Event Coordinator – The Inaugural Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Trail Run, Uganda

A community half-marathon set to be the first of its kind in the southern Bwindi district is planned for 20th July 2013.

We're looking for people with experience in, or a passion for, events management and sports to help coordinate all the aspects required to ensure the event runs smoothly and successfully.

Background story…

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is famous for being home to over half the world's population of rare Mountain Gorillas and was established as a protected area in 1994. The communities living on the edge of the forest, including the Pygmy Batwa tribe who once lived within the park itself, are no longer allowed access to the forests rich resources and right now, most people continue to live in poverty on the edge. Big Beyond are working hand in hand with the local community to help improve livelihoods, whilst simultaneously raising support towards the conservation of Bwindi.

The event

The fun run (21.1km, 10km and 5km distances) are designed to promote community health through sports and raise conservation awareness beyond the gorillas. The event incorporates all the elements Bwindi is renowned for around the world: conservation, tourism, community involvement and of course silverbacks!

The idea is that each race participant will receive two indigenous tree seedlings from Bwindi donated by the Ugandan Wildlife Authority, one to plant at their home and one to contribute to a community tree-planting project - bringing Bwindi back outside again to improve the environment.

It's a community event, but hopefully the altitude (2000m) and stunning trail will also attract a few international visitors too.

Job Description

There are a variety of roles to fill – from marketing in the lead up to the event within the community and further afield, logistics and on-the-day coordination, and post-event evaluation and planning for next year.

If you've got good initiative, have a creative streak, can be adaptable and enthusiastic, our team will work hard to match you to a perfect role where your input will be really valued.

Depending on when you join us, your tasks could include:

- Managing a budget and performing within these limits

- Organising various aspects of the event – developing the schedule, selecting local leaders to present prizes, organising cultural entertainment and post-run event, identifying vendors, working with tourist lodges for accommodation, creating and distributing marketing materials, arranging transport logistics for participants and much more…

- At the actual event – overseeing and coordinating its set-up and troubleshooting any issues that may arise

Desired skills:

- Concerned about the bigger picture and not just profits

- Willing to work hard and be able to adapt to unconventional settings and new cultures

- Enthusiasm and a can do attitude

- An interest in travel and learning about a new culture

- Creativity and resourcefulness – back to basics here!

- Problem solving skills

- Planning, organisation and time-management

- Project management

- Being able to communicate to people at all levels, from the local community to government officials

- Attention to detail

- Able to work with only limited supervision and use your initiative

Whatever your background and level of experience, this is the chance to combine your love for events and sports with the buzz of adventurous travel whilst volunteering in rural Uganda in a way that makes an enormous difference to peoples lives.

Intake dates:

If you're interested to get involved in the preparation and lead up to the event you can join us from any of the following dates:

- June 9th & 23rd

- July 8th & 22nd

If you'd like to participate in the event itself than you'll need to ensure you're on-site for 20th July.

There's a programme fee to join which starts at £995 for 2 weeks and works out cheaper per week the longer you stay. The fee includes all your accommodation, food, in-country airport transfer, local transport, local SIM card, Big Beyond t-shirt plus a few more bits. It's a well-organised volunteer placement so you'll also receive a Uganda Handbook before you depart, 2 day orientation programme, one-to-one project consultation and language and cultural training on arrival.

Free time & travel:

There are loads of activities to suit different interests right on our doorstep. In your free time, you might enjoy a challenging hike or perhaps a more chilled out walk amongst the gorgeous hills whilst you marvel at sweeping views of great the lakes, volcanoes and Bwindi forest. You can go on a trek through the rainforest to a breathtakingly beautiful waterfall or just simply bask in the garden with a good book.

Gorilla tracking is of course a hugely popular activity when travelling to Bwindi, a truly exhilarating and an unforgettable experience. The tracking gates are literally 10 minutes from your house and in easy reach. Your passion may be to spot incredible and colourful species of birds, or see some of the ancient indigenous trees. Maybe the history and culture surrounding the Batwa Pygmy tribe will completely engross you and you just want to spend some time with the people, learning about their fascinating way of life. It's a really sociable place to live so you'll probably spend loads of time making new friends and just living like a local.

For those that feel a travel urge, just a small journey away (possible on your weekends) you'll find yourself in African savannah where tree climbing lions live, and buffalo, elephant and antelopes wander. Or perhaps you'd prefer to visit the huge snowcapped mountains of the Rwenzori's for hiking and exploring forests in search of chimpanzees on the way… it's a country of incredible contrast, diversity and a true blend of Africa.