Urgent need for specialised volunteers on Lesvos, Greece

Role Title: Volunteer Position

Location: Lesvos, Greece

Hours: full-time

Duration: minimum time of 1 month (excluding quarantine)

Minimum Age: 25

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

On 8th September 2020, there was a large fire in Moria camp on Lesvos. This fire coincides with the multiple confirmed Covid-19 cases within the camp. Our partners in Lesvos are currently responding to this emergency and continuously adapting to new circumstances.

Indigo is now recruiting specialised volunteers to support our partner organisations. We encourage all prospective volunteers to understand and consider the potential risks that come with this potential volunteer placement (see below).

RESPONSIBILITIES

Due to the nature of the situation on Lesvos it is hard to specify what your day-to-day work will look like. It may vary depending on the day and the current needs of our partner organisations and people within the camp. You will be assigned to carry out those tasks that best match your skills and experience

REQUIREMENTS

Essential:

• 25 years old or older

• Logistics / distribution experience

• Adaptability in an ever-changing environment and remaining calm under stress

• Exceptional communication and ability to work in a team

• Strong physical and mental health

• Able to commit to a minimum time of 1-month (excl. quarantine time) in Lesvos

• Ability to proactively manage own self-care and wellbeing

Desired:

• Previous experience volunteering in a similar context, i.e a refugee camp or crisis management

• Previous experience volunteering in the Aegean Islands

• Good understanding of Lesvos and knowledge about the wider situation in the Aegean islands/European migration route

• Technical/handyman/engineering skill set

• Full driving licence

RISKS TO CONSIDER

1. Increased tensions and potential security issues

The fire has triggered even more tensions and hostility aimed at the NGOs that work with the residents of Moria Camp. You must be aware of these tensions before you volunteer and adhere to the safety protocol of the organisation you will volunteer at. Visit Europe Must Act for regular updates.https://www.europemustact.org/
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2. Heightened risk of contracting Covid-19

Cases of Covid-19 in Lesvos may rise so please be aware that volunteering may increase the risk to Covid-19. With this also comes extra responsibility in how you conduct yourself socially.

The increasing number of cases in Lesvos also means that there is the risk of a potential lockdown. You must be able to financially support yourself in this instance and also be aware that you may have to stay on the island for longer than you had anticipated.

For more information regarding travelling and volunteering during Covid-19, please read this document.

3. High-stress environment

With the heightened tensions and increasing Covid-19 cases, Lesvos is currently a stressful working environment in which you will need to be very adaptable. You must be flexible as organisations are not operating with their normal schedules. As days off are likely to be sporadic and not guaranteed, it is very important that you are able to take care of your physical and mental wellbeing during your placement.

If you’d like to apply, you can do so here. Please apply for this position only if you fulfil the requirements listed above and if you are able to source a VISA independently. Unfortunately, Indigo cannot help you to obtain a VISA.