EXPEDITION ROLE (21+)

Deputy Operations Coordinator

Lead a team of Venturer Managers to support young people on an Expedition of a lifetime, while supporting the operational running of the Raleigh programme

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Deputy Operations Coordinator role description

As the DOC you will act as a positive role model to all Expedition participants, embodying Raleigh’s values and mission whilst providing ongoing support, coaching and advice to the rest of the Venturer Manager Team.  

You will work closely with the staff team to deliver effective and inclusive training sessions during induction for Venturers and Venturer Managers.
  
Alongside the Project Coordinator, Wellbeing Coordinators and Medical Leads, you will support and advise on any medical situations, ensuring activities are conducted in line with relevant risk assessments code of conduct, and safety guidance.   

This role may also include supporting the operations staff in the management of incidents, as well as contributing to all logistical and administrative needs of the Expedition.  

“Being a DOC with Raleigh improved my leadership skills, taught me about a new culture and enabled to make lifelong friends. It is undoubtedly the best thing I have ever done and hope to do again.”

Abbey | Deputy Operations Coordinator

Responsibilities

Deliver 121 sessions with all Venturer Managers aimed at personal development 
Support PCs to manage behavioural concerns and support management of code of conduct breaches or performance issues  
Support Expedition Medical Leads & Wellbeing Coordinators with management of first aid kits, and mental and physical health advice where required.  
Ensure activities are conducted in line with relevant risk assessments code of conduct, and safety guidance and escalate accordingly 
Act as daily link between Raleigh Office and project teams, providing general support and escalating to staff where required  
Work with operations staff Plan & deliver quality training sessions catering for a diverse range of learning styles and needs. 
Provide support to project teams in managing day to day and more serious incidents & escalate incidents in line with incident management pathway

Benefits of being a Deputy Operations Coordinator with Raleigh International

Develop strong leadership and management skills  
International incident management experience  
Work closely with an international staff team 
Work alongside our operations staff to develop Expedition operations and logistics experience  
Support young people to develop core skills on the adventure of a life time 
Create impact in communities that need it m

Essential skills and qualifications

Previous experience with Raleigh International at Venturer Manager level or above, or able to demonstrate relevant experience and transferable skills from other previous roles  
Intermediate or above English language skills, verbal and written  
Excellent time management, planning and organisational skills  
Experience of planning and delivery training through an inclusive lens with consideration to learning styles, support needs and language  
Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to provide advice, support and mentoring to others, with regard to professional boundaries and organisational approach  
Ability to respond to emergencies in a calm, methodical and supportive manner, following organisational response plans as required  
Willingness to be flexible and adapt to the needs of the programme, including work long and irregular hours, with variable days off and move between pro-active and reactive working styles to meet the needs of the programme.  
First aid qualified

Desired

Understanding of safeguarding issues 
Understanding of mental health issues and comfortable in supporting others 
Mental Health First Aid trained 
Experience of Expedition First Aid 
Understanding of sustainable development issues on globally and in relevant Expedition country  
Experience living and/or working abroad and in remote areas  
Experience of living or working in outdoor environments 
Trek and/or camping experience 
Language skills relevant to relevant Expedition country

Expedition life in Costa Rica

You can get involved in up to 3 phases: Community, Environmental and an Adventure Trek. You’ll also spend time at Fieldbase for your induction, ‘changeover’ between phases and to say your goodbyes at the end.

Venturer carrying wood on community project

Community Phase

Sustainable development goals:
1 – end to poverty. 3 – access to education. 8 – economic growth. 9 – infrastructure. 11 – sustainable communities

Why are we there? To improve access to education in indigenous communities

Costa Rica has 24 indigenous territories inhabited by eight different peoples. These regions face significant educational and infrastructural challenges, making volunteer involvement crucial. Raleigh Costa Rica partners with a number of the indigenous communities where Venturers contribute to improved access to education, infrastructure development, and public services, while fostering long-lasting connections with these communities.

For example: The Alto and Bajo Chirripó Indigenous Territory is one of the most remote areas in Costa Rica. There are low levels of school attendance, high levels of illiteracy, and high levels of poverty. One of the key barriers to culturally appropriate development is a lack of education due to poor facilities and difficult access. Venturers work on building school buildings and raising awareness activities with the community on topics like waste management and climate action.

Environmental phase

Sustainable development goals
12 – responsible consumption and production. 13 – climate action. 14 – life below water. 15 – life on land

Why are we there? Costa Rica boasts an impressive 5% of global biodiversity but has areas which are biologically vulnerable.

The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica is a true natural treasure. The border area with Panama is facing challenges such as deforestation and habitat loss. These issues intensify the impacts of climate change, leaving indigenous communities who depend on these lands.

What you’ll experience:

Implement eco-friendly practices to promote sustainability and build environmental awareness.
Engage with the community to learn about their traditions and approaches to sustainability.
Acquire essential survival skills such as shelter-building, creating a camp kitchen and locating water sources.
Attend speeches led by an experienced biologist
Participate in trail design and clean-up efforts
Building bird feeder stations
Hawkwatching – identification and data gathering
Food garden and nursery planting

Adventure Challenge

You’ll trek approximately 260 km through varying landscapes – rainforest, mountainous and rural community areas.

