Job Description

Volunteer Role

Volunteer Position:

Law Advisor and Core Team Member

Organization:

Vandanam Organization

Location:

Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India (Remote work)

Commitment:

5-10 hours per week, pro bono

Start Date:

Immediate (as of May 2025)

Contact:

vandanam.org@gmail.com, +91-8267040336

About Vandanam

Vandanam, founded in January 2023 by Shreyansh Jain, is a non-profit dedicated to fostering a harmonious world through five pillars: Philosophical Exploration (Darshan Vandanam), Environmental Justice (Paryavaran Vandanam), Social Justice (Nyaya Vandanam), Media Literacy (Samvad Vandanam), and Skill Development (Kaushal Vandanam). Inspired by Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family), our vision is a world where every individual is empowered to realize their potential, contribute to society, and live in unity with all beings. Starting in India for the first five years (2023-2028), we aim to address challenges in education, healthcare, environment, and social equity, with plans to expand globally thereafter. Join us to build a transformative movement under one unified vision.

Role Overview

We seek a highly experienced lawyer to serve as a Volunteer Law Advisor and Core Team Member, playing a pivotal role in establishing Vandanam as a globally recognized non-profit trust. This volunteer will advise on the legal formation of the organisation, ensuring autonomy, scalability, and compliance, while contributing to the core "kitchen team" that drives Vandanam's growth. With high emotional intelligence (EQ), a commitment to serving a greater purpose, and alignment with our centralized leadership model, you will help shape Vandanam's journey from India to the world stage.

Key Responsibilities

Legal Advisory for Trust Formation:

Advise on structuring Vandanam as a trust under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882, ensuring autonomy from excessive government control (unlike Companies Act frameworks). Draft a trust deed and charter that reflect Vandanam's vision (Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam), purpose, and governance, designed to attract global attention and funding. Ensure compliance with the Income Tax Act, 1961 (Section 12A/80G) and FCRA, 2010 for tax exemptions and foreign contributions. Develop a governance model that supports centralized leadership under Shreyansh Jain while allowing scalability for global operations. Recommend strategies to harmonise the trust with international non-profit frameworks, ensuring compliance with local laws in future target countries.

Strategic Legal Guidance:

Provide ongoing legal advice for Vandanam's five pillars, particularly Nyaya Vandanam (Social Justice), including legal aid clinics and advocacy for marginalized communities. Review contracts, partnerships, and policies to ensure legal compliance and alignment with Vandanam's values. Advise on intellectual property, data protection, and regulatory requirements for global expansion.

Core Team Contribution:

Collaborate with the founder and core team to shape Vandanam's strategy, programs, and partnerships, acting as a trusted advisor and executor. Participate in high-level planning sessions, contributing legal and strategic insights to drive growth. Foster a cohesive team culture, aligning all efforts with Vandanam's unified vision and centralised leadership.

Networking and Advocacy:

Leverage your legal and non-profit networks to secure partnerships with governments, NGOs, and corporations for funding, CSR, and program support. Represent Vandanam in legal and non-profit forums, enhancing credibility and visibility. Advocate for policy changes that support Vandanam's mission, particularly in social justice and skill development.

Capacity Building:

Mentor volunteers and staff on legal literacy, ensuring grassroots teams understand rights and compliance. Develop training materials for Nyaya Vandanam programs, empowering communities with legal knowledge.

Qualifications

Experience:

10-15 years in non-profit law, trust formation, or international legal frameworks, with expertise in India's regulatory environment (e.g., Indian Trusts Act, FCRA). Proven success in setting up or advising NGOs/trusts with global operations, ensuring autonomy and compliance. Experience drafting charters, bylaws, or governance documents for scalable non-profits. Strong networks in legal, non-profit, and government sectors in India and globally.

Skills:

Deep knowledge of non-profit governance, tax exemptions, and cross-border funding regulations. Exceptional analytical and drafting skills for legal documents and policies. High EQ, with empathy, collaboration, and conflict resolution abilities. Strategic thinking and problem-solving to navigate complex legal and cultural landscapes.

Mindset and Values:

Passionate about serving humanity, driven by Vandanam's mission and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. Committed to pro bono work, prioritising impact over financial reward. Aligned with centralized leadership, respecting Shreyansh Jain's vision and authority. Strong moral compass, embodying integrity, inclusivity, and transparency. Growth-oriented, eager to build a global movement through innovation and collaboration.

Availability:

Willing to commit 5-10 hours weekly, with flexibility for remote work and periodic in-person collaboration in Faridabad (If living nearby).

Growth Opportunities as a Volunteer Law Advisor and Core Team Member, you will:

Shape a Global Movement: Play a foundational role in building Vandanam from India to a global stage, leaving a lasting legacy in social impact. Expand Your Influence: Leverage Vandanam's platform to advocate for social justice, environmental sustainability, and skill development, reaching millions. Build Strategic Networks: Connect with global leaders, policymakers, and non-profit experts, enhancing your professional and personal reach. Lead with Purpose: Contribute to a unified vision under centralised leadership, ensuring your efforts align with a transformative mission. Gain Recognition: Receive acknowledgment as a founding member, with potential roles on the advisory board or named programs (e.g., "Nyaya Vandanam Legal Initiative"). Personal Fulfilment: Find deep satisfaction in serving humanity, empowering marginalized communities, and promoting Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam globally.

Why Join Vandanam?

Vandanam is not just an organization--it's a movement to empower individuals and unite humanity under one vision.

As a Law Advisor, you will:

Address critical gaps in India's legal, social, and educational systems, starting with a trust model that sets Vandanam apart. Contribute to innovative programs, like paramedical training institutes, that transform lives through empathy and skill. Work under Shreyansh Jain's leadership, a visionary entrepreneur driven by personal experiences and a commitment to global change. Be part of a core "kitchen team" that shapes Vandanam's early growth, ensuring alignment with the values of unity, sustainability, and inclusivity.

How to Apply ?

Please submit your resume and a cover letter to vandanam.org@gmail.com, explaining:

Your experience in non-profit law and trust formation. Why are you passionate about Vandanam's mission and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. How your skills and networks can drive Vandanam's global growth. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We look forward to welcoming a purpose-driven legal expert to our team.

Preferred Profiles:

Retired Advocates/Judges: Senior lawyers through bar associations or platforms like Indian Bar Association. Non-Profit Lawyers: From organizations like iProbono or TrustLaw. Law Professors: From institutions like the National Law School of India University with non-profit expertise. Social Justice Advocates: Lawyers at NGOs like Human Rights Law Network.
Job Type: Volunteer

Pay: ?1.00 per month

Schedule:

Evening shift Weekend availability
Work Location: Remote

Expected Start Date: 01/06/2025