Work side-by-side with young people to generate exciting, engaging, and high-quality content.
Content Creator role description
Behind every project, every Raleigh volunteer and every community member, 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.
Whether that be mobile video for social media, stories for our blog, or case studies and photography to evidence our project impact, the content you create will bring our programmes to life in a way which inspires and empowers others to take action.
You will spend time in rural communities to capture first-hand the moments and stories which make our projects special. You will let your creativity flow to develop interesting narratives through content which will be both informative and engaging on digital channels.
You will play a crucial role in gathering case studies which are vital for our monitoring and evaluation work. You will be in the privileged position of learning more about people’s lives when you interview community members and volunteers about their experiences.
We consider applications for this role from age 21.
“There was adventure at every turn, and a synchronisation with the powerful simplicity of rural outdoor living, which had a positive impact on my physical and mental disposition. The friends I made through Raleigh are another highlight – their dedication to the work was inspiring as well as their determination to create a positive change to the lives of others.””
Miguel | Expedition Content Creator
Responsibilities
- Capture content in a range of formats, such as mobile video footage, written articles, case studies and photography to document the impact of our projects. (you may be working alongside a photographer volunteer manager).
- Work side-by-side with young people to generate exciting, high-quality content for Raleigh’s communication channels. You will be in communication with the UK based communications team to share your work.
- Inspire the other volunteers and effectively edit the contributions they make.
- Work closely with the support team to collaboratively run the Expedition field base.
- Gather case studies by visiting our project sites and interviewing community members and volunteers directly.
Benefits of being a content creator with Raleigh International
- Learn and develop your communications, social media and writing skills in a unique role.
- Build your knowledge of international sustainable development by contributing directly.
- Learn new skills to develop or change your career.
- Experience living in a completely new and exciting environment across our project sites and field base.
Essential skills and qualifications
- A solid understanding of social media (primarily Instagram and Tik Tok), experience using these platforms incredibly helpful
- Good writing and communications skills (experience writing stories or blogs desirable)
- Able to work to a content brief and understand brand guidelines
Open to living and working in rural remote locations
”I got a real overview of the projects and communities we’re working in and how we’re making a difference for so many people. The best bit was being able to meet people in the community. It was really inspiring to hear their stories. It was then I really realised how the projects are changing lives.
JamieRaleigh Content Creator
Projects you can join in Costa Rica
On Expedition, you can participate in up to three project phases. (The 10-week Expedition will include all 3 phases; for the 7-week Expedition, you will take part in the trek and be assigned to either community or environmental.)
For more information please get in touch, and for a full itinerary of what your Costa Rica Expedition could look like, download your guide.
01. Community
Improve access to education in indigenous communities and support young people to develop the tools to prosper in later life.
Children in indigenous communities often face major barriers to accessing education, with illiteracy rates being considerably higher in indigenous areas in comparison to the rest of Costa Rica. You will work to support access to education by constructing educational centres and classrooms in indigenous communities, helping to provide the space for young people to develop the tools to prosper later in life.
02. Environmental
Partner with expert organisations to support biodiversity preservation and development in indigenous territories.
You will work with experts to develop skills and tools to become Active Global Citizens. Become part of a generation of defenders of the natural environment, to protect biodiversity and increase the resilience of disadvantaged rural communities. The climate emergency is one of the greatest challenges facing our planet. But with us you can get support to become leaders in the fight against climate change.
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.
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
Whilst on Expedition, you can take part in up to three project phases. For a full itinerary of what your South Africa Expedition could look like, download your 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 | Volunteer Manager
When can I go and how much?
We run three cycles every year during the following times.
2023 Costa Rica
Volunteer Manager Dates and Costs
CYCLE 2
JUNE - AUGUST
13 Weeks
(Office based roles)
9th June – 4th September 2023
£2,724$3,300
12 Weeks
(Project Managers)
14th June – 4th September 2023
£2,641$3,200
11 Weeks
(Project Managers)
14th June – 28th August 2023
£2,559$3,100
CYCLE 3
OCTOBER - DECEMBER
13 Weeks
(Office based roles)
20th September – 16th December 2023
£2,724$3,300
12 Weeks
(Project Managers)
25th September – 16th December 2023
£2,641$3,200
2023 South Africa
Volunteer Manager Dates and Costs
2024 Costa Rica and South Africa
Volunteer Manager Dates and Costs
CYCLE 2
JUNE - AUGUST
12 Weeks
14th June – 3rd September 2024
£2,641$3,200
9 Weeks
14th June – 6th August 2024
£2,500$2,900
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
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 Volunteer Managers to apply well in advance of Expedition to give you the best chance of getting your first choice of role and country.
Volunteer Manager Application
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’.
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 £350$350 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 Volunteer Manager Training event.
Available Volunteer Manager Roles
If you are age 25-75, we welcome you to apply to join Raleigh Expedition as part of the Volunteer Manager Team in one of five roles.
Project Manager
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.
Health and Wellbeing Coordinator
You will look after the general health of the volunteers and will be the key point of contact in managing any medical emergencies. You will support the young people with their well-being providing an environment where volunteers feel safe and secure.
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.
