Overview

Frontier are thrilled to offer this exciting opportunity to take charge of the eco lodge that serves as the base for our Costa Rica rainforest research programme.

Established as an NGO in 1989, Frontier has made it our goal to assist conservation efforts in many remote locations around the globe. We began developing our Costa Rica location in 2009 and it has expanded into one of our most successful conservation projects.

We offer you the opportunity to take part in the continuing success of our organisation in one of the most beautiful locations on the planet.

Nestled amongst the canopies of the South American rainforest, our camp is located along the shores of playa Carate, a pristine beach with views onto the Pacific Ocean. Sourced from local materials and built with the aid of local craftsmen, Camp Osita has grown over the years, from a small hut to a bustling hub of activity.

With such a large operation, you would be responsible for the day to day running of the lodge, making sure that all of our activities are running smoothly throughout the day.

General Outline of the Role

• Overseeing the daily operation of the research camp
• Coordinating junior staff in daily camp duties
• Facilitating the on-boarding process of all volunteers once they have confirmed their place on project
• Supervising the arrival, briefing, and deployment of new project staff;
• Administration and control of project budgets and resources and production of accounts and reports to London HQ;
• Assisting the Principal Investigator in the development and advancement of the Costa Rica research programme
• Collating and reviewing internal reports, to be sent back to HQ on a quarterly basis;
• Maintaining and managing communications between field projects, volunteers and London HQ.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide volunteers with up to date introductory information once their place has been confirmed:
  • Project information
  • Country information
  • Kit lists
  • Supporting document requirements
• Informing London HQ of any inconsistencies or necessary updates to introductory information or advertisements
• Communicating with volunteers who are due to arrive in Costa Rica;
• To ensure that all volunteers / research assistants are deployed constructively, usefully and enjoyably and will ensure the discipline and good behaviour of all members of the project team.
• Supervise and arrange the arrival of new volunteers and project staff and briefing volunteers and staff on all aspects of country life upon their arrival in country;
• Contract and manage local employees, and where necessary the employment of new staff and payment of wages;
• To ensure the health and safety of all volunteers and field staff involved in the project, dealing with any medical incidents should they arise, being ready to initiate and implement an emergency medical evacuation procedure if necessary.
• Monitor project prices and compare to similar projects available to ensure Frontier project prices remain competitive;
• Provide independent reviews from outgoing volunteers on a weekly basis on websites such as Review Centre.
• Maintain communication with London HQ through weekly reports and phone calls;
• Ensure that internal reports are provided in the correct format and on time;
• Implementation of Frontier field project social media initiative including daily Facebook updates with copy and photos, science blog articles & tweets, and weekly volunteer reviews, project news and gap year travel news directly from the field.
• Identification of suppliers and the purchase and maintenance of equipment for field projects in country;
• Managing invoices for equipment purchases (in cooperation with the Accounts Department at London HQ);
• Sourcing potential sponsors and donors of equipment;
• Oversee and coordinating the order of equipment to field projects.
• Oversee the maintenance, servicing and repair of all project equipment;
• Identifying potential sources of funding, producing funding proposals and maintaining relationships with current and potential donors, collaborators and stakeholders;
• Liaising with collaborating organisations, including project donors, and technical advisors and to develop new collaborative links and projects;
• Researching and reporting on information relevant to the development of new projects/sites.
• Oversee and act as internal verifier for elements of the project field training.

Terms & Conditions

Contract Duration:	1 year with possibility of extension.
Accommodation:	Basic accommodation provided at field project.
Travel:	Capped annual contribution towards a return international airfare plus internal travel as necessary to the fulfilment of duties.
Insurance:	Employer’s liability insurance provided.
Subsistence:	Food provided on project site. Subsistence allowance provided for time spent off project site.
Salary:	monthly stipend and target related bonuses
Training:	Pre-departure training provided.

Job Specification

	ESSENTIAL	DESIRABLE
Qualifications Education/Knowledge:	–  Educated to degree level in a relevant discipline –  First aid qualification	–  Educational background in Hospitality and/or Hospitality Management –  Knowledge of conservation, travel and development issues –  Awareness of tropical diseases
Experience:	–  2-4 years’ experience in a similar role –  Experience of developing conservation and development projects –  Experience dealing with funding bodies and government organisations –  Experience of office management & administration –  Experience of working with volunteers –  Experience of budget & financial management	–  Experience of working with NGOs
Skills:	–  Excellent written/oral communication & presentation skills –  Negotiation & liaison skills –  Proposal writing –  Administrative & time management skills –  Ability to manage staff –  Hold a full, clean driving license –  Fluent in Spanish	–  Knowledge of local language –  Ability to carry out routine vehicle service and maintenance
Personal Attributes:	–  Demonstrable commitment to conservation and development –  Excellent leadership skills –  Resilient & mature, with the ability to work alone & as a team in basic living conditions –  Flexible approach –  High attention to detail –  Ability to motivate others –  Physical fitness

Applicants can apply by sending their CV and cover letter to staffing@frontier.ac.uk