Current Openings at Ashoka

This is an unpaid, volunteer opportunity

Role Overview:

The MERL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning) Assistant will play a critical role in designing a comprehensive framework for tracking both direct and indirect outputs of the initiative and in preparing a final project report aligned with Frey Foundation reporting requirements. This is a highly strategic and collaborative volunteer role suited for someone who thrives at the intersection of data, storytelling, systems thinking, and social impact.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Framework Design (Main Role)
• Design a robust MERL framework for tracking all outputs (quantitative and qualitative), including:
• Direct outputs: number of changemakers engaged, partners co-leading, interventions implemented
• Indirect outputs: reach of communications campaigns, youth influenced via partners, tools adopted (e.g., Changemaker Index)
• Ensure alignment with both Ashoka’s internal learning goals and Frey Foundation KPIs Project Reporting
• Lead the compilation and synthesis of data into a comprehensive project report
• Collaborate with Ashoka’s Frey Grant Manager to ensure the report meets all donor requirements, and reflects both impact and learning
• Use insights from MEL data to support strategic decision-making and external storytelling
• Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL)
• Support/ guide data collection across the 4 regions, working with youth leaders, Ashoka Fellows, and staff
• Contribute to internal learning products such as briefs, presentations, and reflection sessions
• Support testing and refinement of the Changemaker Index tool for young people under 18

Expected Impact
Your work will directly support Ashoka in delivering on its commitments to the Frey Charitable Foundation, including:

• Capturing the full scope of initiative outputs across the continent
• Supporting 10+ interventions with clear KPIs and success metrics
• Generating actionable insights to improve program delivery and scale
• Telling the story of youth-led impact in Africa through evidence and data

Benefits For Our Volunteer

• Professional Experience: Gain high-level experience with donor reporting, MEL frameworks, and systems change
• Networking: Collaborate with Ashoka Fellows, youth changemakers, and strategic partners across Africa
• Learning & Growth: Access Ashoka’s learning resources and thought leadership
• Recognition: Certificate of Completion, Letter of Reference, and potential publication opportunities

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Scope Of Work -- The Fellowship Volunteer Fundraiser Will

• Support the design and implementation of a fundraising strategy for the Fellowship programs (Summit, Engagement Fund, Legacy Program, EACH Lab, One Africa platform).
• MAP Monitizable products for fellowship within Ashoka e.g. Impact Transfer, Globalizer / Regionalizer, Communities of Practice, and customize where necessary to one Africa vision
• Identify and research potential funders, partners, and donors across philanthropy, corporate, government, and multilateral sectors.
• Draft compelling proposals, concept notes, and fundraising pitches tailored to different audiences.
• Coordinate donor outreach and engagement campaigns in collaboration with Fellows and the Fellowship Associate.
• Support the organization of donor engagement events (virtual and in-person) linked to the Cairo 2026 Summit and other Fellowship milestones.
• Maintain donor records and track fundraising progress.
• Ensure all resource mobilization efforts align with Ashoka’s mission, values, and ethical guidelines.

Benefits For Our Volunteer

• Direct experience in resourcing a Pan-African movement of changemakers.
• Exposure to high-level networks of Fellows, funders, governments, and global actors.
• Mentorship and direct collaboration with the Fellowship Director, Africa.
• Recognition in Fellowship and Summit communications.
• This is an unpaid, volunteer opportunity
   

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Scope Of Work -- The MERL Volunteer Will

• Develop and implement an M&E framework to capture progress across Fellowship programs (Summit, Engagement Fund, Communities of Practice, Legacy Program, EACH Lab, WISE, One Africa).
• Review and synthesize data from the 2024 Fellowship Impact Survey into a professional Impact Report.
• Track direct and indirect impact of Fellows since their election, including systems change, policy influence, and community outcomes.
• Collect and document case studies, success stories, and lessons learned from Fellows’ initiatives.
• Provide accountability reports on commitments made during the 2025 Nairobi Summit.
• Support learning cycles by identifying key trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement across Fellowship initiatives.
• Contribute to monitoring frameworks that align Fellows’ work with Agenda 2063 and SDGs.
• Ensure insights feed into the design and reporting of the Cairo 2026 Summit.

Benefits For Our Volunteer

• Opportunity to design and deliver Ashoka Africa’s first multi-year Fellowship Impact Report.
• Direct engagement with Africa’s leading social entrepreneurs and their initiatives.
• Mentorship and collaboration with Ashoka Fellowship leadership.
• Visibility across Ashoka’s global platforms through published reports and learning outputs.
• Contribution to building a culture of accountability and learning within the Fellowship.
• This is an unpaid, volunteer opportunity
   

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The Ashoka Fellows Summit is the premier gathering of Africa’s leading social entrepreneurs — a space where changemakers co-create, collaborate, and chart the continent’s future. For the 2026 Summit in Cairo, Ashoka is seeking a dynamic volunteer to lead the design and management of the Summit website, ensuring it becomes a vibrant hub for information, engagement, and storytelling. This opportunity offers a unique chance to contribute to a Pan-African movement of accountability and systems change, while gaining exposure to high-level networks of Fellows, partners, and global changemakers. Key Responsibilities:

