Events Volunteer

PEN International is seeking an Events Volunteer to join the International Events Team for 2-4 days a week until November 2022. The voluntary position will provide an opportunity to gain experience in implementing an international membership conference in the field of human rights and literary / cultural development for a membership organisation.

Purpose of the role

This position will be suitable for someone interested in human rights, development or literature looking to develop a career in events and/or cultural management within the charity sector.

The volunteer will strengthen PEN International's international events, focusing especially on PEN International’s Annual Congress. This role is largely capacity building and entails managing all PEN International Congress and pre-Congress events and supporting local partners from across the globe.

The volunteer will report to the Congresses, Committees and New Centres Manager (CCCM) and work in close collaboration with the Digital, Communications and Fundraising Teams.

Key Responsibilities

The Events Volunteer will work closely with PEN’s Congress, Committees and Centres Manager and other members of staff to implement PEN’s 88^th Congress which is being hosted by the PEN Sweden and held in Uppsala, Sweden, 27^th September – 1 October 2022.

The annual PEN Congress offers an opportunity for the PEN community to meet and define the direction of PEN’s work. Officially, it is the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the international office of PEN, but its importance extends far beyond this function. The Congress helps PEN strengthen its networks and connections; reinforce and refine its core principles through discussion, debate and pass resolutions; exchange experiences and ideas and celebrate writing in all its forms. Each Congress is hosted by a PEN Centre that works with the international office to develop a programme of literary events alongside the AGM which is reflective of PEN’s diverse membership.

The post will be based at remote work with some meetings in the office of PEN International near London Bridge. The volunteer will report directly to the Congress, Committees and Centres Manager.

Tasks will include:

• Assisting in the preparation of Congress and Committees materials for participants

• Responding to enquiries from Congress and Committees meetings participants

• Assisting in preparing pre-Congress mailings to PEN Centres and participants

• Assisting in logistical arrangements for funded delegates and invited guests from Latin America, Africa and Asia

• Assisting in running online events for Congress or Committees meetings (technical and logistical)

• Communication with panellists, special guests and other involved parties for the purposes of the event

• Translating small amounts of text between English and Spanish and /or French (if applicable to candidate)

Essential

• Fluent written and spoken English

• Excellent organisational skills

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

• Experience of organising events e.g. as a volunteer or student

• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel

• Experience of running digital events (Teams, Zoom, other platforms)

• Experience of using social media (esp. Twitter & Facebook)

• Willingness to work on their own initiative as well as in a team: ability to plan, organise and prioritise own work independently or in consultation with others

Desirable

• Knowledge of other languages, particularly Spanish and / or French

• Experience in office/clerical work

• A commitment to promoting freedom of expression and literature

• Experience in arranging international travel

• Experience of working in a customer services role

The successful candidate will gain:

• Experience in working for an international human rights / literary membership organisation

• Experience in implementing a large-scale membership conference (event planning and project management skills)

• Improved administrative and office skills

• Increased ability to understand the complex issues inherent in freedom of expression

• Experience in preparing a wide range of written material to tight deadlines and aimed at specific audiences

• Experience in working with people from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds.

All volunteers must have the right to work in the UK. Volunteers are selected after a brief interview and written language test. A trial period of one month will be required after which either side can reconsider the decision to continue.

To apply email your CV (maximum 2 pages and a brief cover letter (maximum 1 page) outlining your reasons for applying, the skills you can bring to the position and how you meet the essential criteria (desirable criteria if applicable/ Please email these documents to HR@pen-international.org using ‘Events Volunteer 2022' in the subject line.

Deadline: Monday 19th September