The Armenian Lawyers’ Association (ALA) is looking for its next volunteer from Spain!
Location of the EVS
The placement of the EVS is Yerevan, the capital of Armenia. The volunteer will work at the headquarters of ALA, located in the city centre (next to the Republic Square).
The Organisation
ALA is an NGO located in Yerevan, with branch offices in four regions. It has been active since 1995 and its main goals include the protection of human rights, fight against corruption, and support to efficient, accountable and transparent governance. In addition, ALA focuses its efforts in raising the legal awareness of society and advancing of a legal education. Since 2012 ALA also operates the site Iravaban.net: an independent professional legal news website created to raise the legal awareness of the society, develop a modern legal culture, assist in the improvement of lawyers’ professional skills, serve as a platform for scientific papers in the legal field, as well as to provide coverage of important events from the legal sphere of Armenia and worldwide. Iravaban.net has a background and orientation of promoting anti-corruption values.
More information about the NGO and its currents projects is available here: https://armla.am/en/
A summary of ALA’s implemented projects can be consulted via the EU EVS web portal.
The legal news website Iravaban.net operated by ALA can be visited here: https://iravaban.net/en/
Duration of the EVS
Up to 6 months – Starting date will be the first week of April 2018.
Project Summary
ALA is currently implementing the “Spanish-Armenian Legal and Journalistic Dialogue” with 2 volunteers from Spain. ALA is now looking for its next EVS volunteer to continue working in the framework of the same project, and to perform the following tasks:
- Participation in preparation of interviews (including representatives of public bodies, civil society and the legal profession);
- Participation in carrying out journalistic research to be published on Iravaban.net;
- Participation in and coverage of (in the English language) events (including those organised in the scope of the projects implemented by ALA);
- Assistance in preparation of audio-visual multimedia content on Iravaban.net;
- Conducting classes of Spanish language and culture, and others;
- Possibly conducting informal trainings and organising other events;
- Provision of creative, technical and organisational support, as needed, such as designing and editing documents to improve the visibility of ALA’s activities, especially in the scope of the EU-funded “Commitment to Constructive Dialogue” project;
- Assistance in fundraising activities;
- Other tasks, as assigned and/or requested by the volunteer (e.g., participation in project management activities).
Accommodation, monthly allowance and transport arrangements
Accommodation will be provided in a flat in the center of Erevan, capital of Armenia, shared with another EVS volunteer already working in ALA. The flat is managed by the hosting organisation, which is in charge of all arrangements (rent, expenses, and internet). It is 10 minutes’ walk from ALA headquarters.
Each EVS volunteer is entitled to a monthly allowance that includes money for food and “pocket money”. The stipulated amount for an EVS living in Armenia is approximately 160 Euros. The allowance is transferred directly to the EVS in the beginning of each month.
Travel expenses from the home country to Yerevan and back (in the beginning and end of the project) will be reimbursed up to a certain threshold. The reimbursement covers only traveling by plane, train and bus.
Health Insurance
Volunteers benefit from the CIGNA Health Insurance Scheme, which is the designated insurance under Erasmus + Programme and will provide health coverage for the whole duration of the stay.
Language courses
EVS volunteers are expected to learn Armenian (Russian could be an alternate option). Language courses will be arranged for the volunteer within the working hours at the expense of the EVS budget.
Training during the project
Part of the EVS scheme consists on providing the volunteer with non-formal education tools. Together with other volunteers being hosted in the Caucasus region, the volunteer will assist to a four days training in Georgia. The training aims at preparing the volunteer to live in a new environment and deal with issues such as cultural differences, traditions, working methods, language barriers and so on. Training will be provided on arrival and at mid term, at it will be facilitated by SALTO Youth. Transport expenses to and from the placement and accommodation and meals are provided and reimbursed by SALTO Youth.
Life in Yerevan
Armenia is the smallest of the countries located in the South Caucasus, yet has a very rich history, ancient language and stunning landscapes. Most of the population lives in Yerevan, which is developing fast into a cosmopolite capital, full of cafes, restaurants, and open spaces. Yerevan is a big city that hosts over a million of persons – most of the museums and sightseeing sites are to be found in the centre. While it is possible to reach any place in the city centre on foot, the outskirts and surrounding neighborhoods are reachable only by bus or mashrutkas, which are inexpensive but run with low frequency. Food, drinks or taxis are cheap compared to the EU, and so are the buses to travel around the country. Yerevan is becoming a vibrant city thanks to new youth-led projects related to the promotion of culture, architecture, environment and the arts. Its location in the heart of the country makes it possible to visit main touristic sites within the day. Yerevan and Armenia in general host a big community of volunteers from all over the world, many of them belonging to the Armenian diaspora.
How to apply?
In case you are interested, please send your CVs and short motivation letters to Haykuhi Alaverdian, the EVS Project Coordinator, ([email protected]) by 10 February 2018, 5PM (Armenian time, this is, GMT+4), mentioning “New EVS” in the subject line.