Policy: Time devoted to projects
Every Associate is welcomed and encouraged to participate in more than one project. Usually, their major project provides most of the funding for their remuneration. Visiting students/ scientists or Interns usually come with a specific agenda agreed on with their sending organization, but are also encouraged to spread their time on different activities.
A typical Associate will spend:
- 50% on a main project (usually also the one that pays her/him)
- 20% on a special interest
- 15% on an additional special project usually involving fundraising in order to expand the activity into a funded project, and
- 10% on administration and supporting activities.
1. About the fluidity in roles: Every person in the organization is a leader, a manager, a project coordinator, a financial controller and an administrator. These roles are well defined within specific projects in which they participate;
2. Time spent towards writing applications: As stated above, when we invite a new person to join Future olds Center, we see it as an investment. Among the finalists, we choose the one person who:
- can duplicate our success
- expand the project
- and bring new funds to the organization.
We therefore expect all associates to spend some time in searching for opportunities and writing grants. In the beginning, they can join active teams in order to learn. It is important to know that on average only 1 in 7 applications is funded!
3. Time spent in administration and supporting activities: As a non-profit, development, research and activist organization, we promote a culture in which Associates do not expect administration and secretarial services like in typical profit-oriented enterprises. It is therefore necessary for everyone to contribute at least 10% of her/his time in tasks requested by others! Also, each one of us manages their own “secretarial” tasks.
