Operations Officer South and East

Overview

Final date to receive applications: 25 January 2026

Department: Operations England

Location: Field based - England

Compensation: £29,366 - £34,548 / year

Description: We help young people to build life-long belief in themselves, supporting them to take on their own challenges, follow their own passions and discover talents they never knew they had. Because when you prove yourself that you’re ready for anything nothing can hold you back. Do you want to be part of that?

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) is a world leading youth charity which gives young people the chance to develop skills for work and life. Our structured programmes of volunteering, physical and skills-based challenges inspire, guide, and encourage young people to widen their experiences and learn new skills. Through a licensing process, we partner with youth organisations and support them in their delivery of our programmes to their young people.

These organisations range from schools and colleges to local authorities, charities, secure units, and community organisations.

• Manage relationships with partner organisations (Licensed Organisations – LOs) to ensure they offer quality and inclusive DofE programmes to young people.
• Develop and identify new relationships with educational and community organisations to widen access to the DofE, with a focus on engaging marginalised groups.
• Conduct regular meetings (in person and virtually) with a wide range of stakeholders across your portfolio area.
• Work from home when not at meetings and travel to engage with partners in your portfolio area (South and East Kent).

Whilst you won’t work directly with young people, you will contribute to positive outcomes for their future opportunities.

• Team player with a passion for the development of young people; ability to engage and influence a variety of stakeholders and act as an authentic ambassador for the DofE.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills to engage internal and external stakeholders and inspire participation in DofE.
• Exceptional organisational ability; able to prioritise workload, meet at midnight.

  First interviews: w/c 2 February 2026 (via Teams)

  Second interviews: w/c 9 February 2026 (in person, venue TBC in/near portfolio area)

  If you would like the application form in a different format or need assistance, please contact recruitment

  Benefits
  • Generous pension contribution, employee assistance programme, healthcare cash plan and volunteer leave.
  • 25 days holiday, plus Bank Holidays and an additional 3 days paid leave between Christmas and the New Year. Buy additional annual leave; benefits discount website; death in service benefit 4 x salary; incapacity benefit; generous family leave and sick leave.

  Safeguarding: The DofE is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. All successful applicants will be required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS/PVG or similar), including references to cover gaps in employment/education, confirm eligibility to work in the UK, and complete a health check.

  Geographical allowance: Based on a home or office postcode within 30 miles of Charing Cross (WC2N 5HS
  ). The allowance is 7% capped at £4,000 per annum.

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