Volunteering with Atma means that you will join a network of inspiring thought leaders in the non-profit space in India. By contributing your skills and expertise, you will strengthen and endorse the amazing work that Atma’s portfolio organisations are doing.

Atma volunteers have met with incredible success in the development sector, often going on to work with innovative organisations from our network or founding their own social enterprises.

You should apply if:

• You are interested in a career in the development sector

• You want to learn how things work at the grass-root level

• You want to explore a world outside your own

• You want to meet inspiring people from across the world

• You want to test your abilities and discover what you are really capable of

At Atma we look for diversity, not just with where you come from, but also what you do. Historically our 300+ volunteer cohort has included consultants, teachers, lawyers, doctors, accountants, pilots and jugglers (true story)!

These amazing people have worked on projects ranging from curriculum development, designing HR systems and processes, financial management, designing marketing campaigns, website design, designing and implementing fundraising campaigns, leadership development, photography, teacher training, making videos, programme design and documentation.

Your roles will vary based on your level of experience:

• Consultants 8+ years of professional experience

• Senior Associates: 3 to 7 years of professional experience

• Associates: Graduate and/or 1 to 2 years of professional experience

At Atma, we believe that sustainable change takes a significant time to take root and grow. Taking the time to do projects to the best of our capacity delivers the best results. Normally we only take on volunteers who can commit to a minimum of three months, in order for the volunteer and the organisation to get the most out of the virtual volunteering experience Typically, our volunteers find that their time with Atma follows a general pattern. The first month is one for learning and observation, the second month is for conceptualising their project with the Atma portfolio organisation, and the third month is for executing and finalising the project.

Atma’s volunteer programme is unpaid, but Atma invests in you. Over a three month volunteership, Atma provides approximately 100 hours of support to each volunteer. This ensures that each Atma volunteer is supported in every area of their work and life in India.

The application is a 3 step process. Please see below:

1. Online Application:

   After you submit your basic details using an online form, the Volunteer Manager will send you an email with the next steps along with a detailed online application form.

2. Interviews:

   If your application is shortlisted you will be required to undergo 2 rounds of interview before you can be selected into the program. The Volunteer Manager will set up the interviews at a time convenient for you. For international applicants, these interviews will be conducted via Skype or phone at a mutually convenient time.

3. Final steps:

   If you have been successful at the interview stage the Volunteer Manager will send you an email acceptance with further instructions to pay the optional service fee (if applicable). Upon successful receipt of payment, Atma will send you a formal acceptance letter!

Applications are open all year round. Ideally, a candidate would apply to be a volunteer about 4-5 months before they would like to start their placement.

At Atma we use online workplaces like Slack, GSuite and Zoom to create a cohesive virtual working environment. The same applies to the partners we work with and the projects we take on.

All Atma volunteers receive intensive support from staff. Listed below are the various types of support that you will receive throughout the program.

1. Professional Support

   This includes work support in the form of inductions, regular feedback & professional guidance, weekly meetings with your supervisor and Atma team, mid-term appraisals, professional volunteer meetings, and Exit interviews

2. Miscellaneous Support

   As an Atma volunteer, you will have access to workshops and trainings facilitated by Atma, volunteer social activities, the volunteer community and a network of non-profits and social enterprises across India.

Volunteers are part of all the Atma team calls that happen thrice a week. Apart from this, we have events like our Connect Days, Atma Webinars, Events, and Volunteer Group Meetings that occur online at a regular frequency.

Applications are open all year round. Ideally, a candidate would apply to be a volunteer about 2 weeks before they would like to start their placement.