As it enters its landmark 125th anniversary year, the Royal African Society (RAS) is expanding its volunteer network to strengthen its governance, programming, archives, gender justice initiatives, and fundraising capacity. Volunteers are central to the Society’s continued impact, helping to deliver high-quality public events, reinforce institutional foundations, and advance informed dialogue on Africa and the African diaspora. All roles are structured to be flexible, making them suitable for individuals balancing professional careers, academic study, or other commitments. Through volunteering, individuals contribute to a historic institution while gaining valuable leadership and sector experience. About the Royal African Society (RAS) The Royal African Society is a UK-registered charity (No. 1062764) and membership organisation dedicated to creating opportunities for people to connect, celebrate, and engage critically with contemporary issues relating to Africa. For over a century, the Society has served as a platform for discussion, cultural exchange, and knowledge production. RAS Mission and Reach The Society’s mission is to: Share insight and informed analysis on Africa today Instigate debate across academic, political, cultural, and business communities Facilitate mutual understanding between the United Kingdom and African nations Amplify African voices and interests globally Through its public events, publications, and digital platforms, the Society reaches a network of more than one million people worldwide, strengthening connections between Africa and the global community. The Role of RAS Volunteers Volunteers are integral to the Society’s work. Their contributions help: Deliver high-quality public programming and cultural events Maintain effective governance and compliance standards Preserve and digitise archival collections Advance gender equity initiatives Strengthen fundraising and institutional sustainability By offering time and expertise, volunteers directly support the Society’s ability to operate effectively and expand its impact. Current Volunteer Opportunities The Society is currently recruiting for the following volunteer roles: • Gender Specialist (Women & Girls) This role focuses on advancing gender justice initiatives within the Society’s work. The volunteer will contribute subject-matter expertise on issues affecting women and girls, helping to shape programming, partnerships, and strategic priorities that promote gender equity. • Archivist Project Coordinator (Physical & Digital) The Archivist Project Coordinator will oversee the organisation, preservation, and digitisation of the Society’s archival materials. This includes managing physical collections and supporting digital cataloguing systems to ensure historical records are accessible and safeguarded for future generations. • Company Secretary The Company Secretary supports governance and compliance functions, assisting with board administration, documentation, and regulatory responsibilities. This role is vital to maintaining the Society’s strong institutional standards. • Events Support Officer The Events Support Officer assists in planning and delivering public events, discussions, and cultural programming. Responsibilities may include event logistics, coordination, communications support, and stakeholder engagement. • Bid / Grant Writer The Bid or Grant Writer plays a key role in securing funding by preparing and submitting high-quality grant applications and funding proposals. This role directly supports the Society’s financial sustainability and growth. Detailed role profiles are available upon request. Professional and Personal Benefits Volunteering with the Royal African Society offers meaningful professional development opportunities. Volunteers may benefit from: Experience within a respected international charity Exposure to governance and nonprofit management Opportunities to expand professional networks Engagement with leading voices in African affairs Contribution to high-impact cultural and policy dialogue The Society values diversity of experience and encourages individuals from varied professional backgrounds to apply. Additional Ways to Support In addition to volunteering, individuals and organisations can contribute to the Society’s work through: Membership – Joining the Society’s community of supporters Donations – Providing financial support to sustain programming Partnerships – Collaborating on events, research, or initiatives Legacy Giving – Leaving a lasting contribution to future generations These avenues ensure the Society can continue amplifying African perspectives and facilitating critical global conversations. Location and Contact Information The Royal African Society is based at: SOAS10 Thornhaugh StreetLondon WC1H 0XGUnited Kingdom Email: ras@soas.ac.uk For informal enquiries about volunteer roles, prospective applicants may contact Uchechi Eke at ue3@soas.ac.uk. APPLY HERE A Historic Moment to Get Involved As the Society celebrates 125 years of engagement, scholarship, and dialogue, this anniversary year represents a pivotal moment. Volunteers joining at this stage become part of a historic legacy while helping to shape the institution’s next chapter. Through its events, publications, and advocacy, the Royal African Society continues to serve as a trusted forum for discussion and exchange about Africa’s present and future. Volunteers are not only supporting an organisation—they are contributing to a global platform that fosters understanding, collaboration, and informed debate across continents. By dedicating time and expertise, volunteers help ensure that African voices remain central in conversations that matter, strengthening connections between communities in the UK, across Africa, and worldwide. For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization that is offering this scholarship . For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.