Volunteer Opportunity

Executive Coordinator – Academic Mentoring Program

Reference: MT-26-02-001
Organization: German-Syrian Research Foundation e.V. (DSFG)
Program: Academic Mentoring Program
Engagement Type: Voluntary / unpaid
Working Format: Remote
Location: Europe
Start Date: By mutual agreement
Time Commitment: Flexible; the expected level of involvement will be agreed with the program team at the beginning of the engagement.

About DSFG

The German-Syrian Research Foundation e.V. (DSFG) is a Germany-based non-profit, non-governmental organization committed to science, higher education, academic cooperation, and the development of sustainable scientific networks.

Through its programs, DSFG supports students, researchers, and academics while building bridges between academic communities in Germany, Syria, and internationally.

About the Academic Mentoring Program

The DSFG Academic Mentoring Program supports students, graduates, and early-career academics who are beginning or advancing their academic journey in Europe, with a particular focus on Germany.

The program connects mentees with experienced mentors and provides orientation in areas including:

• university and study applications;
• scholarships and funding opportunities;
• academic career pathways;
• application documents;
• academic and scientific integration;
• navigating the German and European higher-education system.

To strengthen our volunteer coordination team, we are looking for an engaged Volunteer Executive Coordinator.

Your Role

As an Executive Coordinator, you will support the organizational and operational implementation of the Academic Mentoring Program.

You will help connect mentees, mentors, and the internal program team and contribute to ensuring that applications, matching processes, communication, and program activities are managed in a structured, reliable, and professional manner.

Potential Responsibilities

Your activities may include:

• supporting the overall coordination of the Academic Mentoring Program;
• reviewing and organizing mentor and mentee registrations;
• supporting the matching of mentors and mentees according to academic background, needs, and areas of expertise;
• communicating with program participants by email and digital communication platforms;
• following up on ongoing mentoring relationships and collecting feedback;
• maintaining internal program records, lists, and documentation;
• supporting the organization of information sessions, online meetings, workshops, and orientation activities;
• researching universities, degree programs, application procedures, and scholarship opportunities in Germany and Europe;
• helping prepare and update information materials for mentors and mentees;
• coordinating with the Program Manager and other volunteer team members;
• contributing ideas for the continuous improvement of the mentoring program;
• supporting basic monitoring, evaluation, and reporting activities.

The exact allocation of responsibilities will be agreed within the team according to the volunteer’s interests, experience, and availability.

Your Profile

We particularly welcome applications from individuals who:

• currently reside in Europe;
• have an interest in higher education, science, mentoring, and international academic cooperation;
• have strong organizational and communication skills;
• work reliably, carefully, and responsibly;
• are able to work independently while contributing constructively to a remote international team;
• are comfortable using digital communication and collaboration tools such as Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, or similar platforms;
• understand the importance of confidentiality and responsible handling of personal information;
• have good English-language communication skills.

Additional Experience That Would Be Valuable

The following are advantageous but not mandatory:

• personal experience applying to German or European universities;
• familiarity with scholarships and academic funding opportunities;
• knowledge of the German or European higher-education system;
• previous involvement in mentoring, education, university, or scientific programs;
• experience in project coordination, administration, or volunteering;
• Arabic-language skills;
• German-language skills;
• experience working in international or intercultural teams.

A specific university degree is not mandatory. Motivation, reliability, relevant experience, and willingness to take responsibility within a non-profit program are more important.

What You Can Gain From This Experience

Volunteering with the DSFG Academic Mentoring Program provides an opportunity to:

• make a tangible contribution to the academic development of students and early-career researchers;
• gain practical experience in program and project coordination;
• deepen your understanding of the German and European higher-education and research landscape;
• develop experience in international and intercultural collaboration;
• strengthen organizational, communication, coordination, and leadership skills;
• become part of an international network of students, researchers, academics, and professionals;
• participate, where appropriate, in selected DSFG activities, workshops, and events;
• contribute your own ideas to the further development of the mentoring program;
• receive a DSFG Volunteer Certificate or confirmation of voluntary engagement following meaningful and successful participation in the program.

Voluntary and Unpaid Nature of the Role

This is a voluntary and unpaid engagement.

It does not constitute an employment relationship or freelance contract and does not create an entitlement to remuneration.

Participation is voluntary. Responsibilities, expected availability, and the scope of engagement will be agreed transparently with the program team and should remain compatible with the volunteer’s academic, professional, and personal commitments.

Confidentiality and Data Protection

Volunteers in the Academic Mentoring Program may have access to personal and potentially confidential information relating to applicants, mentors, mentees, and other program participants.

We therefore expect all volunteers to handle such information responsibly and confidentially and to comply with DSFG’s applicable data-protection and confidentiality requirements.

Equal Opportunity and Diversity

DSFG is committed to a respectful, diverse, and inclusive environment.

We welcome applications regardless of gender or gender identity, age, disability, ethnic or social background, nationality, religion or belief, or sexual identity.

Selection is based on motivation, relevant skills and experience, and the operational needs of the Academic Mentoring Program.

How to Apply

Interested candidates can apply through the DSFG application form.

Please provide:

• a concise CV;
• a brief statement explaining your motivation to volunteer;
• relevant academic, professional, or voluntary experience;
• information about your language skills;
• your approximate availability.

A photograph, date of birth, and information about marital or family status are not required.

Shortlisted applicants may be invited to a brief online conversation with the program team.

Join us in expanding academic opportunities and helping students and early-career academics successfully navigate the European higher-education and research landscape.

Apply now