Trek takes you on a journey of personal growth that will continue for the rest of your life. No matter what trekking experience you have, everyone starts and finishes trek together – come rain or shine!

Supporting one another, not giving up and sharing your achievements together will be some of the most memorable and defining moments of your Expedition.

Costa Rica – Pura Vida trek route

This route is one currently being done by Venturers in Costa Rica. When your time comes, we may be using a different route but it will be similar in length and terrain. Specific trek details will be given out nearer to the time of your departure.

Download a guide

Day 1: Alto Quetzal- Dorbata School

Distance: 9.89 miles
Elevation gain: 1093ft
Terrain: moderate

Day 2: Dorbata – Bajo Pacuare Campamento la Hondura

Distance: 4.61 miles
Elevation gain: 636ft
Terrain: moderate

Day 3: Bajo Pacuare – Finca Vialey Pacayitas

Distance: 6.59 miles
Elevation gain: 2149ft
Terrain: moderate

Day 4: Pacayitas – Atirro

Distance: 11.06 miles
Elevation gain: 2231ft
Terrain: moderate

Day 5: Atirro – El Copal

Distance: 11.23 miles
Elevation gain: 1926ft
Terrain: moderate

Day 6: El Copal/Selva – Hacienda Tapantí (rest here on day 7)

Distance: 7.06 miles
Elevation gain: 28231ft
Terrain: moderate

Day 8: Hacienda Tapanti – Muñeco de Navarro Casa Tanin

Distance: 12.31 miles
Elevation gain: 2215ft
Terrain: moderate

Day 9: Muñecode navarro – Estrella church

Distance: 7.35 miles
Elevation gain: 3179ft
Terrain: moderate

Day 10: La Estrella – Cedral / la Lucha

Distance: 10 miles
Elevation gain: 3875ft
Terrain: moderate

Day 11: Muñeco de Navarro – Tanin House/La Estrella church

Distance: 5.74 miles
Elevation gain: 2113ft
Terrain: moderate

Day 12: Cedral /La Lucha – Quercus

Distance: 11.87 miles
Elevation gain: 1070f
Terrain: moderate

Day 13: Quercus – San Francisco’s community Center

Distance: 8.34 miles
Elevation gain: 1529ft
Terrain: moderate

Day 14: San Francisco – Alto Aguacate

Distance: 8.88 miles
Elevation gain: 948ft
Terrain: moderate

Day 15: Alto el Aguacate -San Juan Community Center (Vegas)

Distance: 12.88 miles
Elevation gain: 1916ft
Terrain: moderate

Day 16: San Juan – Playa Palo Seco airport

Distance: 11.87 miles
Elevation: 56ft
Terrain difficulty: moderate

Day 17: Travel back to Fieldbase

Fieldbase

Induction
At the start of your Expedition you’ll arrive at Fieldbase and have time for training – including safety briefings, codes of conduct and plenty of teambuilding activities to get to know each other.

Changeover
During each phase you’ll return to Fieldbase to ‘changeover’ groups, wash and sort out your kit, learn about your next project and pack up again for the next phase.

Endex
This is when you’ll get the chance to reflect on all your experiences, receive some final feedback from our Venturer Managers and other staff members which should help you continue your personal development and time to say your goodbyes (or plan your next adventures together).

Example itinerary for Costa Rica

Everyone’s Raleigh Expedition is slightly different – depending on how long you stay and what time of year you go. This is an outline of what you can expect from a 10-week Expedition to Costa Rica. For a information on camp life and project info, download a sample itinerary.

Download a guide

Arrive at San José airport

You will be met by the country team

Induction and training (4-7 days)

Get to know your fellow Venturers and prepare for Expedition life. You’ll receive essential training on topics such as health and safety and cultural awareness.

Community Project (18-19 days)

Venturers work together on community projects agreed with partners and community leaders. Your accommodation will mostly likely be a school or community building and use the facilities attached to it (bathrooms, showers, kitchen).

Debrief at Fieldbase (2-3 days)

At the end of each phase, everyone returns to Fieldbase for a few days before moving on to your next project. You’ll catch up with the rest of the Expedition team and start to prepare for your next project. Project groups will change between each phase, this is an important part of the Expedition experience.

Adventure Trek (18 – 19 days)

On this trek, every day is different, including the weather and the accommodation. Go from camping in mountainous areas and sleeping under the stars to bunking in a community centre.

Environmental Phase (18 – 19 days)

Venturers will support the maintenance and conservation of existing ecosystems and assist local communities to preserve such a biodiverse nature.

Final review at base (2 days)

All Expeditions end with everyone coming together for a final few days back at Fieldbase. Catch up with friends and celebrate all you have achieved together.

Download a guide Our impact

Expedition life in South Africa

You can get involved in up to 3 phases: Community, Environmental and an Adventure Challenge. You’ll also spend time at Fieldbase for your induction, ‘changeover’ between phases and to say your goodbyes at the end.

Raleigh South Africa community project video