 Guatemala: ESC Volunteering in 🇬🇹 Guatemala – Communication and Community Work → https://youthworkshub.org/20732

Who Can Apply

🎓 Preferably a professional or student in Communication, Social Sciences, project management, development cooperation or related fields such as International Relations, International Cooperation, Political Science, Sociology or Migrations. Candidates from other fields with experience working with migrant and refugee populations or in non-profit organisations will also be considered.

💡 A good fit if you have knowledge of communication and social media management; an interest in identifying and approaching potential funding sources to contribute to the organisation's sustainability; knowledge of or interest in social project management within nonprofit organisations; knowledge of human mobility, the rights of migrants and refugees, international human rights law and humanitarian law (familiarity with the migration context in Latin America is a plus); and interest or experience in using AI tools applied to communication, project management and institutional strengthening. A basic level of Spanish sufficient to function independently in daily tasks is desirable.

🤝 The role calls for the ability to adapt to changing and multicultural environments, active listening and sensitivity to situations of vulnerability, autonomy in organising work and meeting deadlines, analytical thinking, teamwork, a commitment to the values of social justice, human dignity, interculturalism and a gender- and rights-based approach, and openness to learning and ongoing feedback.

Eligibility

🌍 Candidates must be 18 to 35 years old and reside in one of the eligible countries (an EU Member State, North Macedonia, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Türkiye).

🪪 Applicants must have completed the compulsory Humanitarian Aid Volunteering training and must not have participated before in individual Humanitarian Aid Volunteering. When adding this new opportunity to any previous participation in EU volunteering programmes, the total duration cannot exceed 12 months.

📱 Same humanitarian communication spirit, different country: ESC Volunteering in 🇫🇷 France – Humanitarian Communication and Citizenship → https://youthworkshub.org/20903

The Details

📍 Location: Montes de Oca, San José, Costa Rica.

📅 The placement takes place within the period 15 June to 20 December 2026.

📌 Note on dates: This placement runs across the period 15 June to 20 December 2026 (about 6 months). As the listed start date has already passed, the exact start is likely flexible — please confirm the current start date and duration directly with the coordinator while applying.

🧩 Activity type: Individual Humanitarian Aid Volunteering. Topics: reception and integration of refugees and migrants, employment and entrepreneurship, and working against discrimination (including gender discrimination).

🔖 Project code: 2023-1-EACEA-VOLUN-101139973.

Eligible Countries

🌍 Looking for participants from 🇦🇹 Austria, 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇧🇬 Bulgaria, 🇭🇷 Croatia, 🇨🇾 Cyprus, 🇨🇿 Czechia, 🇩🇰 Denmark, 🇪🇪 Estonia, 🇫🇮 Finland, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇭🇺 Hungary, 🇮🇸 Iceland, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇱🇻 Latvia, 🇱🇮 Liechtenstein, 🇱🇹 Lithuania, 🇱🇺 Luxembourg, 🇲🇹 Malta, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇲🇰 North Macedonia, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇷🇴 Romania, 🇸🇰 Slovakia, 🇸🇮 Slovenia, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇸🇪 Sweden and 🇹🇷 Türkiye.

How to Apply

Apply through the European Solidarity Corps Portal by registering and expressing your interest in this opportunity using your ESC account. Note that this is a Humanitarian Aid Volunteering placement, so you must have completed the compulsory Humanitarian Aid Volunteering training beforehand.

💡 Want to know what organisations really look for in a volunteer before they select? This piece breaks down the qualities that make applicants stand out: https://youthworkshub.org/13941/

Deadline

📅 31 July 2026 (23:59)

Link

🔗 Official Project Page

https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity/opportunity/52379_en

✍️ How to write a motivation letter for ESC volunteering that actually gets read — and remembered.A motivation letter is often the single most important part of your ESC application, yet most people write them too generically or too formally to make an impact. This guide walks you through what to include, what to leave out, how to structure your letter, and how to express genuine motivation without sounding like everyone else. Whether you're writing your first letter or rewriting one that didn't work, this is the guide you need. 👉 https://youthworkshub.org/6061/

🤝 What is a supporting organisation in ESC volunteering — and why does it matter for you? Most people know about sending and hosting organisations in ESC projects, but the role of the supporting organisation is far less understood — and far more important than it appears. This article clearly explains what a supporting organisation does, how it fits into the structure of an ESC project, and how its involvement directly affects the volunteer's experience and support throughout the programme. A must-read if you want to fully understand how ESC is structured. 👉 https://youthworkshub.org/6051/

💡 What do organisations actually look for in an ESC volunteer? Getting selected for an ESC volunteering project isn't just about ticking boxes — it's about showing the right combination of values, attitude, and genuine motivation. This article digs into the skills and personal qualities that make a real difference during the selection process, and explains why some candidates stand out while others don't. If you want to understand what a strong volunteer profile looks like before you apply, this is essential reading. 👉 https://youthworkshub.org/13941/

🗺️ Which countries can apply for Erasmus+ and ESC? — The complete and up-to-date country list. A lot of people assume Erasmus+ and ESC are only available to European Union member states — but the reality is much more inclusive. Programme countries, partner countries, and special eligibility rules mean that young people from far more places can participate than most realise. This article provides the full, up-to-date list of eligible countries for both Erasmus+ and ESC, with clear explanations of what each status means for applicants. 👉 https://youthworkshub.org/15124/

⚠️ Important Notice

1️⃣ Source of Information

This announcement has been prepared based on the information provided by the source.

2️⃣ No Affiliation

YouthWorks Hub is not the organiser, partner, or representative of the projects listed. All applications must be submitted directly to the project coordinator or hosting organisation through the original link, email, etc.

3️⃣ Content May Change

The project coordinator is solely responsible for the accuracy and details of the opportunity. Deadlines, eligible countries, activity dates, and other details may change, or the announcement may be withdrawn entirely, at any time after publication. Always check the original link before applying.

4️⃣ Funding

All funding, travel reimbursements, and allowances are determined and provided by the project coordinator or National Agency. YouthWorks Hub is not responsible for any payments or financial matters.

5️⃣ External Links

Listings may contain links to third-party websites, forms, or documents (e.g. the ESC Portal, infopacks, application forms). YouthWorks Hub is not responsible for the content, accuracy, or security of these external sources.

💡 Final Note: All listings are shared for informational purposes only. Please always verify details directly through the official project coordinator or programme website before applying.