• Website Design & Development: Update and Archive the 2025 Fellow summit website. Build a user-friendly, engaging, and professional online platform for the 2026 Fellows Summit.
• Content Management: Curate, update, and maintain Summit content (program details, speakers, initiatives, resources).
• Community Engagement: Create interactive spaces for Fellows, partners, and the public to engage with the Summit.
• Brand Alignment: Ensure all digital materials reflect Ashoka’s values and global brand identity.
• Analytics & Optimization: Track engagement, troubleshoot issues, and continuously improve site performance.

What We Offer

• A front-row seat to Africa’s most dynamic changemaking network.
• Mentorship and direct collaboration with Ashoka’s Fellowship Director, Africa.
• Recognition on the official Summit platform and materials.
• An opportunity to co-create the digital face of a historic Pan-African Summit.
• This is an unpaid, volunteer opportunity
   

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The Venture Fundraising Associate Will Help Catalyze Funding And Partnerships To Advance These Goals. Scope Of Work -- The Venture Fundraising Associate Will

• Support the design and implementation of a fundraising strategy for Ashoka Fellowship and Venture programs (e.g., Cairo 2026 Summit, Engagement Fund, Venture Search Cycles, Legacy Program, EACH Lab, and One Africa).
• Map and assess monetizable products within Ashoka (e.g., Impact Transfer, Globalizer / Regionalizer, Communities of Practice) and customize these for the One Africa vision.
• Research and articulate the policy and implementation gaps that Ashoka Fellows are addressing, to inform compelling funding proposals.
• Identify, profile, and engage potential donors, funders, and partners in philanthropy, corporate CSR, bilateral and multilateral sectors.
• Draft compelling grant proposals, concept notes, decks, and fundraising pitches tailored to targeted audiences.
• Coordinate donor engagement campaigns, including outreach, follow-up, and personalized communication—working closely with Fellows and the Fellowship Associate.
• Support donor-facing events (virtual and in-person)
• Maintain accurate donor records, databases, and fundraising pipelines.
• Ensure all fundraising activities align with Ashoka’s mission, ethics, and funding guidelines.

Benefits For You

• Direct exposure to resourcing a Pan-African movement of leading changemakers.
• Work alongside Africa’s most impactful social entrepreneurs.
• Mentorship and strategic insight from the Venture & Fellowship Director, Africa.
• Recognition in Ashoka communications, including the Cairo 2026 Summit.
• A front-row seat to systems-changing innovation, and a meaningful role in scaling it.
• This is an unpaid, volunteer opportunity

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Scope Of Work The Fellowship Associate Will

• Support the planning and coordination of the Ashoka Fellows Summit 2026 (Cairo), including program design, logistics, and fellow engagement.
• Assist in driving Pan-African projects:
• Fellow Engagement Fund – research, documentation, and partner engagement.
• Ashoka Fellow Legacy Program – support on succession, sustainability, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
• EACH Lab for NGLs – coordinate with Fellows and young leaders to strengthen intergenerational changemaking.
• WISE Movement – mobilize women social entrepreneurs and facilitate collaborative projects.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration across Sub-Saharan Africa and MENA Fellows under the One Africa platform.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and knowledge products to document progress and learning.
• Engage with Fellows, staff, and partners to ensure alignment and accountability.

Benefits To Volunteer

• Direct exposure to Africa’s leading social entrepreneurs and their collaborative initiatives.
• Mentorship and close collaboration with Ashoka’s Fellowship Director, Africa.
• Opportunities to learn and contribute to Pan-African systems change initiatives.
• Recognition across Ashoka Fellowship Africa platforms.
• Experience in coordinating high-level convenings and cross-border projects.
• This is an unpaid, volunteer opportunity

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Scope Of Work -- The Volunteer Will

• Develop and implement a social media content strategy for Ashoka Fellowship Africa and the 2026 Fellows Summit.
• Manage Ashoka Fellowship Africa’s social media platforms (Ashoka Fellowship LinkedIn page and Podcast).
• Create engaging content (posts, stories, graphics, short videos) highlighting Fellows, collaborative initiatives, and celebrating their key milestones on international days.
• Monitor analytics and optimize campaigns for engagement and reach.
• Support live coverage of Fellowship events and the Cairo 2026 Summit.
• Coordinate with Fellows, staff, and partners to amplify shared content.

Benefits For Volunteer

• Direct exposure to Africa’s leading social entrepreneurs and changemaking networks.
• Opportunity to shape Ashoka Fellowship Africa’s digital presence and voice.
• Mentorship from the Fellowship Director, Africa.
• Recognition across Ashoka platforms and Summit communications.
• A chance to be part of a global movement redefining how social change is led.
• This is an unpaid, volunteer opportunity