West Africa Cycle Challenge Volunteer

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We are looking for a volunteer to work in Sierra Leone and/or Liberia leading up to and during the West Africa Cycle Challenge 2018.

The volunteer will work closely with the Project Coordinator and local Street Child staff in a crucial role supporting on the operational aspects of the event and leading on the communications during the event.

Volunteering with the West Africa Cycle Challenge is guaranteed to be busy and varied and is a great opportunity to offer real value to a team whilst gaining valuable experience in project management, event planning and communications. Equally you will have the opportunity to shape your own experience according to your skills, knowledge and goals.

Key responsibilities:

· Planning of the cycle challenges operational logistics.

· Planning and arranging visits to Street Child projects with local staff members.

· Procuring in country sponsorship.

· Liaising with Street Child staff both in UK, Sierra Leone and Liberia.

· Leading on event week communications.

Following a successful pioneering challenge in June 2017 the West Africa Cycle Challenge (WACC) is back! In January 2018 cyclists will travel 300km by bike through lush green landscapes from Bo in Sierra Leone to Robertsport in Liberia. Along the way cyclists visit rural schools, learn about Street Child projects and experience the culture in a completely unique way. For more information on the challenge please visit the website!

Street Child's aim is to create educational opportunities for some of the world’s most vulnerable children. We began our work in 2008 in Sierra Leone working with a small number of street children, nine years later we have helped to transform the lives of more than 50,000 children across Sierra Leone, Liberia and Nepal. In 2017 we launched our first projects in both Nigeria and Sri Lanka, in an attempt to supporting increasing numbers of children in need.

Sierra Leone remains one of the poorest countries in the world. Our research indicates that there are around 50,000 children relying upon the streets of Sierra Leone for their survival. During the Ebola crisis, Street Child supported close to 18 500 orphans with humanitarian aid and rehoming support. By empowering children by giving them the chance to go to school - and giving their families the wherewithal to keep them there - Street Child is one of the most impactful charities working in the region today.

In Liberia Street Child is currently expanding its operations and is currently working with the Government of Liberia and partner organisations to strengthen the capacity of teachers, schools and communities to sustain their investment in the education for their children.

· Previous logistics experience

· Highly self-motivated and pro-active, with the ability to work as part of a team;

· Culturally responsive and respectful

· Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to plan and implement plans in a structured manner;

· Excellent communication skills, fluent English, both oral and written;

· Experience in photography is desirable

· Ability to work under pressure and handle last minute changes;

· Ability to be flexible and to work outside of your specific duties when needed, have fun and laugh along with a sometimes unpredictable environment!

· An interest in Africa, international development and/or sport events would be of benefit.

The successful applicant must be prepared to live and work in austere conditions when required, and to travel independently to urban, rural and remote project sites. The applicant must be able to manage his or her work plan and report regularly to the team on progress. Ideally the applicant would be available to be Sierra Leone and/or Liberia for the full month of January.

A fundraising commitment will be required of the successful applicant, for which support will be provided by Street Child UK staff. Flights and food are at the applicant’s own expense. Accommodation will be provided by Street Child at a fixed cost, and will require sharing rooms with another volunteer of any gender. A detailed breakdown of costs and expenses will be provided for those applicants selected for interview.

Whilst this is initially a voluntary role, for applicants with relevant experience who have the ability to add strategic value, there is potential to attain a more permanent position with the organisation.

Please send your cover letter and CV to IntVol@street-child.co.uk outlining your experience, interest in the placement and availability.