Volunteering in the public service has become an important pathway for young graduates in Tanzania to acquire practical skills, professional exposure, and hands-on experience while awaiting formal employment. Recognizing the growing number of graduates and the challenges arising from uncoordinated volunteer programs, the Government of Tanzania introduced the Guidelines for Volunteering in the Public Service to establish a uniform, transparent, and fair framework for managing volunteer engagement across public institutions .
Guidelines for Volunteering Muungozo wa Kujitolea Serikalini, Issued by the President’s Office – Public Service Management and Good Governance, these guidelines aim to enhance accountability, equity, and efficiency in the recruitment, supervision, and welfare of volunteers within the public sector.
Background and Rationale
For many years, volunteering arrangements in public institutions operated informally, with each institution applying its own procedures. This led to inconsistencies in recruitment, allowances, duration of service, supervision, and recognition of volunteers. In some cases, favoritism, unclear expectations, and disputes arose due to the absence of a standardized national framework .
The Guidelines were therefore developed under the Public Service Act, Cap. 298, to address these gaps and ensure that volunteering contributes meaningfully to youth development while supporting effective public service delivery.
Objectives of the Volunteering Guidelines
The primary goal of the Guidelines is to create an organized and harmonized system for engaging volunteers in public institutions. Specifically, the Guidelines aim to:
Eligibility and Qualifications for Volunteers
According to the Guidelines, a public service volunteer must:
- Be a Tanzanian citizen aged 18 years and above
- Be a graduate holding a certificate, diploma, or degree from a government-recognized institution
- Be unemployed and without prior work experience in the relevant field
- Possess valid academic certificates and acceptable moral conduct
- Demonstrate readiness and willingness to volunteer in the assigned institution
These requirements ensure that volunteering targets fresh graduates who need exposure rather than replacing formally employed staff.
Recruitment and Placement Procedures
Public institutions are required to identify volunteer needs during human resource planning and budget preparation. Volunteer positions must be publicly advertised through notice boards, institutional websites, or other accessible platforms to ensure openness and equal opportunity .
Applicants undergo screening and interviews conducted by relevant employment or human resource committees. Selected candidates formally assume volunteer roles only after signing a volunteering agreement that clearly outlines roles, duration, rights, and responsibilities.
Duration of Volunteering
The Guidelines set a clear time limit for volunteering:
- The initial volunteering period must not exceed 12 months
- The period may be renewed, but not beyond two additional terms
- Volunteering does not guarantee employment in the public service
This provision prevents misuse of volunteers as long-term unpaid or underpaid labor while maintaining the developmental purpose of the program .
Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct
Volunteers are entitled to a safe working environment, proper supervision, relevant tools, and professional guidance. They are also expected to:
- Adhere to public service laws, regulations, and ethical standards
- Maintain confidentiality of government information
- Respect working hours, discipline, and institutional procedures
- Perform assigned duties diligently and professionally
Any breach of discipline or misconduct may result in termination of the volunteering agreement.
Allowances and Welfare Support
Although volunteering is not employment, the Government recognizes the need to support volunteers’ basic subsistence. The Guidelines provide for a minimum monthly allowance to cover transport and meals. Initially, this amount is set at TZS 250,000 per month, subject to periodic review based on economic conditions .
When volunteers are required to travel for official duties, they are paid subsistence allowances equivalent to half of what an entry-level public servant in the same cadre would receive.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Completion
Public institutions are required to monitor and evaluate volunteer performance regularly. Volunteers must submit periodic performance reports, which form the basis for supervision, mentorship, and decision-making .
Upon successful completion of the volunteering period, volunteers are issued with a Certificate of Completion, which serves as official recognition of experience gained and can enhance employability in both public and private sectors.
Conclusion
The Guidelines for Volunteering in the Tanzanian Public Service represent a significant policy milestone in youth empowerment and public sector reform. By standardizing volunteering arrangements, the Government ensures fairness, transparency, and professionalism while enabling young graduates to build skills, confidence, and work ethics.
Ultimately, these Guidelines strengthen public service delivery by transforming volunteering into a structured, ethical, and impactful platform for national development and youth participation .
