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- Tasks: Support the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award by managing Licensed Organisations and ensuring high-quality programme delivery.
- Company: Join a passionate team dedicated to empowering young people through life-changing programmes.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday, and excellent staff benefits including healthcare and pension.
- Other info: Field-based role with flexible working from home and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills, self-motivated, and able to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
The predicted salary is between 30247 - 35585 ÂŁ per year.
Application Deadline: 21 May 2026
Department: Operations Wales
Employment Type: Fixed Term - Full Time
Location: Wales
Compensation: ÂŁ30,247 - ÂŁ35,585 / year
Description
Following the upcoming maternity leave of a valued team member, we’re seeking a proactive and enthusiastic individual to join our Wales team as an Operations Officer on a 12‑month fixed‑term contract. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in supporting the operational delivery and development of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE), helping more young people to access our life‑changing programmes.
As an Operations Officer, you will manage and support a portfolio of Licensed Organisations (LOs) to ensure the delivery of a high‑quality DofE programme. Most LOs are schools, but you will also work with a diverse range of partners, including colleges, local authorities, charities, pupil referral units, youth groups and young offender institutions. You will work closely with a team of Operations Officers across Wales, each responsible for their own portfolio. The role is field‑based, involving regular travel to meetings and events. When not attending meetings, you will work from home, and applicants must live within or very close to the allocated portfolio area.
Reporting to an Operations Manager, you will be responsible for day‑to‑day contact with LOs and supporting the delivery of the Wales Business Plan. You will be a passionate advocate for the DofE, motivated to help achieve our ambition of giving more than one million young people the opportunity to participate in our programmes.
Welsh Language
The DofE has been recognised by the Welsh Language Commissioner for our Welsh language provision. Applications from Welsh‑speaking candidates are actively encouraged. Non‑Welsh speakers will be expected to demonstrate a commitment to developing their Welsh language skills.
What we are looking for
- Establish and maintain strong working relationships with Licensed Organisations to support high‑quality programme delivery across your portfolio.
- Provide effective day‑to‑day support to LOs, including induction and training for LO staff.
- Develop and implement short‑and long‑term action plans in collaboration with LOs.
- Use online management tools to budget, forecast and track targets, and ensure effective use of eDofE across the portfolio.
- Attend regular online and face‑to‑face meetings with LOs, including occasional early morning and evening meetings.
- Carry out licence reviews with existing LOs and support the licensing of new organisations.
- Increase participation among young people who experience marginalisation, helping to expand reach and promote inclusivity.
- Support the preparation, monitoring and reporting of externally funded projects and grant applications.
- Attend and support national events, such as Gold Award Events, which may occasionally require overnight stays or weekend travel.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across the UK, contributing to project and working groups.
- Support the implementation of the DofE strategy and the Wales Business Plan.
- Strong ability to build effective working relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
- Excellent communication skills, with the confidence to influence external partners.
- Self‑motivated and able to work independently, while also contributing positively within a team.
- Strong administrative and organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
- Excellent attention to detail, with strong written skills including editing and proofreading materials for different audiences.
- Confident verbal communication skills, including the ability to run effective meetings and deliver presentations face‑to‑face and online.
- A solution‑focused approach, with the confidence to challenge poor practice.
- Ability to analyse and interpret data and act on insights.
- Competent in Microsoft Office applications.
Benefits
We offer excellent staff benefits including a generous pension contribution, an employee assistance programme, a healthcare cash plan and volunteer leave. Also, 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 Ă— salary, incapacity benefit, generous family leave and sick leave.
All successful applicants will be required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (e.g. DBS/PVG or similar), including references covering any gaps of employment/education, confirm eligibility to work in the UK and complete a health check. The geographical allowance is based on a member of staff having a home or office‑based postcode within 30 miles (as the crow flies) from Charing Cross, WC2N 5HS. The allowance is 7 % capped at £4,000 per annum.
Operations Officer Wales - Maternity Cover employer: The-Duke-of-Edinburgh
Contact Detail:
The-Duke-of-Edinburgh Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Officer Wales - Maternity Cover
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees of the DofE and ask them about their experiences. This can give you insider knowledge and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by researching the DofE's mission and values. Show us that you're not just interested in the role, but that you're genuinely passionate about helping young people access life-changing programmes.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be working with a diverse range of partners, being able to articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently is key. Try mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us that you’re tech-savvy and know how to navigate online platforms.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Officer Wales - Maternity Cover
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Operations Officer. We want to see your passion for supporting young people and your understanding of the DofE programme.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves building relationships with various stakeholders, be sure to demonstrate your excellent communication skills in your written application. Use clear and concise language to convey your ideas effectively.
Highlight Your Organisational Skills: As an Operations Officer, you'll need strong administrative and organisational skills. Share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed competing priorities or delivered projects on time.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of it as we review candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at The-Duke-of-Edinburgh
✨Know Your DofE Inside Out
Make sure you understand the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and its impact on young people. Familiarise yourself with the programme's structure, values, and recent developments. This will help you demonstrate your passion and commitment during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Since the role involves working closely with various Licensed Organisations, be prepared to discuss your experience in building and maintaining relationships. Think of specific examples where you've successfully collaborated with partners or stakeholders to achieve a common goal.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
The Operations Officer role requires strong administrative abilities. Be ready to share how you manage competing priorities and deadlines. You could mention tools or methods you use to stay organised, especially when juggling multiple projects or tasks.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenges. Think about potential scenarios you might face in the role, such as dealing with a difficult partner or managing a last-minute change in plans, and how you would approach them.