Operational Support Assistant vacancy in High Wycombe ()

Operational Support Assistant
(for Overseas Expedition teams)
High Wycombe based
Dates over the period of 01st June 22nd August 2015, with further part time and possible full time engagements available.

12 hour shifts from 7am and 7pm daily (Day and Night Shifts)
Availability throughout the operational period is a necessity

£150 per shift on a self employed basis

At a glance¦
World Challenge provides educational expeditions to over 50 destinations in the developing world. Every year, over 5,000 students travel out of their comfort zone to gain leadership, budget management and problem solving skills; all under the guidance of an adult leadership team to ensure their safety.

Teams are overseas from 1-6 weeks and complete exciting challenges such as climbing Kilimanjaro, trekking through the forests of Borneo or horse trekking through the rolling grasslands of Mongolia.

Safety is of paramount importance to our organisation and our Operations Room supports over 400 teams who travel during the summer. We are looking for two Response Coordinators to work night shifts in our Operations Centre.

What you'll be doing¦
In this challenging and fast paced role, you will assist in providing a comprehensive incident handling service and support to our expedition teams; handling operational enquiries from over 450 teams' expeditions taking place in various destinations around the world.

Often in remote areas in developing countries, each team comprises of an Expedition and School Leader, and young people of around 13 to 18 years of age. Therefore a prompt response and assistance is paramount to ensure that the expeditions suffer minimal disruption and that our high standard of safety and back-up is maintained.

Working in pairs, you will ensure accurate reporting of queries and provide in-country teams with up-to-date information. Incidents could range from lost passports and minor medical issues to logistical problems and incidents requiring expert advice. You will be working alongside and assisting an experienced World Challenge member of staff, with a Senior level member of staff on call at all times to support you.

Having just received the Investors in Customers gold standard, we pride ourselves in providing first rate customer service. Communicating via email and phone to school teachers, Expedition leaders and parents, you will continue to offer the professional and proactive communication our customers have come to expect from World Challenge.

What are we looking for..?
You will have excellent written and verbal communication skills and a commitment to providing first rate customer service. Ideally you will have experience working in a fast moving, operationally driven environment. You will have the propensity to balance operational need with a commitment to customer service.

You will have an excellent level of IT literacy, in particular with in-house databases, MS Excel Outlook. You will understand the importance of keeping accurate records of all correspondence with customers and be able to demonstrate exceptional attention to detail.

Due to the number of teams you will be servicing and the variety of queries to respond to, we are looking for exceptional organisational and prioritisation skills, with the confidence to make decisions and seek advice when necessary.

Experience as an emergency services response handlers, or within a police or military operations room environment would be an advantage. Alternatively, experience as a customer service team leader or manager would also be considered.

Qualifications and/or relevant knowledge of the outdoor industry and experience of logistics and/or overseas expeditions in the developing world would be an advantage. Previous First Aid or medical experience would be highly desirable.

In order to apply¦.

To apply, please email [email protected] as soon as possible and by Monday 17th April to express your interest and include the following:
-Your CV
-Covering letter outlining how your skills and experience match the criteria to:

Timeline - interviews and training dates:

Monday 27th April Friday 08th May Potential Interviews date in High Wycombe
Monday 01st-05th June Training in High Wycombe
Monday 08th June Shift pattern start date