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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

FIND OUT ABOUT THE VENTURER MANAGER SPECIAL £200 OFFER

Special offer

All VM positions
£200
2024 cycle 2 only

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  

Projects you can join in Costa Rica

You can get involved in up to 3 phases: Community, Environmental and Trek. For further information of what a 10-week Expedition could look like, download a Guide.

01. Community

Improve access to education in indigenous communities and support young people to develop the tools to prosper in later life.
Raleigh Costa Rica works with indigenous territories who need support to improve the facilities of both primary and secondary schools.

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. Volunteers will work on the construction of school buildings and raising awareness activities with the community on topics such as waste management and climate action.

02. Environmental

Costa Rica boasts an impressive 5% of global biodiversity and has committed to sustainable biodiversity management. Protected areas preserving ecosystems are the foundation of its conservation efforts.

Volunteers are essential in supporting park rangers and aiding in infrastructure maintenance and wildlife research within national parks and private reserves. You will also collaborate with local communities to expand environmental knowledge and conduct workshops on topics like waste management and reforestation. Additionally, volunteers organise community activities to raise awareness and promote action on these crucial environmental issues, which also benefit the local economy.

03. Adventure Leadership

Our Adventure Leadership projects take teams on challenging treks through rainforests and up volcanoes on a variety of stunning routes that tourists don’t get access to.
You could be trekking up to 260 km through the towns and landscapes of Costa Rica that will take 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.

What can I expect on my Raleigh Expedition?

Everyone’s Expedition is slightly different – depending on how long you stay when you go and where. This is an outline of what you can expect from a 10-week Expedition. For a more in-depth description of life on a Costa Rica Expedition, including camp life and project info, download your sample itinerary.

Arrive at San José airport

You will be met by the country team

Induction and training (3-4 days)

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

Community Project (19- 21 days)

Volunteers work together on community projects agreed with partners and community leaders. You will be staying in a school classroom which is set up as a bedroom. You will be using all the school facilities (bathrooms, showers, kitchen).

Debrief at base camp (2-3 days)

At the end of each phase, everyone returns to the training centre 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 Leadership Project (19 – 21 days)

On this trek, every day is different, including the weather and the accommodation. Go from camping on top of a mountain and sleeping under the stars to camping in a community centre.

Environmental Project (19 – 21 days)

Volunteers 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 the training centre. Catch up with friends and celebrate all you have achieved together.

Projects you can join in South Africa

You can get involved in up to 3 phases (Community, Environmental and Trek). For a full itinerary of what a 10-week Expedition could look like, download a Guide.

01. Community

This community-led project is focussed around finding sustainable solutions to issues such as poverty, low levels of education, food insecurity, and unemployment.
Each day you will walk into the adjacent community, working as a team on projects such as building sustainable food gardens. You will discover a warm welcome, gain an appreciation for the local culture and learn some of the Xitsonga language (one of the 11 official languages of South Africa)

02. Environmental

This phase will have direct impact on restoring a healthy habitat on land bordering the Kruger National Park.
You will be involved in alien plant removal, indigenous tree planting, combating soil erosion, snare sweeps, litter picks and road clearing. All of which will help accelerate the restoration of a wilderness. The work will be physical, dirty and fun, making a difference to the health of the habitat.

03. Adventure Leadership

Supported by our local experienced guide, medic and Raleigh leaders, your trek will allow you to explore a true wilderness, with no marked trails, facilities or shops along the way.
Everyone starts and finishes trek together, come rain or sun (or even snow!) and no matter what trekking experience you have beforehand. Supporting one another through these moments, not giving up and sharing your achievements together will be some of the most memorable and defining moments of your Expedition.

What can I expect on my Raleigh Expedition?

Everyone’s Expedition is slightly different – depending on how long you stay when you go and where. This is an outline of what you can expect from a 10-week Expedition. For a more in-depth description of life on a South Africa Expedition, including camp life and project info, download your sample itinerary.

Arrive at Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport

You will be met by the country team

Induction and training (3-4 days)

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

Community Project (19- 21 days)

Each day you will walk into the adjacent community, working as a team and sometimes alongside members of the community, working on building sustainable food gardens.

Debrief at base camp (2-3 days)

At the end of each phase, everyone returns to the training centre 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 Leadership Project (19 – 21 days)

For this leg of your adventure, you will head to Drakensberg. You will travel together by bus for a day through northern South Africa, skirting around Swaziland and heading towards the mountain Kingdom of Lesotho. 

Environmental Project (19 – 21 days)

Take part in physical conservation work in the reserve. The work will be physical, dirty and fun, making a difference to the health of the habitat.

Final review at base (2 days)

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

Departure from Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport

Training and support

We have a dedicated team to support you with information and training before and during your Expedition.

Whilst some specific experience is required for particular roles, you don’t need specialist skills or knowledge of our projects. We will give you thorough online training beforehand and during your induction when you arrive in your Expedition country.

We will also send you everything you need to know and prepare in advance and share how you can support the personal development of young people on of your Expedition.

“It’s given me a lot more confidence about what to do next, just because you’re retired doesn’t mean you haven’t got those skills and experience.”

Kathy | Venturer Manager

Venturer Manager Dates & Costs

We run three cycles every year during the following times.

