Careers with Raleigh International

Role: Expedition Project Coordinator (Costa Rica)
Location: Costa Rica Expedition
Salary: Competitive
Contract: 7 to 13 weeks, aligning with the duration of Expedition projects

Raleigh International is committed to fostering local talent and empowering individuals within the communities we serve, therefore, this job position is exclusively open to applicants from Costa Rica.

About the role

As an Expedition Project Coordinator (Staff), you will be based on project sites and will play a pivotal role in providing leadership and direction to a team of 17 – 24-year-old venturers alongside international co-Project Coordinators. You will need to empower these young Venturers to lead, organize, and make decisions as a group.

Your primary objective will be to ensure the successful completion of projects while fostering a positive and supportive environment for all involved. In addition to managing behaviors and encouraging initiative, you will collaborate closely with other stakeholders to enhance the overall experience for both volunteers and international team members. You will take on increased responsibilities in terms of project planning, risk management, and team coordination, working together to ensure the project’s success.

Work conditions for the Expedition Project Coordinator (Staff) role offers a competitive salary, a unique and immersive experience in which temporary contracts typically range from 7 to 13 weeks, aligning with the duration of Expedition projects. During this time, Coordinators are provided with comfortable housing and a meal plan that includes three meals and snacks daily, ensuring their well-being while stationed in the picturesque rural town of Turrialba, known for its natural beauty and cultural charm. This in-depth experience involves intensive training and project changeover periods, where coordinators collaborate closely with international volunteers and local stakeholders to prepare for project implementation. Once projects commence, Coordinators remain fully engaged for the duration of the Expedition, typically lasting 12 weeks, with rest days compensated at the end of the Expedition period. This immersive approach allows coordinators to fully immerse themselves in the project experience, fostering strong bonds with team members and communities while making a lasting impact on sustainable development initiatives.

About you

We are looking for someone who is a passionate, a self-starter, keen to lead and develop a team through a period of change and innovation. You should be keen hit the ground running, throwing yourself into the role and Costa Rican culture from day one. You need to be able to work collaboratively with the senior management team (Front Office based in the UK) as well as take the lead and work autonomously with your immediate team to drive forward project projects and change.

You should have experience in operational delivery within Raleigh or another similar organisation and be willing to work flexible hours to meet the needs of the operational delivery. You should be able to approach tasks considering multiple perspectives (e.g. both operational and business needs), whilst also on a personal level being passionate about the outdoors, creating impact and supporting young people.

Responsibilities

Strategy and Expedition Delivery

• Volunteer Training and Development: Design and deliver training sessions for venturers to equip them with necessary skills and knowledge for project tasks and personal development.
• Crisis Management and Emergency Response: Implement crisis management and emergency response protocols, including coordination with local authorities and emergency services if needed, to ensure the safety and well-being of all team members.
• Evaluation and Assessment: Conduct post-project evaluations to assess project outcomes, identify lessons learned, and implement improvements for future projects.
• Lead and coordinate a diverse group of young intercultural Venturers, ensuring their safety, well-being, and engagement throughout the project duration.
• Collaborate with other Project Coordinators to plan and execute project activities, leveraging each other’s strengths and expertise to enhance the overall project experience.
• Provide support to international co-Project Coordinators, fostering a collaborative and cohesive team environment, but also caring about their Experience as they are customers to Raleigh International too.
• Develop and implement project plans, timelines, and strategies to achieve project goals effectively and efficiently.
• Conflict Resolution: Facilitate conflict resolution among team members and address interpersonal conflicts in a constructive manner to maintain a harmonious team environment.
• Manage risks and challenges proactively, anticipating potential issues and implementing mitigation measures as necessary.
• Facilitate team meetings and debrief sessions to ensure effective communication, personal growth for Venturers, coordination, and problem-solving among team members.
• Act as the primary point of contact for Venturers, addressing their concerns, providing guidance, and promoting their personal and professional development.
• Collaborate with partner organizations and stakeholders to align project activities with community needs and objectives.
• Foster a positive and inclusive team culture, celebrating diversity and promoting mutual respect and understanding among Venturers and team members.
• Serve as a role model for leadership, professionalism, and integrity, inspiring others to uphold high standards of conduct and performance.
• Continuously assess and improve the Venturer experience, soliciting feedback and implementing enhancements to enhance satisfaction and engagement.
• Maintain daily communication with Field Base staff and provide reports as requested.
• Manage the financial administration of the project, including handling the budget, emergency funds, and tracking receipts. Collaborate with the finance manager to prepare finance reports at the end of each project cycle.
• Act as a translator and facilitate communication between the local community and stakeholders by providing language support, particularly in Spanish to English translation, to ensure effective collaboration and understanding between all parties involved in the project.
• Enforce adherence to the code of conduct and ensure compliance with standard procedures, taking appropriate action if any member breaches them, to uphold the integrity and professionalism of the project team.

