Volunteer Coordinator

Location: Karatu District, Northern Tanzania

If you love a challenge, enjoy working with children, and want to make a meaningful difference, we invite you to apply.

About Tanzanian Children’s Fund (TCF)

The Tanzanian Children’s Fund (TCF) works to eliminate poverty and improve the lives of marginalized children and families in the Oldeani area of northern Tanzania. With an annual budget of approximately $3 million USD, TCF serves a community of nearly 10,000 people, ensuring children and families have the opportunity to live healthy, secure, and fulfilling lives.

TCF operates through four core program areas:

• Rift Valley Children’s Village (RVCV) – a residential children’s home
• Health Clinic
• Educational partnerships with local government schools
• Economic Opportunity Program

Together, these initiatives provide the tools, systems, and opportunities necessary to break cycles of generational poverty.

Position Overview

The Volunteer Coordinator (VC) is a full-time, senior staff position based at Rift Valley Children’s Village (RVCV) in rural northern Tanzania. The VC reports directly to both the Executive Director and US Director, and plays a central role in the daily coordination and long-term strengthening of TCF’s volunteer program.

In addition to managing volunteer logistics and on-site engagement, the Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for contributing to strategic efforts to expand volunteer recruitment, improve satisfaction and retention, and enhance the overall volunteer experience.

Key Responsibilities

Volunteer Recruitment, Screening & Records Management

• Respond to inquiries from potential volunteers, visitors, donors, and board members
• Screen potential volunteers by reviewing applications, conducting screening calls, coordinating background checks, and assessing alignment with the needs of the Village
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of volunteers, including length of stay, housing assignments, and placement details
• Submit required documentation regarding incoming volunteers to the Director of Child Welfare to ensure compliance with District Social Welfare Office requirements

Pre-Arrival Coordination & Travel Logistics

• Coordinate travel logistics for incoming volunteers, visitors, and board members
• Assist incoming volunteers with visa processing, including providing and submitting all required documentation
• Ensure volunteer, visitor, and guest accommodations are prepared and adequate prior to arrival
• Coordinate and book Sunday activities and safaris for volunteers, visitors, and board members, securing corporate rates where available
• Assist with coordinating orders and purchases requested by volunteers and visitors for Rift Valley Women’s Group (RVWG)

Volunteer Orientation, On-Site Coordination & Engagement

• Provide orientation and onboarding for all new volunteers
• Create meaningful schedules and task plans that align volunteer skills and interests with the needs of the Village
• Conduct tours of the Village for new volunteers and day visitors, including stops at the Duka and Health Clinic
• Provide ongoing support to volunteers to ensure a positive, well-structured experience

Coordination of Children’s Activities & Events

• Assist in coordinating children’s activities in collaboration with the Social Work Team, including weekend activities, school breaks, and holiday programming
• Assist in planning and execution of themed, day-long events such as Halloween, Christmas, and other special celebrations
• Carry out child-focused traditions and responsibilities as needed

Volunteer House & Hospitality Coordination

• Plan menus for the Volunteer House in collaboration with the cook, reflecting Western dietary preferences and locally available resources
• Ensure setup for staff cocktail parties and special gatherings, including menu planning, beverages, and snacks

Volunteer Program Reinvigoration

• Spearhead efforts to strengthen and grow the volunteer program, including developing targeted outreach strategies and drafting role descriptions for future volunteers
• Lead improvements to volunteer systems and materials, including recreating and updating essential documents such as the Volunteer Information Packet
• Collect and synthesize volunteer feedback to improve satisfaction, engagement, and program effectiveness

 

Qualifications

• Outgoing, friendly, patient, and culturally open-minded
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills
• Experience in a cross-cultural work environment strongly encouraged
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Self-directed, initiative-driven, and comfortable working independently
• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Comfortable living in a rural (but beautiful) setting in Africa
• Previous experience living abroad (six months or more) preferred but not required
• Bachelor’s degree required
• Minimum commitment of one year required; two-year commitment preferred

Compensation & Benefits

• Paid position with a competitive monthly stipend
• Room and board, including:
  • Private apartment
  • All meals
  • Work internet
  • Housekeeping support
  • Transportation to town as needed
• Health insurance for the duration of service
• One month of annual leave per year of commitment
• Relocation and airfare allowance for applicable candidates