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EXPEDITION ROLE (25+)

Expedition Project Coordinator

As a Project Coordinator your role will be to facilitate a group of young people aged 17-24 out on the project sites.

Project Coordinator role description

Our Project Coordinators  are based on each project site and are responsible for managing a group of 17 – 24 year old Venturers. This includes supporting them to complete the projects, managing behaviours and encouraging each volunteer to utilise their initiative and take the lead where suitable.  

You will need to be able to communicate clearly with a range of different people, from staff members, young people to community members. 

We’re looking for accountable, decisive and objective Project Coordinators  with encouraging leadership styles who are passionate about engaging with and inspiring young people to develop themselves. Our PCs need to be solution-focused and innovative, as you may not always have the exact materials you need to complete tasks!

Project Coordinators  will work closely with Wellbeing Coordinators to challenge and support the young volunteers to succeed throughout all of the programme elements.  

“It was an amazing experience because you’re living in a community and you can see what the problems and needs are.”

Nirajan | Expedition Project Coordinator

Responsibilities

  • Facilitate and inspire a diverse group of young international volunteers to complete impactful projects whilst developing their skills.
  • You and at least one other Project Coordinator will be managing a group of around 14 international young people in a cross-cultural environment. 
  • Support the delivery of Raleigh environmental and community projects.
  • You will be the key contact for our permanent country teams with regard to safety and project delivery.
  • One-to-one support for young volunteers.
  • Behaviour management
  • Ability to delegate tasks within a group but most importantly, allow the young people to lead

I’m very proud that I have been able to assist in the digging of trenches for the water pipes that will bring clean water direct to these peoples’ houses. I know it will positively impact both health through higher quality water as well as the economical position of those in the community who can find more beneficial activities to undertake during the time it takes to walk miles each day carrying water.

AndyRaleigh Project Coordinator

Essential skills and qualifications

  • Ability to lead a diverse team of international young people from a variety of different backgrounds
  • To be flexible and adaptable in a challenging environment
  • Open to living and working in rural remote locations
  • Positive and compassionate approach to leading
  • A positive outlook and the willingness to share knowledge and expertise with your team.
  • First-aid trained

Benefits of being a Project Coordinator with Raleigh International

  • Gain key insight into the behind-the-scenes running of sustainable development programmes and all the practical challenges they encompass.
  • Build your leadership, mentoring and practical skills as you work on meaningful projects that create positive change for communities, environments, and young people.

Projects 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.

Community Phase

 

Improve access to education in indigenous communities

Raleigh Costa Rica partners with indigenous communities so Venturers can help work on projects to improve the facilities including 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. Venturers work on building school buildings and raising awareness activities with the community on topics like waste management and climate action.

Environmental phase

 

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. Raleigh Venturers support The National System of Conservation Areas mission to protect Costa Rican biodiversity by:

Supporting park rangers and aiding in infrastructure maintenance and wildlife research within national parks and private reserves.

Collaborating with local communities to expand environmental knowledge and hold workshops on topics like waste management and reforestation.

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.

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.

What you'll be doing 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.

Community Phase

This community-led project is focused around finding sustainable solutions to issues such as poverty, low levels of education, food insecurity, and unemployment. 

You will work on these solutions from the ground up, partnered with the community and a local NGO, Nourish Eco Village. Each day you will work in and around the community village, working as a team on projects such as building sustainable food gardens, playgrounds and essential infrastructure.

You will get the chance to interact with local community members and children, gain an appreciation for the local culture and learn some of the Xitsonga language (one of the 12 official languages of South Africa).

Environmental Phase

This phase will significantly contribute to the restoration of a thriving habitat within the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Reserve. 

You will be involved in invasive plant removal, combating soil erosion and bush encroachment, conducting snare sweeps, litter picks and road clearing. All of this will help accelerate the restoration of the wilderness.

The work will be physical, dirty, and fun, making a difference to the health of the habitat.

Adventure Challenge

Supported by our local experienced trek facilitators and Raleigh leaders, your trek will take you through incredible landscapes and biomes, with stunning routes across the mountains that tourists don’t get access to.

You could be trekking up to 200 km through the Northern Mpumalanga Drakensburg of South Africa 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.

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 South Africa

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 South Africa. For a information on camp life and project info, download a sample itinerary.

Download a guide

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 work in and around the community village, working as a team on projects such as building sustainable food gardens and playgrounds. 

Debrief at Fieldbase (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. This is when project groups will change between phases, if possible, as 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 the Drakensberg mountains. Every day is different, including the weather and the accommodation. Go from camping on top of a mountain, sleeping out under the stars to swimming in beautiful waterfalls.

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

Volunteer projects in Borneo

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

Community Phase

 

In Borneo you’ll volunteer on projects with the aim of increasing access to the facilities most needed to support welfare and growth in indigenous areas. 

For example: Many Dusun communities are remote and rely on small businesses, subsistence farming or farmers markets, resulting in many of these communities experiencing poverty and underdevelopment. Through your project you will get involved in planning and construction work to support community initiatives. This may include working on building toilets, community halls, supporting the development of drainage systems, and other smaller projects to benefit the community.