Person Specification

Required Experience

• Studying in a relevant field such as Tourism, International relations, Project Management, Environmental Management or proven experience (minimum 1 year) in coordinating and leading projects, preferably in a cross-cultural or international setting.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse groups, including young adults aged 17-24, international volunteers, and local communities.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with fluency in English (C1 ,C2) and proficiency in Spanish (additional languages a plus).
• Ability to navigate challenging and remote environments with resilience and adaptability.
• Commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of project planning and implementation.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive approach to managing risks and challenges.
• Willingness to travel and work on project sites for extended periods, often in remote or rural areas with limited facilities.

Desired

• Experience in facilitating team-building activities, leadership development workshops, or experiential learning programs.
• Knowledge of environmental conservation principles and practices, with a commitment to sustainability.
• Cross-cultural communication skills with a sensitivity to cultural differences and a respectful approach to engagement with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in crisis management and emergency response protocols, including risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
• Familiarity with budget management and financial administration, including experience in handling project finances and preparing financial reports.
• Passion for outdoor adventure and a commitment to promoting outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship among young adults.
• Previous experience working with non-profit organizations, volunteer-driven initiatives, or community development projects is advantageous.

Role benefits

• Comprehensive two-week hands-on training program, tailored to equip you with essential skills in project management, leadership, and cross-cultural communication, ensuring your readiness to lead and coordinate diverse teams effectively. 
• Meaningful Impact: Make a tangible difference by leading and empowering young adults to contribute to sustainable development projects in diverse communities around the world. 
• Personal Growth: Expand your leadership skills, cross-cultural communication abilities, and problem-solving capabilities through hands-on experience in a dynamic and challenging environment. 
• Adventure and Exploration: Embark on exciting Expeditions to remote and breathtaking locations, immersing yourself in diverse cultures and environments while facilitating transformative experiences for venturers. 
• Professional Development: Gain valuable project management experience, enhance your crisis management and risk assessment skills, and develop a global perspective on community development and environmental sustainability. 
• Networking Opportunities: Build lasting relationships with international volunteers, local community members, partner organizations, and industry professionals, expanding your professional network and fostering cross-cultural connections. 
• Rewarding Experience: Experience the satisfaction of seeing the tangible impact of your efforts as projects come to fruition, leaving a lasting legacy of positive change in communities and empowering young adults to become agents of change in their own lives and beyond. 

As an integral part of the team, Expedition Project Coordinators (Staff) are expected to adhere strictly to the code of conduct, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and non-discriminatory environment free from harassment or discrimination of any kind. We are committed to fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding, where individuals of all backgrounds feel valued and empowered to contribute fully to the project’s success. Given the role’s nature, it is imperative to maintain professional boundaries. Therefore, romantic or inappropriate approaches between staff and Venturers are strictly prohibited, as such behavior can compromise the integrity of the project and exploit the vulnerability of participants. We uphold a zero-tolerance policy regarding any form of harassment or misconduct, and any violations of this policy will be addressed swiftly and decisively to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals involved. 

How to apply

To submit your application, please complete this form