Head of Volunteering

We are looking for a Head of Volunteering to join our team in North Sumatra! We are looking to develop our team out here in Bukit Lawang and want to find the right people to enhance and develop our growing programmes.

Please note, we are a grassroots organisation and are much more interested in getting the right people to join our BLT family than people exactly fitting a job description. So, if you can see that you can offer something which is not listed then please tell us in your cover letter!

• Do you have experience in volunteer coordination and management?
• Do you have a passion for conservation and community work?
• Are you looking for a role which brings adventure and challenge in bucketloads?

About Us

Bukit Lawang Trust is a grassroots conservation and education NGO focused on achieving the United Nations 17 sustainable development goals in rural North Sumatra, Indonesia. Established in 2004, the Trust has a long history in conservation, working closely with local communities to enhance quality of life, education, and protect the Leuser Ecosystem's biodiversity. We deliver 15+ high quality, free education to rural communities in order to enable people to access more opportunities for their academic, financial, physical and holistic wellbeing as well as foster a respect and care for the environment.

We run an established English as Second Language Programme, a Sustainable Business Programme for adults who want to start their dream business, an Ecological Farming Programme in partnership with a local Eco Farm and a Youth Ranger Programme for children to learn about conservation and how to be a jungle ranger! We also run supporting projects including free fitness programmes and a weekly woman's group as well as providing action-packed 8 week volunteer placements for those looking for a unique volunteer experience. You can find out more about our organisation here, before applying for the role!

Please do take the time to find out about our charity before applying for the role. We have a very active social media presence, so you can gain insights into what life is like here and whether you would be a good fit for the job. We also have information relating to all of our programmes on our website which can help you decide which role would be your dream job!

Overview

The Head of Volunteering is responsible for the volunteer journey from the recruitment to alumni. They will manage all volunteer recruitment platforms and marketing and communications relating to volunteer recruitment to ensure that our volunteer cycles are fully booked. They will also manage all aspects of the volunteer placements including: volunteer interviews, volunteer registration and organisation of fee payments, visa application, real time support and guidance for all of our volunteers prior to departure to Indonesia, managing volunteer WhatsApp groups, transportation to and from the airport and greeting new arrivals, induction training and the organisation of the volunteer activities throughout their placement. As a Manager, you may also be expected to support other activities or tasks outside of the listed responsibilities to ensure day-to-day operations run smoothly.

Role Requirements

Essential Criteria

• Experience coordinating or managing volunteers, internships, or community engagement programmes.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills, with attention to detail and record-keeping.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Confidence delivering volunteer and team-wide training sessions
• Experience providing pastoral care, guidance, or welfare support.
• Confidence handling logistics such as scheduling, transport, and accommodation.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Competent with digital tools (e.g. Google Workspace, Notion)
• Positive, empathetic, and culturally sensitive approach to teamwork and community engagement.
• Commitment to the mission and values of Bukit Lawang Trust, including education, conservation, and sustainability.
• Willingness to live and work in on-site accommodation and engage directly with local projects.
• Able to communicate confidently and clearly in both English and Indonesian

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in the non-profit, NGO, or international development sector.
• Experience building partnerships with wider organisations including with universities or recruitment platforms.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and volunteer management best practices.
• Experience supporting community or environmental project delivery.
• Financial and/or HR administration experience to support with operational delivery and organisational compliance

The ideal candidate will be able to start the role in January 2026. BLT delivers programmes across a number of communities, and a willingness to travel via motorbike to these locations is a requirement for the role.

If you are interested in applying, please send your CV and cover letter (no more than 2 sides of A4) outlining why you are interested in the role and how your skills and experiences meet the requirements by Friday 14th November.

• The opportunity to work in an established and successful NGO with 20 years of experience, working with a diverse team in a stunning natural environment!
• Competitive local salary
• Visa costs covered (if required)
• Free midday meals on weekdays
• Transport provided for all work functions
• 8 weeks paid holiday per year (3 weeks at Ramadan; 3 weeks at Christmas; 10 days at personal preference, in agreement with management)
• Free shared accommodation
• Phone data and health insurance coverage
• Indonesian language support (if needed)
• 2-day complimentary jungle trek per year
• 1 free cultural workshop per year
• Up to 3 free fitness classes/week
• After 1 year: 1 complimentary return trip home + 1 extra week holiday
• After 18 months: bonus equal to 1 month’s salary
• Training & professional development opportunities
• Reference & recommendation letter upon completion

Proficiency in English and Indonesian is required; fluency is a bonus!