Horizon Scanning and Insights Volunteer

• This is a remote role and designed to be flexible. Volunteers may contribute in one of several formats:
  • Micro-volunteering: 3+ hours per month for ongoing advisory or review tasks
  • Project-based: 2–3 week blocks for focused strategic or analytical work
  • Ongoing role with regular weekly or fortnightly hours
• Requires own computer/internet connection/phone
• Must be able to commit to 3 hours per month
• Please list your times and days of availability on the application form

Why choose to volunteer with Red Cross?

We’re looking for skilled professionals who want to make a difference - even if they only have a few hours a month or a short window of availability.

At Red Cross, we believe data is more than numbers - it’s a powerful tool to shape strategy, improve lives and drive meaningful change. If you have experience in data analysis, planning, forecasting or visualisation, we’d love to work with you.

• You can help improve lives and create a positive impact in your community
• It’s an opportunity to enhance your skills & knowledge & gain new experiences
• You’ll be helping Red Cross to support vulnerable people across Australia

The Program

The Strategy, Performance and Innovation Team is responsible for facilitating the development of the long-term vision and goals of Red Cross. We develop plans that align efforts across the organisation and drive progress toward our objectives. To support this, we monitor market trends, emerging technologies and evolving risks and opportunities - enabling agile, sustainable and resilient responses in a complex and dynamic environment.

The Opportunity

For this role you will be guided to

• Undertake horizon scanning: identifying emerging trends, critical uncertainties and disruptions across various domains (political, economic, social, technology, environment, law)
• Synthesise a diverse range of reports, articles and raw data sources to provide insights and/or recommendations
• Support scenario planning: developing plausible futures and strategic pathways to enhance Red Cross’s long-term resilience and decision-making
• Help us tell better stories with data: transforming raw data into compelling narratives that inform and inspire. This may involve identifying key patterns, visualising trends and translating complex findings into accessible formats for diverse audiences

This is a role that will appeal to people interested in research, analysis, social planning and community development. Attention to detail, patience and pragmatism are all crucial to this role as will be your ability to take direction, use initiative and work with a minimum of supervision. You will be proficient in utilising Microsoft Office suite. Competence in Microsoft Excel, Power BI or similar would be an advantage.

Red Cross will ensure you have ongoing support and direction.

The impact

Your contributions will directly support Red Cross preparedness, strategies and programs, helping ensure that the organisation remains future-ready in an ever-changing world. This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in data, research and insights within the world’s largest humanitarian network.

Application requirements

• For this role you will be required to undertake a National Police Check, which will be organised through Red Cross. 
• You will need to provide a recent copy of your CV

Red Cross people are expected to act professionally, responsibly and respectfully towards others, adhering to the organisation’s policies and procedures and standards of behaviours. This includes ethical data practices. A failure to meet these requirements may lead to termination of the volunteer agreement. You may be asked to sign a confidentiality agreement when information handled is commercially sensitive.

Further information

Volunteers will be supported by a dedicated coordinator and provided with access to relevant data, tools, and documentation. Opportunities for collaboration and recognition will be offered throughout the engagement.

To find out more about this opportunity please contact the Strategy, Performance and Innovation Team via emailkhay@redcross.org.au.

Thank you for considering volunteering at Red Cross. We also have great career opportunities, please visit our website atwww.redcross.org.au/careers