Finding a job after moving countries, changing fields, or taking a career break isn’t always easy. With our strategic volunteering programme, SIVO hopes to provide individuals with a stepping stone to paid work in Central Switzerland.

Volunteering “strategically” means finding a volunteering position which aligns with your career goals. Depending on what these are, this might mean volunteering for a non-profit organisation (NPO), a local initiative, a school or university, a start-up, or a company.

Strategic volunteers can undertake all manner of tasks and projects. The important thing is that volunteers have clear objectives when planning their placement and that the work they do contributes towards these.

SIVO AND STRATEGIC VOLUNTEERING

SIVO was the first organisation to raise awareness of strategic volunteering in the Lucerne area of Switzerland. We piloted our first formal strategic volunteering programme in 2016–17 and have been helping people find placements ever since.

Our role is to act as a bridge between those searching for strategic volunteering opportunities and local organisations looking for support. We help ensure the position is clear in its aims and scope and that it benefits both sides as much as possible.

There are a number of reasons people decide to try strategic volunteering.

For international residents, strategic volunteering can be a great way to integrate into the Swiss job market. Volunteers can build a valuable local network and demonstrate or develop important skills. Those interested in a career change can use strategic volunteering as an opportunity to try out a new role. Or, for those looking to return to work after a career break, strategic volunteering can be a useful stepping stone back into paid employment.

If you’re interested in finding a strategic volunteering placement in Central Switzerland or are looking to recruit volunteers, contact us at strategic-volunteering@sivo.ch.