Raleigh International, a youth and sustainable development charity relies on teams of experienced volunteer managers in project and field based roles to help run community, environment and adventure expeditions for young people aged 17-24 (venturers) from all walks of life. We currently run expeditions in Borneo, Costa Rica & Nicaragua and India however the finance manager role is only available in Borneo and Costa Rica/Nicaragua.
Spaces are available on expeditions departing in June and September 2012 and there is a total time commitment of 14 weeks for this role.
Requirements
Aged 25 to 75, common sense, flexibility, drive, teamworking and some roles require specialist skills
The role
One of the busiest roles in the Fieldbase team, the Finance Manager is responsible for keeping track of the expedition accounts. This could mean up to 12 projects, 150 people, a fleet of vehicles and much more! You must be able to work independently and have good communication skills. As well as financial responsibilities, the Finance Manager is a member of the Fieldbase team so plays a critical role in the day-to-day running of the expedition – everything from problem-solving to sourcing kit, maintaining contact with the project teams to resupplying trekking groups. One of the most important aspects of the role is the ability to be flexible and willing to work long and hard at certain busy times of the expedition. As a member of the Fieldbase team, you may also have the opportunity to visit many of the project sites, or even spend a phase as a Project Manager.
Essential skills
•Willingness to be flexible and put the needs of the expedition and the venturers first
•Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Excel
•Experience with double entry bookkeeping
•A demonstration of basic accounting knowledge
•Prior experience in a financial/accounting role
•First class organisation skills
Desirable skills
•Qualified accountancy skills
•Effective and clear communication skills
•Able to work on own initiative
A typical day
There isn’t one! One day you might be processing expenses for the last phase or ordering cash supplys ready for changeover, the next working with the logistics team to ensure groups have the right food at the right time, or manning the radio to monitor daily updates from the project groups. The next minute you might be jumping in a car to take a replacement rucksack to a trekking group, or be playing a starring role in the latest Radio Raleigh broadcast!
Fieldbase
You’ll be part of a team of volunteer managers working from the in-country headquarters to support the expedition under the guidance of the Country Director and Country Programme Manager. Fieldbase is a lively place and a great opportunity to learn new skills: the team split their time between Fieldbase and time on the road. With up to half the team out on various missions, versatility is essential: you might be required to take on extra responsibility while others are away. Likewise, you might get the chance to spend time as a Project Manager or join a trek for a few days. Every expedition is different but the Fieldbase team should be ready to get stuck in and put the needs of the expedition first.
Benefits
•Make a genuine difference to host communities and environments. With a permanent Fieldbase in each country, participants are able to build long-term relationships with in-country staff, project partners and beneficiaries to ensure the projects are worthwhile and sustainable
•Get off-the-beaten track! Raleigh works in areas tourists don’t have access to, meaning that our programme offers a unique opportunity to explore remote and pristine environments
•Experience a unique exchange of cultures and make long-lasting friendships
•Gain satisfaction from helping young people on their way to being the best they can be, developing your own confidence and learning many new skills along the way
Please note that all volunteer managers will be expected to make a financial contribution to the charity to help run the expedition and pay for personal flights to and from the expedition country. Further information can be found on the website.
If you would like any further information please do not hesitate to contact us.
If you would like to come to one of our open events please visit the website to sign up.
