๐ท๐ธ ESC Volunteering in Serbia ๐ Grant Research and Proposal Development ๐ Humanitarian Aid, Novi Pazar ๐ท๐ธ
Are you analytical, detail-oriented, and passionate about nonprofit strategy, fundraising, and international project development โ with excellent written English? Merhamet Sandลพak, a humanitarian organisation in Novi Pazar, Serbia, is looking for an ESC volunteer to support their grant research and proposal development work. You will identify and analyse funding opportunities, monitor donor databases, assess eligibility and strategic fit, and contribute to early-stage proposal writing and concept note development โ directly supporting an organisation that provides humanitarian aid and long-term development support to IDPs, returnees, and vulnerable families. Round flight ticket, safe apartment in the city centre, and monthly allowance all covered. Deadline: 18 March 2026.
๐ท๐ธ Did You Know? Novi Pazar is the cultural and economic centre of the Sandลพak region in southwestern Serbia โ a city with a deeply distinctive identity shaped by centuries of Ottoman influence, a majority Bosniak population, and a rich tradition of Islamic architecture, craftsmanship, and cuisine. The nearby medieval monastery of Sopoฤani is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the old town bazaar area is one of the most atmospheric in the entire Western Balkans. It is one of the most culturally unique cities a volunteer could find in Serbia.
What Will You Do?
๐Identify and analyse grant calls, awards, and funding opportunities relevant to Merhamet Sandลพak’s humanitarian and development mission
๐Monitor funding databases and donor websites on an ongoing basis โ staying on top of new opportunities as they emerge
๐Assess the eligibility and strategic fit of funding opportunities and prepare concise, well-structured summaries for the team
โ๏ธSupport early proposal development โ including background research, collecting required information, and contributing to draft concept notes and sections of grant applications
๐คCollaborate closely with the Merhamet team across different workstreams โ contributing to the organisation’s broader fundraising and project development efforts
๐Participate in Merhamet’s capacity-building activities โ expanding your understanding of humanitarian programming, project cycle management, and the NGO sector in Serbia
๐ก Did You Know? Grant writing and proposal development are among the most in-demand skills in the international NGO and development sector โ and among the hardest to gain hands-on experience in without already being inside an organisation. This ESC placement is genuinely unusual: it offers a structured, mentored entry point into real grant research and proposal work within an active humanitarian organisation, making it one of the most career-relevant ESC placements currently available for those interested in nonprofit and development careers.
Accommodation, Food & Travel
โ๏ธRound flight ticket fully covered โ all costs associated with the volunteering are covered by the grant
๐ Lockable, safe apartment in the city centre of Novi Pazar, close to the office premises โ private bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom
๐ฐMonthly allowance provided to cover daily expenses including meals, local transportation, communication, and other living necessities
๐ฒPublic transport is not commonly used in Novi Pazar โ volunteers can get around by bicycle, on foot, or using public electric scooters
Training & Learning
๐ปPre-departure training to prepare for the placement before leaving home
๐On-arrival training introducing volunteers to Serbia, the organisation, and the local context
๐ก๏ธCode of Conduct orientation and Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults training โ mandatory for all volunteers working in humanitarian contexts
๐Project Cycle Management training provided by Merhamet โ enabling a deeper understanding of programming and how humanitarian projects are designed and implemented
๐Opportunity to participate in other capacity-building activities organised by Merhamet throughout the placement
Who Can Apply?
๐You have strong analytical and research skills โ you are comfortable working with large amounts of information and distilling it into clear, actionable summaries
โ๏ธYou have excellent written English โ this is a writing-intensive role and strong English is essential
๐ฏYou have attention to detail and a methodical approach to work โ grant research and proposal writing require precision and consistency
๐You are interested in nonprofit strategy, fundraising, and international project development โ this is a career-building placement as well as a volunteering experience
๐Experience with grants or research is an advantage โ but motivation and the right skills are the primary criteria for selection
Activity Dates & Key Information
Eligible Countries
๐ฆ๐น Austria, ๐ง๐ช Belgium, ๐ง๐ฌ Bulgaria, ๐ญ๐ท Croatia, ๐จ๐พ Cyprus, ๐จ๐ฟ Czechia, ๐ฉ๐ฐ Denmark, ๐ช๐ช Estonia, ๐ซ๐ฎ Finland, ๐ซ๐ท France, ๐ฉ๐ช Germany, ๐ฌ๐ท Greece, ๐ญ๐บ Hungary, ๐ฎ๐ธ Iceland, ๐ฎ๐ช Ireland, ๐ฎ๐น Italy, ๐ฑ๐ป Latvia, ๐ฑ๐ฎ Liechtenstein, ๐ฑ๐น Lithuania, ๐ฑ๐บ Luxembourg, ๐ฒ๐น Malta, ๐ณ๐ฑ Netherlands, ๐ฒ๐ฐ North Macedonia, ๐ต๐ฑ Poland, ๐ต๐น Portugal, ๐ท๐ด Romania, ๐ธ๐ฐ Slovakia, ๐ธ๐ฎ Slovenia, ๐ช๐ธ Spain, ๐ธ๐ช Sweden, ๐น๐ท Tรผrkiye
Application Link
โ ๏ธ Important Notice
1๏ธโฃ Source of Information
This announcement has been prepared based on the information provided by the opportunity organiser.
2๏ธโฃ Responsibility for Content
The organiser is solely responsible for the accuracy, details, and updates of the opportunity content.
3๏ธโฃ Right to Modify or Withdraw
Organisations reserve the right to make changes after publication โ including eligibility criteria, conditions, or deadlines โ or to withdraw the announcement entirely.
4๏ธโฃ Disclaimer of Liability
YouthWorks Hub is not responsible for any such changes, updates, or cancellations made by the organiser.
๐ก Final Note:
All listings are shared for informational purposes only. Please always verify details directly through the official organiser or programme website before applying.
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