2024

Venturer Manager Dates and Costs
CYCLE 1

FEBRUARY - APRIL

12 Weeks

(Project Coordinators)
30th January – 20th April 2024
£2,641$3,200$3,200$3,200

13 Weeks

(all non Project Coordinators roles) 

25th January – 20th April 2024
£2,724$3,300$3,300$3,300

Reserve
CYCLE 2

JUNE - AUGUST

9 Weeks 


(Project Coordinators)
10th June – 24th August 2024
Special Summer offer – £200$200$200$200

Limited spaces available

11 Weeks 


(Project Coordinators)
10th June – 24th August 2024
Special Summer offer – £200$200$200$200

12 Weeks

(Project Coordinators)

10th June – 31st August 2024
Special Summer offer – £200$200$200$200

13 Weeks

(all non Project Coordinator roles)
5th June – 31st August 2024
Special Summer offer – £200$200$200$200

Reserve
CYCLE 3

OCTOBER - DECEMBER

9 Weeks 


(Project Coordinators)
10th June – 24th August 2024
£200$200$200$200 deposit only.

Limited spaces available

12 Weeks


(Project Coordinators)
24th September – 15th December 2024
£200$200$200$200 deposit only.

13 Weeks

(all non Project Coordinator roles)
18th September – 15th December 2024
£200$200$200$200 deposit only.

Reserve

2025

Volunteer Manager Dates and Costs
CYCLE 1

FEBRUARY - APRIL

12 Weeks

(Project Managers)
28th January – 19th April 2025
£2,641$3,200$3,200$3,200

13 Weeks

(all non Project Manager roles) 

23rd January – 19th April 2024
£2,724$3,300$3,300$3,300

Reserve
CYCLE 2

JUNE - AUGUST

11 Weeks 


(Project Managers)
10th June – 24th August 2025
£2,559$3,100$3,100$3,100

12 Weeks

(Project Managers)

10th June – 31st August 2025
£2,641$3,200$3,200$3,200

13 Weeks

(all non Project Manager roles)
5th June – 31st August 2025
£2,724$3,300$3,300$3,300

Reserve
CYCLE 3

OCTOBER - DECEMBER

12 Weeks


(Project Managers)
27th September – 18th December 2025
£2,641$3,200$3,200$3,200

13 Weeks

(all non Project Manager roles)
22nd September – 18th December 2025
£2,724$3,300$3,200$3,200

Reserve

What’s included

  • Airport welcome and transfers
  • All food, transport and accommodation 
in Expedition country
  • 24-hour support from Expedition country 
office and UK staff
  • Safety expertise
  • Extensive pre-departure information and support
  • Local orientation, project training & equipment
  • Exclusive kit discounts & advice
  • Raleigh t-shirt

Not Included

  • Flights
  • Visas
  • Vaccinations
  • Personal kit
  • Travel insurance

A full breakdown of whats included and not included along with a welcome pack to help you prepare will be provided on application.

How to apply

We advise Venturer Managers to apply well in advance of Expedition to give you the best chance of getting your first choice of role and country.

Apply online

Complete the online form and upload a copy of your CV / résumé. Please tell us as much as you can about yourself, including relevant skills and experience. Don’t worry if you don’t know which role is right for you – just put ‘undecided’.

APPLY NOW

Assessment Event

If your application form is approved, you will be invited to attend an assessment event. This also gives you the opportunity to hear more about Raleigh Expedition. If successful, you will then be offered a place on one of our Expeditions.

Confirmation

To confirm your place on Expedition, we will ask you for a deposit of £200$200$$ when you receive our offer letter. This will be deducted from your total.

Pre-departure

Prepare for your expedition! Our team will support you and send you everything you need for your Expedition. You will then be invited to your Venturer Manager Training event.

Available Venturer Manager Roles

If you are age 25-75, we welcome you to apply to join Raleigh Expedition as part of the Venturer Manager Team in one of five roles.

Project Coordinator

Your role will be to facilitate a group of young people aged 17-24 out on the project sites. You will be supporting the team to deliver Raleigh International’s project aims as well as monitoring and coaching the young people to help with their personal development.

Content Creator

Behind every project, every volunteer and every community member Raleigh supports, there is a story to be told. As the Content Creator, you will find these stories and work side-by-side with young people to generate exciting, engaging and high-quality content for Raleigh’s communications channels.

Photographer

Your primary role will be to identify and document powerful stories through photography and film. You will work alongside the volunteer content creator officer to gather visual content for our communications channels.

Wellbeing Coordinator

You will young people with their mental health and wellbeing throughout Expedition ensuring they feel safe and secure in an environment outside of their comfort zone as a Wellbeing Coordinator.

Logistics Coordinator

As the Logistics Officer, you will be essential to the smooth running of the programme. Your role is to ensure all food, equipment and materials are coordinated and supplied for volunteer teams at their project sites.

Expedition Medic

Use your skills as a doctor, nurse or paramedic while supporting young people on life-changing Expeditions. Develop your medical and leaderships skills whilst working in remote locations, supporting young people’s development and creating change where it is needed most.

Deputy Operations Manager

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

UK Expedition Project Coordinator

Lead and support a group of fourteen young people aged 14–15, guiding them through a transformative two-week journey in Devon, UK, which will take Venturers on an adventure leadership sail and an impactful environmental project.