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Nonprofit
Agriculture and Sustainability Volunteer
Details
Description
Please Note: Volunteer positions are temporary and the length of your volunteer term can be anywhere from 3 weeks to 1 year. You must be at least 21 years old to be a volunteer with us.
Organization Overview
The Tanzanian Children's Fund (TCF) works to eliminate generational poverty in rural northern Tanzania by ensuring that the children and families in this region have access to all of the care and services they need to lead healthy, secure, and fulfilling lives. Our work falls into 4 key program areas: Education, Health, Home and Family, and Economic Opportunity.
Position Overview
The Agriculture & Sustainability volunteer focuses on environmental innovation, sustainability education, and resource optimization within the village. This role emphasizes renewable energy monitoring, waste reduction, and efficiency improvements, along with teaching children about sustainable living. The volunteer works with staff and leadership to implement eco-friendly initiatives and inspire the next generation of environmentally conscious citizens.
Ideal Background & Skills
- Background or interest in sustainability, environmental science, renewable energy, permaculture, or eco-education
- Knowledge of zero-waste, energy efficiency, composting, or sustainable resource management
- Experience with teaching, mentoring, or engaging children in environmental topics ● Creative, adaptable, and proactive in proposing new ideas
- Strong English fluency
- Comfortable in rural, hands-on environments
Core Expectations
- Prioritize improving the village’s energy use, waste management, and sustainable systems
- Design and implement child-focused sustainability lessons and activities ● Collaborate with staff to identify opportunities for eco-innovation and efficiency improvements
- Monitor and document progress of sustainability initiatives
- Promote eco-conscious behaviors across the village
Primary Responsibilities
- Renewable Energy & Resource Optimization
- Monitor and assist with solar energy systems to ensure optimal performance
- Identify opportunities to reduce energy consumption across the village (lighting, water heating, and daily operations)
- Support initiatives to optimize water usage, including rainwater collection and water conservation practices
- Recommend low-cost, practical solutions to reduce waste, conserve energy, and improve sustainability across village operations
- Assist staff in tracking energy and resource metrics to inform decision-making
- Sustainability Education & Child Engagement
- Develop interactive lessons and workshops teaching children about:
- Renewable energy and energy conservation
- Composting, recycling, and zero-waste principles
- Sustainable farming practices and responsible resource use
- Lead hands-on activities to demonstrate eco-conscious habits in a fun, age-appropriate way
- Inspire children to connect environmental awareness with everyday life in the village
- Innovation & Systems Improvement
- Observe existing sustainability practices (farm, kitchen, dorms, workshops) and suggest improvements
- Develop simple guides, signage, or routines to help staff and children maintain eco-friendly practices
- Collaborate on small projects to further reduce waste, increase efficiency, or implement new sustainable technologies
- Supportive Farm & Sustainability Activities
- Participate in composting, recycling, and resource management initiatives as needed
- Assist garden staff or sustainability manager with projects where extra hands are required
- Serve as a model for responsible environmental practices
- Community Awareness & Engagement
- Promote eco-friendly habits among children and staff
- Help integrate sustainable practices into daily village routines
- Act as a mentor for environmental responsibility and sustainability consciousness
Impact of the Role
This volunteer/intern strengthens the village’s sustainability culture by focusing on renewable energy, resource optimization, and innovative eco-solutions, while educating children and staff about sustainable living. The role ensures that the village operates more efficiently and responsibly, leaving a lasting environmental legacy for the children and community.
Location
Rift Valley Children's Village
How to Volunteer for This Opportunity
Please reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@tanzanianchildrensfund.org for next steps. Please note that the Volunteer Coordinator is located onsite in Tanzania, where the time is 7-8 hours ahead of the United States and internet access can be unreliable. Please allow up to 3 business days for a response.
