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CoordinatorVolunteer programmeInternship available

Volunteer Coordinator

Be the first friendly face of OCN: welcome new volunteers, look after their wellbeing and build our community.

Hours a week
30–35
Minimum stay
6 months
Age
21+

About the role

If you're an organised, hard-working people person who wants an insight into the world of NGOs, this is the role for you. You'll look after our volunteer group throughout their stay, helping new arrivals settle into Huanchaco and keeping an eye on everyone's wellbeing.

Adjusting to a new culture and new projects can be a challenge, especially for first-time volunteers. You'll help create a strong community so everyone feels welcome, safe and part of OCN, the town and the group, working with our management team to resolve any issues.

It's a fantastic opportunity for students on a year abroad or graduates looking for entry-level experience.

What you'll do
  • Meet new volunteers at the airport or bus station: you'll be the first face of OCN for most arrivals
  • Run inductions and walking tours to introduce newcomers to OCN and Huanchaco
  • Make sure every volunteer completes the online safeguarding and first aid training
  • Work closely with the Recruitment Coordinator and help out when needed
  • If you're fluent in Spanish, accompany volunteers to the doctor, hospital or police if they need support
  • Organise the weekly volunteer lunch, from booking restaurants to taking orders
  • Help the manager arrange a weekly social, such as a dinner, volleyball, a Spanish night or a trip to Chan Chan
  • Help the office team with general admin
  • Present certificates of completion to departing volunteers
  • Keep the volunteer house stocked with essentials, prepare rooms for new arrivals and make sure house rules, including quiet hours, are respected
What we provide
  • Personal pick-up when you arrive, plus a walking tour of Huanchaco
  • Help organising your accommodation in Huanchaco
  • A thorough introduction to OCN and how we work
  • Certified training in first aid and child safeguarding
  • 2 days' holiday per month
  • 24/7 emergency support
  • Organised activities: barbecues, games nights, the weekly volunteer lunch and more
  • A certificate of completion detailing your role, projects and dates
Skills & experience
  • A bachelor's or master's degree (completed or in progress) in a relevant subject (desirable, not essential)
  • Experience or knowledge of development studies, social work, psychology or communications (desirable, not essential)
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills
  • Experience working with people from different cultural backgrounds
  • A mature, positive attitude and a good sense of humour
  • Hard-working and enthusiastic
Requirements
  • Age 21+ on arrival
  • Spanish: intermediate
  • Time commitment: 6 months
  • A current background check from your home country
  • Want to improve your Spanish? We can arrange classes before you travel (online) or during your stay.
  • Longer stays are preferred, so you can really get to know the community and grow into your role.
  • Students can take this role as an internship, with extra mentoring and all the communication your university needs for a placement year or credit.

Safeguarding comes first

Our projects work with children and other vulnerable people, so every volunteer provides a current background check from their home country and completes our first aid and child safeguarding training.

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