Global Volunteer Specialists
Volunteer Specialists
The Volunteer Specialists Network is a multidisciplinary community of experienced professionals, academics, researchers, consultants, and subject matter experts who voluntarily contribute their knowledge,
Asanga U. Ranasinghe | Volunteer Specialist – Partnerships & Organizational Development
Asanga U. Ranasinghe is an international development and communications professional with expertise in strategic partnerships, organizational development, stakeholder engagement, and socioeconomic development. Passionate about technology, innovation, and human-centered leadership, he contributes to strengthening institutional collaboration, partnership development, and sustainable growth while supporting initiatives that empower young people and create lasting community impact.
Mahada Fernando | Volunteer Specialist – Legal Communication, Media Intelligence & Program Development
Mahada Fernando is an Attorney-at-Law and media professional with expertise in legal practice, public interest litigation, regulatory compliance, strategic communications, and programme development. Combining legal knowledge with media and public affairs experience, he contributes to governance, institutional communications, policy development, and programme quality while strengthening evidence-based and rights-focused initiatives.
Chew Yee Tieng | Senior Volunteer Specialist - Strategy, Institutional Development & Impact
Chew Yee Tieng is an internationally experienced business leader with over 25 years of leadership across multinational organizations in the Middle East, North America, Europe, and Asia. His expertise spans strategic leadership, cross-cultural collaboration, organizational transformation, stakeholder engagement, and international business development. Throughout his career, he has successfully led high-performing multicultural teams, built strategic partnerships, and navigated complex global environments while driving innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth. Recognized for his collaborative leadership style, he is passionate about empowering people, fostering innovation, and translating strategic vision into measurable results.
Prashandt Manickarajah | Senior Volunteer Specialist – Strategic Partnerships, Resource Mobilization & Organizational Development
Prashandt Manickarajah is a senior humanitarian and development professional with over 16 years of experience in programme management, strategic partnerships, resource mobilization, grants management, and organizational development. With expertise in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL), community development, and institutional strengthening, he contributes to building sustainable partnerships, enhancing programme quality, and strengthening organizational capacity.
Dr. Thimira Manamendra | Senior Volunteer Specialist — Corporate Strategy, Global Partnerships & Leadership Development
Dr. Thimira Manamendra is an award-winning corporate strategist with over 25 years of leadership experience in business transformation, strategic partnerships, market development, and digital innovation. A senior corporate leader, leadership trainer, and academic, he contributes expertise in organizational strategy, global partnerships, branding, leadership development, and institutional growth while strengthening innovation and long-term sustainability.
How Our Volunteer Specialists Contribute
Our Volunteer Specialists contribute their professional expertise through strategic advisory, technical guidance, mentoring, capacity building, research, partnership development, and organizational strengthening
Strategic Advisory
Provide expert guidance on organizational strategy, governance, institutional development, and long-term sustainability.
Mentoring & Capacity Building
Coach, mentor, and develop young leaders, volunteers, interns, and programme participants through professional guidance and knowledge sharing.
Training & Knowledge Sharing
Design and facilitate workshops, webinars, learning resources, and technical sessions across specialist fields.
Partnerships & Resource Mobilization
Build strategic partnerships, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and identify opportunities for collaboration and resource development.
Areas of Professional Expertise
Our Volunteer Specialists represent diverse professional backgrounds and multidisciplinary expertise, enabling IYAP to access strategic knowledge, technical skills, and sector-specific experience across a wide range of thematic areas.
Become a Volunteer Specialist
CTA Description Join a growing network of experienced professionals, academics, researchers, and industry leaders who are committed to empowering young people and strengthening communities through their expertise. As a Volunteer Specialist, you will contribute your knowledge, mentor future leaders, support innovative programmes, and help shape the long-term impact and sustainability of the International Youth Alliance for Peace (IYAP). Whether your expertise lies in governance, education, technology, human rights, research, communications, partnerships, or organizational development, your experience can create lasting change.