Volunteer Coordinator
Support the planning, preparation and successful delivery of the ‘Volunteer Programme’ aspects of WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017 (WSAD2017) including all Volunteer Programme communication, recruitment, and training.
The aim of the role Volunteer Coordinator is to support the planning, preparation and successful delivery of the ‘Volunteer Programme’ aspects of WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017 (WSAD2017) including all Volunteer Programme communication, recruitment, and training. This position is responsible for supporting the volunteer manager in implementing the Volunteer Programme within all areas, pre-events, and the main event of WSAD2017.
Principle Tasks And Responsibilities
The Volunteer Coordinator ensures the efficient, quality-oriented coordination of the Volunteer Programme.
The successful applicant will work particularly close with the other members of the WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017 Operations Team and the entire WorldSkills Team to ensure that all of the ‘Volunteer Programme’ aspects of WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017 are successfully delivered.
The successful applicant will have significant experience in managing large groups of volunteers in an international event setting. This will include the delivery of training to large groups of volunteers as well as deployment and coordination at an international event. The successful applicant should be confident coordinating an international Volunteer Programme, which combines local volunteers and volunteers from abroad. The Volunteer Coordinator will be skilled in briefing, training and managing up to 1000 international and local volunteers. A strong background and experience of designing and delivering training to large groups of volunteers and be comfortable adapting their training style and technique to a variety of volunteer roles will be essential.
The candidate should be comfortable with a ‘hands on’ approach to getting things done and be able to function with ease in a multi-cultural working environment. The principle tasks and responsibilities of the role are as follows:
The Volunteer coordinator’s primary function will be to support the volunteer manager’s role in coordinating the process of recruitment, briefing, training and delivery of specific volunteer roles. These roles will include:
WorldSkills International volunteers
Competition Support Volunteers
Team Attaché volunteers
Tour Guide volunteers
Coordinate and deliver training and on-site orientation.
They will support the implementation, monitoring and evaluating the WSAD2017 Volunteer Programme which covers all areas of pre-events, side programmes and the main event.
Coordinate the planning, design and implementation of the volunteer training programme for skill specific volunteers.
Assist with the recruitment process and placement of volunteers; making selections according to skill sets and hold interviews for selected positions.
Support all areas of the volunteer operations at WSAD2017 and other pre-events.
Coordinate and implement the venue volunteer scheduling plan and put in data for individual department and event needs in the volunteer management system.
Provide content for local communications to the volunteers leading up to and through the duration of WSAD2017 continually fostering the volunteer culture.
Contribute to the volunteer staffing contingency plans.
Deliver a consistent leadership approach, provide support to all volunteers.
Take responsibility for handling any onsite issues regarding volunteers.
Support the management of the venue volunteer centre including resource planning and set-up.
Coordinate and deliver on-site orientation and training.
Daily duties during the main event and during pre-events: volunteer check in, volunteer briefings, assisting functions with deployment, equipment distribution, activating contingency planning if any attrition, and updating schedules.
Build and maintain strong and collaborative working relationships with colleagues in the WSAD2017 team, ACTVET, Emirates Skills and the WorldSkills International Secretariat – particularly those whose work is closely related to the area of the Volunteer Programme.
Participate actively in cross-functional working groups as indicated.
It is important to note that the above is not an exhaustive list and it is very likely that adjustments to the tasks and responsibilities of the Volunteer Coordinator will be made from time to time.
The role demands flexibility in working hours due to varying time zones. Weekend and out of hours work is necessary, especially towards the event.
Person Specification
Educational Requirements
Educated to university degree level or equivalent experience
Required Experience
Ideally a minimum of 2 years’ experience in a similar position managing volunteers onsite at national & international events.
Significant experience in the field of volunteer management, training and recruitment
Openness and ability of working in an international/multi-cultural situation is a requirement
Excellent leadership skills including the ability to motivate and engage a large volunteer workforce
Competencies
Able to understand and cope with the complexities of working in an operations/event environment
Excellent organizational ability – setting priorities, developing work schedules, monitoring progress towards goals and meeting deadlines
Proven capability to negotiate, solve problems, handle conflict and cope with stress
Superb team player, able to work collaboratively with others, resolve issues and build relationships
Able to communicate well – an excellent listener with the ability to speak and write clearly and effectively
Excellent computer literacy
Excellent English skills are essential and Arabic skills an asset
Literacy in other languages would be an asset
Personal Qualities
Conscientious, imaginative, dynamic and open-minded
Has a high degree of probity and integrity
Able to work in an international/multi-cultural environment
Demonstrated organizational skills, time management skills and attention to detail
Computer skills including proficiency/experience with database systems
Proven presentation ability
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to meet tight deadlines and deliver results in a fast-paced environment
Flexible and adaptable, with ability to work well under pressure
Demonstrates strong problem-solving abilities with limited supervision
Willing to work during the evenings and at weekends and travel internationally when required
Summary Of Employment Terms
The contract is subject to a probationary period
The normal working hours are Sunday to Thursday from 8.00 a.m. until 4.00 p.m.
There is an entitlement to 30 working days leave per year, plus UAE public holidays
Health insurance will be provided
The normal place of work will be the Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Any offer of employment will be conditional upon: * Receipt of satisfactory references * Securing pre-employment approval from the UAE Immigration and * Naturalization Department (the employer will make the application for this) * Satisfactory completion of the mandatory Health Screening * Securing a UAE Residency and Employment Visa
Timescales
It is planned to make appointments for the Volunteer Coordinator in the Operations Team by January 2016.
Anyone who would like to submit an application is invited to do so immediately and the process will be on an ongoing basis, with appointments being made as and when suitable individuals are identified. Please contact Nilesh Ambikar at the email address below if you would like to know which of the roles have been filled at any particular time.
How To Apply
Applications should include a Curriculum Vitae with full details of education and career history and a ‘supporting statement’ outlining your suitability for the role, relating how your skills, knowledge and experience meet the requirements of the Job Description and Person Specification. You should also provide details of your particular interest in applying for this role.
