Fundraising Officer (Ius Stella)

Ius Stella

We redefine justice as a tool for empowerment and social cohesion, building a world where every person’s dignity and humanity are honored.

Ius Stella addresses systemic injustices in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where arbitrary arrests, wrongful convictions, and prolonged pretrial detentions are widespread. These injustices disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, especially women, youth, and economically disadvantaged individuals. Many detainees spend years in prison without trial, often for minor infractions or fabricated charges, exacerbating overcrowding and inhumane conditions in detention centers.

A key driver of this injustice is extreme poverty, which leaves individuals defenseless against legal proceedings they do not understand and cannot navigate alone. In the DRC, where more than 60% of the population lives on less than $2 a day, hiring a lawyer is an unattainable luxury. As a result, thousands remain imprisoned simply because they cannot afford legal assistance to challenge unlawful detention or demand a fair trial. This economic barrier fuels a vicious cycle where poverty leads to injustice, and injustice deepens poverty, particularly for detainees who are primary providers for their families.

Moreover, the justice system itself is plagued by corruption, with court officials and prison authorities frequently demanding bribes for access to fair hearings, case reviews, or even basic human rights like food and medical care in detention. Those who cannot pay remain stuck in a system designed to exploit the vulnerable rather than protect them.

By failing to ensure due process, the justice system exacerbates inequality, disrupts families, and erodes social cohesion, fueling a broader crisis of distrust in state institutions. Without intervention, marginalized communities will continue to be criminalized, and justice will remain a privilege rather than a right.

Our work sits at the intersection of human rights, technology, and economic empowerment. We are building a network of dedicated pro bono lawyers to provide free legal assistance to individuals who have been unfairly incarcerated. We collect and analyze case-level data to expose failures in the judicial system and drive evidence-based reforms. We educate individuals on their rights, ensuring they can advocate for themselves and hold institutions accountable. And we support formerly incarcerated individuals in rebuilding their lives through socio-professional rehabilitation and economic opportunities. Through our work, we seek to ensure that justice serves all people.

Fundraising Officer

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

We are looking for a fundraising expert passionate about human rights and social justice to help us scale our mission and unlock new sources of support.

Key responsibilities include: 1) Develop a clear, actionable fundraising strategy 2) Create key documents (case for support, donor pitch deck, proposal templates) 3) Design and support a crowdfunding campaign 4) Identify potential donors and grant opportunities 5) Help draft compelling content for fundraising (emails, concept notes, updates)

About us: Ius Stella is a nonprofit organization committed to transforming the way justice is delivered, measured, and experienced. We started our work in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where we stand with victims of systemic injustice. Our work challenges traditional punitive systems and creates pathways for a more transparent, efficient, and people-centered approach to justice.

Weekly Time Commitment

4-6 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

3-5 months