The Crest Research and Development Institute (CRADI) invites passionate and skilled professionals to join its Professional Volunteer Initiative (CPVI) a strategic program designed to connect experts from around the world with meaningful opportunities to contribute to Africa’s social, economic, and humanitarian transformation.
About CPVI
The CPVI is a flagship initiative of CRADI that mobilizes professionals to volunteer their expertise in advancing evidence-based research, sustainable development, and social innovation. It serves as a bridge between professional knowledge and grassroots needs, enabling individuals to contribute to high-impact projects while enhancing their own learning and career pathways.
The initiative aligns directly with CRADI’s four core practice areas:
- Research: Volunteers will support CRADI’s research and policy efforts by contributing to socio-political, economic, and humanitarian studies. Their roles may include conducting fieldwork, analyzing data, and developing evidence-based policy briefs, reports, and knowledge products that inform programming and advocacy. Development Aid: Volunteers contribute to the design and implementation of projects that address conflict resilience, youth empowerment, education, gender equality, livelihoods, and climate adaptation in fragile and development-affected communities.
- Partnerships and Coordination: Volunteers help build and strengthen networks with governments, NGOs, academia, and the private sector, facilitating collaboration and alignment with national and global development priorities.
- Training and Capacity Strengthening: Volunteers contribute to building human capital by developing training materials, facilitating workshops, mentoring CRADI staff and partners, and transferring specialized skills to strengthen institutional capacity.
- CCIL.
Who We Are Looking For
We welcome applications from both seasoned and emerging professionals who are passionate about creating impact through evidence, innovation, and collaboration. Relevant fields include:
- Humanitarian and Development Practice
- Research, Academia, and Policy Analysis
- Governance and Institutional Development
- Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)
- ICT, Data Science, and Digital Innovation
- Communications, Media, and Knowledge Management
- Training, Facilitation, and Capacity Development
Professionals from within Africa and across the globe, including those with no prior experience working in Africa, are encouraged to apply. CPVI offers a structured platform for global collaboration, where volunteers can contribute remotely or through in-country engagements depending on their skills, interests, and availability.
Why Join CPVI?
Joining CPVI gives professionals a chance to combine purpose and professional growth. Volunteers benefit from:
- Flexible Engagement Models: Opportunities for short-term assignments, project-based roles, technical advisory support, mentorship, or cross-departmental fellowships.
- Professional Development: Exposure to CRADI’s diverse programs, mentorship by senior experts, and access to learning opportunities in different practice areas.
- Recognition and Visibility: Certificates of service, professional references, and recognition through CRADI’s communication channels and events.
- Networking and Collaboration: Access to a vibrant community of professionals, researchers, and partners across sectors and regions.
- Career Advancement: Volunteers gain real-world experience in research, program design, evaluation, and policy engagement, enhancing employability and visibility in the humanitarian and development space.
- Fellowship Opportunities: Through CPVI’s fellowship pathway, volunteers can rotate across departments. For example, a professional in program management may gain hands-on mentorship in research or evaluation.
- Bridging the gap in career pathways: The professionals who are currently out of jobs can bridge their gaps through the CPVI.
Where You Can Volunteer
- No. 42 Off Lamingo Road, Adjacent JCMI Jos 930105, Plateau State, Nigeria P.O.Box 5216 Jos.
- Remote: From anywhere in the world via digital collaboration, virtual workshops, and online mentoring.
What You Will Do
Volunteers will contribute to CRADI’s work through a range of assignments, including but not limited to:
- Technical Advisory Support
Volunteers provide specialized expertise to strengthen CRADI’s programs by reviewing methodologies, improving tools, and offering strategic technical insights. They contribute to developing innovative models and guidance that enhance project quality and visibility. - Project-Based Engagement
Volunteers support specific project tasks such as data collection, report writing, training development, and advocacy material design. Their involvement boosts delivery capacity while offering hands-on professional experience. - Mentorship and Capacity Building
Experienced volunteers coach CRADI staff and partners in areas like project management, proposal writing, and M&E. They deliver training and one-on-one mentorship to strengthen long-term professional growth and institutional capacity. - Remote and On-Site Volunteering
Volunteers can support CRADI virtually or through field-based engagement at headquarters and regional offices. Activities range from desk research and digital product development to community engagement and on-ground program support. - Fellowship and Cross-Departmental Mentorship
Volunteers are placed within different departments to gain practical, multi-sectoral experience while contributing to organizational needs. This rotational structure promotes learning, professional development, and broader institutional exposure. - Advisory and Learning Networks
Volunteers engage in communities of practice, knowledge-sharing forums, and sectoral advisory groups. These platforms enable collaborative problem-solving and the co-creation of innovative approaches across humanitarian and development fields.
Expected Outcomes
For CRADI:
- Expanded technical capacity and research expertise through professional volunteer contributions.
- Strengthened program quality, innovation, and institutional learning.
- Enhanced partnerships and collaborative networks across local, regional, and international actors.
- Measurable contributions to sustainable development and humanitarian goals through volunteer-driven solutions.
For Volunteers:
- Enhanced professional experience and skills in development, research, and policy practice.
- Greater career visibility through published outputs and recognition of service.
- Exposure to African development dynamics and practical experience in the humanitarian field.
- Mentorship and professional networking opportunities that extend beyond the volunteer term.
How to Apply
If you are passionate about contributing your skills to meaningful causes while advancing your career, join the CPVI network today by clicking here
🌐 Website: www.cradil.org
📍 Address: No 42 Off Lamingo Road, Adjacent JCMI Jos 930105, Plateau state, Nigeria P.O.Box 5216 Jos.
📞 Phone: +234 (0) 806 510 4830. 08038313133
✨ CPVI: Where Expertise Meets Purpose.
Together, we create knowledge, build capacity, and drive change that lasts.