Commonwealth Leaders Academy Programmes Associate Volunteer 2026

The Commonwealth Leaders Academy Programmes Associate (Volunteer) is a remote volunteer position designed for an organised, proactive and creative individual interested in developing practical experience across programme management, communications and international development.

The Commonwealth Leaders Academy describes itself as a Community Interest Company focused on developing future Commonwealth leaders through leadership development, capacity building, policy engagement and international collaboration. It works with youth organisations, universities, governments and development partners to deliver leadership-focused programmes.

The selected volunteer will help support CLA programmes and events. Responsibilities include programme coordination, preparing reports and programme documents, drafting correspondence and assisting with administrative follow-up.

The role also has a strong communications component. The Programmes Associate may prepare presentation and briefing materials, assist with social media content, and support newsletters, announcements and promotional communications.

The position is fully remote and flexible, with an anticipated commitment of up to 20 hours per week depending on organisational needs and the volunteer's availability.

The initial appointment lasts one month and may be renewed. CLA provides a £100 monthly stipend, which it clearly states is intended to contribute towards incidental volunteering costs and is not a salary or wage.

• Applicants should have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills are required.
• Applicants should demonstrate strong attention to detail.
• Candidates should be capable of working independently.
• Applicants should be comfortable managing multiple tasks.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office is required.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace is required.
• Applicants should have experience using Canva or PowerPoint to prepare presentations.
• Familiarity with major social media platforms is required.
• Previous experience supporting projects, events or programmes is desirable.
• Interest in youth development, leadership or international affairs is desirable.
• Experience with youth organisations, NGOs or student organisations is desirable.
• Applicants should be able to contribute up to approximately 20 hours per week depending on programme needs and their availability.

• £100 monthly stipend towards incidental volunteering costs.
• Remote and flexible volunteering arrangement.
• Practical experience supporting international leadership programmes.
• Exposure to programme planning and coordination.
• Experience preparing programme documentation and reports.
• Communications and digital-content experience.
• Opportunity to strengthen social media and presentation-design skills.
• Opportunity to build an international professional network.
• Professional reference based on satisfactory performance.
• Opportunity to contribute to high-profile CLA initiatives.

• Specific application documents are not listed on the official Commonwealth Leaders Academy vacancy page.
• Applicants should complete the information and upload any materials requested through the official linked application portal.
• A CV, cover letter or supporting information should only be provided where requested by the application system.

The official vacancy does not publish a separate scoring framework. However, its person specification indicates that suitable applicants should demonstrate:

• Strong written and verbal communication
• Organisation and time-management ability
• Attention to detail
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities
• Microsoft Office proficiency
• Google Workspace proficiency
• Canva or PowerPoint experience
• Familiarity with social media
• Relevant programme, event or project experience where available
• Interest in youth development, leadership or international affairs
• Experience with NGOs, youth organisations or student organisations where available

• Gain practical remote experience in programme management.
• Build experience in international leadership and development programmes.
• Develop transferable administrative and coordination skills.
• Strengthen communications, presentation and social-media experience.
• Work with an organisation focused on Commonwealth leadership and youth development.
• Build an international professional network.
• Gain experience that may support future applications for internships, programme roles, NGO positions and development-sector opportunities.
• Potentially receive a professional reference following satisfactory performance.