Unique opportunity to contribute to an internationally recognised NGO by coordinating the Sierra Leone Marathon & Cycle Challenge
Overview
Voluntary role - no salary
Makeni; Sierra Leone
Expires at anytime
Join Street Child, one of the fastest-growing international children's charities in the world, to support the Sierra Leone Marathon & Cycle Challenge. Based in Makeni, Sierra Leone, for 1-2 months between September and October 2026.
Organisation summary
Street Child is a dynamic NGO focused on ensuring children’s safety, access to school and enhancing their learning. Their growth is spurred by creativity, innovation and dedication. Their flagship event, the Sierra Leone Marathon & Cycle Challenge, showcases their work, provides essential funding and attracts potentials employees and volunteers.
Role summary
- Support the SLM team with stakeholder meetings
- Assist with race day plans, recruitment & procurement
- Manage transport and accommodation co-ordination
- Liaise with staff to organise programme visits
- Recruitment of race day sponsors and participants
Role Requirements
- Interest in running/cycling/adventure
- Excellent organisational skills and proactiveness
- Experience in logistics and event coordination (ideally)
- Ability to work quickly and effectively in an unfamiliar environment
- Flexibility and the ability to respond positively to unpredictability
Application Process Details
- Successful applicants will be relocating to Makeni, Sierra Leone
- A range of benefits are provided including return flights, accommodation, phone credit allowance, Wi-Fi access, visa, airport tax and transfers
Come and be a part of something extraordinary and support the team in delivering the Street Child Sierra Leone Marathon & Cycle Challenge (SLM)
SLM has long since established itself as an incredible event that showcases the work of Street Child, enabling participants to explore the wonderful country of Sierra Leone and make a positive impact all whilst taking on a challenge.
We are seeking someone with an interest in running/cycling/adventure and ideally experience in International Development to come and join our project. Whether you have just finished studying at university or are taking a career break and looking for a challenge, this is your chance to make a unique contribution to an internationally recognised NGO.
Location: Makeni, Sierra Leone
Dates: September – October 2026 (1-2 months)
Key tasks you will be involved in are:
- Support the SLM team with stakeholder meetings
- Support the SLM team with race day plans, recruitment & procurement
- Arrange all in-country transport including buses, shuttles and 4x4’s
- Manage all necessary hotel/guesthouse reservations
- Liaise with Street Child of Sierra Leone staff to organise programme visits
- Recruit race day sponsors and participants
To be a great fit for this position you will be a highly self-motivated and pro-active individual, with excellent organisational skills. We are ideally looking for someone with experience in logistics and event coordination, but are open to alternative, relevant experience.
Key skills:
- Ability to work quickly and effectively in an unfamiliar environment, forming strong relationships with our local team
- Ability to be flexible and work outside your specific duties when needed; have fun and laugh along with a sometimes unpredictable environment!
- An interest in marathons and/or endurance events (whether personal or professional)
Terms
Successful applicants will be living primarily in the Street Child compound in Makeni, Sierra Leone, with basic conditions. You will be expected to travel independently around Sierra Leone, and will spend time either in Street Child accommodation or local guesthouses.
Included:
- Return flights
- Accommodation (Street Child Compound, Makeni)
- Phone credit allowance
- Wi-Fi access
- Visa
- Airport Security Tax
- Airport transfers (Lungi International Airport to Makeni – return)
Testimonial – from Volunteer to Global Challenges Manager
“Street Child is one of the fastest growing international children's charities in the world, they are an agile organisation that prides itself on being creative ad working hard to ensure that children are safe, in school and learning.
This is shown through their flagship event, the Sierra Leone Marathon & Cycle Challenge – a fundraising challenge that not only supports the charity with vital funds but has also helped recruit some of its current employees, several of whom started off as volunteers.
Global Challenges Manager Mark Maughan joined Street Child as a volunteer back in 2012, taking on the role of Event Coordinator for the marathon and has since took on many other projects and been allowed the opportunity to further develop his skills and play a key role in the event.
In order to apply please send a copy of your CV along with a few sentences why you are interested in the role to slmarathon@ street-child.org