Adventure Challenge

 

You’ll have two different adventurous experiences – the Leadership Trek and the Jungle Adventure. You’ll also visit an Orangutan Sanctuary.

The Leadership Trek – takes place over 7 days, where you’ll explore the Salt Trail in Borneo’s Crocker Range. The routes are off the beaten track so something tourists don’t normally experience.

The Jungle Adventure – you’ll spend time in Batu Puteh, a Sungai native community living by the Kinabatangan River, working on eco-tourism and jungle restoration projects. You’ll get to see wildlife on a river safari, and go on short night treks and also visit Borneo’s famous Orangutans at the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary.

Environmental project

 

Over 50% of Malaysian mangroves are found in Sabah, however each year thousands of hectares are disappearing. Industrial level logging and local farming of the nipa plant have resulted in mangrove degradation, negatively affecting the local environment and providing cause for global concern.

Raleigh Venturers will volunteer in Borneo on a mangrove planting and rehabilitation project, working alongside local experts and communities living near mangrove creeks to revitalise mangrove growth.

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 Borneo

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 Borneo. For a information on camp life and project information, download a sample itinerary.

Download a guide

Arrive at Kota Kinabalu International airport

You’ll be met by the in-country team.

Induction and training (3-4 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 (19 days)

Venturers work together in a Sabah native community on projects which may include supporting construction of community halls, toilet blocks, or village drainage systems.

Debrief at Fieldbase (2-3 days)

At the end of each phase, everyone returns to Fieldbase ‘Camp Tinangol’ 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.

Leadership Trek (7 days)

You’ll conquer a 7-day trek across the Salt Crocker Range. On this trek, every day is different, including the weather and the accommodation.

Jungle Adventure (11 days)

You’ll work on eco-tourism projects, living in a rainforest community with Orang Sunai (indigenous river people), go on river safaris and visit Borneo’s famous Orangutans at the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary.

Environmental Project (19 days)

You’ll work on reforestation activities and mangrove rehabilitation, which will support local wildlife, while also raising awareness locally about these issues.

Final review (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.

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

All our Venturer Manager roles require a £200 deposit plus a suggested £400-£600 fundraising contribution.

Find out more about our pricing update and fundraising

2025

CYCLE 1

FEB - APR


26th January – 19th April 2025
£200$200$200$200ZAR deposit and a £400-£600 fundraising contribution

Application deadline: 9th Dec 2024

Apply now
CYCLE 2

JUN - AUG


11th June – 3rd September 2025
£200$200$200$200ZAR deposit only and a £400-£600 fundraising contribution

Application deadline: 23rd Apr 2025

Apply now
CYCLE 3

OCT - DEC


26th September – 18th December 2025
£200$200$200$200ZAR deposit only and a £400-£600 fundraising contribution

Application deadline: 8th Aug2025

Apply now

2026

Dates will be released soon

What’s included

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

Not included

  • Flights
  • Visas
  • Vaccinations
  • Personal kit
  • Travel insurance
  • First aid training (Venturer Managers)

A full breakdown of what’s included and not will be provided on application.

Speak with an advisor

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$$ZAR 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.

Project Coordinator FAQs

Frequently asked questions about Project Coordinator roles.

As a Raleigh International Expedition Project Coordinator, what will my responsibilities be?

As an Expedition Project Coordinator, you will be responsible for supporting a team of approximately 15 Venturers aged 17 – 24 as they volunteer with the community, complete various projects and embark on an Adventure Leadership trek.

It will be your responsibility to manage the behaviours of the team and to continue to build positive relationships within the community.

We endeavour to have 2 Project Coordinators for each group of 15 Venturers. You may be working alongside another international or national Project Coordinator or a Wellbeing Coordinator who also has Project Coordinator responsibilities, although we cannot guarantee you will have a Wellbeing Coordinator or Medic during your project phase.

What experience do I need to be an Expedition Project Coordinator?

As a Project Coordinator, you will need to have planning and problem-solving skills and be an active team player. You will exhibit leadership skills, flexibility and adaptability, and will be sensitive to the needs of others.

We are looking for leaders who are solution-focused but also can empathise with people from all different walks of life.

Who will be responsible for providing the meals while we’re on project?

Our Logistics Coordinator will ensure that there is enough food during each project phase for the Project Coordinators and Venturers to make their meals.

You may create a rota so that everyone gets involved in cooking and preparing meals. The meals provided will be traditional to the country that you are in. However, as our project sites are remote, we do not have access to fridges. Food items are therefore limited to preservables, canned and dried foods, with fresh local produce where possible.

What will be the process for keeping in touch with fieldbase?

As a Project Coordinator, you will be able to contact Fieldbase via your provided smart phone, dumb phone, GPS, and SPOTEX or SAT Phone (depending on the signal availability at the project site).

You will have a daily scheduled call to update the Fieldbase team on your progress as well as bi-weekly calls to cover topics more in depth.

In the event of an incident or emergency, you will be able to call the operations and communications team or will have the support of an Expedition Medic.

All 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.

Project Coordinator - Wellbeing lead

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

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.

*Costa Rica only

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

It was definitely a challenge physically and mentally but I am so glad I did this as it really gave me some great memories and adventures in such a beautiful country

LynneCosta Rica 2024