Operations Assistant (Fundraising & Communications)

We are looking for an enthusiastic and creative individual to join our team as an Operations Assistant, to lead our communication and fundraising efforts in Bukit Lawang.

• Are you passionate about conservation education and community development?
• Do you speak Indonesian and English to a professional level?
• Do you want to make a real difference working with an NGO on the edge of the Leuser Ecosystem?
• Do you have experience fundraising for small charities and a knack for communications?

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 programmes to rural communities for free 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 protect their beautiful environments! 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!

Role Overview

The Operations Assistant is responsible for assisting the smooth running of our charity, with a focus on overseeing our fundraising and communication. The Coordinator will work closely with the Head of Operations, Head of Volunteering, and wider BLT team of staff and volunteers.

The ideal candidate will be able to start the role in June 2026, with a fixed term contract of 12 months. Please note that BLT delivers classes across a number of rural communities, and a willingness to travel via motorbike to these locations is a key 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, 8 May 2026

Role Requirements

Essential

• Educational background: An undergraduate degree (S1) in a relevant field, such as communications or a sustainable development-related discipline.
• Strong communication skills: Excellent verbal and written communication in both English and Indonesian, with the ability to engage effectively with children, teachers, farmers, and community partners.
• Fundraising experience: Proven experience working to prospect and steward both small and major donors in an NGO setting.
• Cross-cultural teamwork: Confidence working as part of a diverse, cross-cultural team, showing adaptability, respect, and openness.
• Monitoring and evaluation: Able to collect key data, track programme outcomes against indicators, gather participant feedback, and apply learning to improve delivery and impact.
• Stakeholder engagement: Experience collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders — including schools, community groups, local farmers, volunteers, and partner organisations — and supporting translation or mediation where needed.

Desirable

• Community/Education/ and conservation background: Experience integrating education with environmental conservation, sustainability, or climate resilience themes.
• Community development: Previous experience working alongside grassroots communities, encouraging participation, and adapting activities based on local needs
• Leadership potential: Some experience in coordination or leadership — such as managing small projects, mentoring others, or facilitating group learning and events.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising & Reporting

• Maintain communication with our local fundraising partners and develop new partnerships with ecotourism businesses.
• Steward relationships with current small donors and supporters, with a specific focus on past volunteers and visitors.
• Liaise with the Operations Team to identify and secure foreign grants and other funding opportunities.
• Create reports and marketing materials to communicate the Trust’s impact with funders.

Communications

• Collaborate with social media leads to promote the Trust’s programmes on our social media platforms.
• Oversee the Trust’s website, ensuring that all of its information is accurate and well presented.
• Support the Head of Volunteering in international volunteer recruitment, with a focus on building relationships with foreign volunteer agencies and other high-interest groups.

Special Projects & Programme Support

• Lead the land acquisition process, ensuring legal compliance and operational readiness throughout its duration.
• Assist our teaching staff in the delivery of our education programmes by regularly attending classes and sessions.
• Aid in ad hoc administrative tasks.

Safety & Site Maintenance

• Follow the Trust’s safety policies and emergency procedures at all times
• Actively participate in the BLT duty system, contributing to keeping shared spaces clean, safe, and well-maintained.

Salary & Benefits

• Starting salary: 4,000,000-5,000,000 IDR/month
• 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; 2 weeks at personal preference, in agreement with management)
• Phone data and health insurance coverage
• 2-day complimentary jungle trek per year
• 1 free cultural workshop per year
• Training & professional development opportunities
• Reference & recommendation letter upon completion
• 1 year, fixed term contract, for review again on completion

• Starting salary: 5,000,000 IDR/month
• 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; 2 weeks 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

• Basic Bahasa Indonesia and/or a willingness to learn
• Able to communicate professionally in English