Operations Coordinator

WAVE is looking for a coordinator to begin as soon as possible – ideally by the third week of September 2024. The role is based in Thessaloniki, Northern Greece, and requires the individual to ensure the smooth running of all services and operations in WAVE’s community centre whilst upholding and enforcing a commitment to the organisation’s values and code of conduct.

WAVE runs a community centre that offers access to a daily hot meal, showers, non-food items, WiFi and laundry services with an open-door policy. The centre operates six days a week and the Operations Coordinator oversees all aspects of the on-site operation. This role will be full-time.

Start Date: September 2024

Minimum commitment: 9 months (one month probationary period), full-time

Key responsibilities:

• Oversee day-to-day kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, and serving, while adhering to health and safety standards and ensuring efficient teamwork
• Assist in training volunteers, and sharing culinary knowledge and best practices.
• Coordinate with volunteers to develop dishes that cater to the needs and preferences of the community
• Be the first point of contact for any questions volunteers have in the centre and especially ensure guidance on food-related questions during their stay with WAVE.
• Be the first point of contact for questions about our operations for other NGOs currently operating in the centre
• Work with the Community Engagement Coordinator about how we can further engage community members in the space, such as through activities and volunteering
• Ensuring the smooth running of operations in the centre (including shower and laundry services, and NFI distributions) and being available for questions at any point by volunteers and community members.
• Alongside other coordinators, keeping operational guidelines, policies, and security protocols up to date and the volunteer team well informed about the procedures..
• Attending team meetings monthly and coordination meetings weekly.
• Scheduling of volunteers and team planning (together with the Volunteer Coordinator) to ensure effective coverage of tasks as well as an engaging Volunteer experience.
• Support with carrying out 1:1 check-ins and exit interviews with all volunteers. These are divided amongst all coordinators.
• Offer incident debriefs as needed (to be discussed in coordination meetings) and promptly report any concerns or operational problems, ensuring timely communication and passing on feedback about issues.
• Participate in shifts in the centre up to 5 days a week so you have a consistent presence in the community space.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of and commitment to confidentiality when engaging with the team whilst adhering to safeguarding policies where confidentiality may impact the safety of the community, volunteers, or Wave.

Requirements:

• Excellent communication skills.
• Experience with cooking.
• Friendly and approachable character.
• Able to work well independently and take initiative.
• Experience working with people-on-the-move/refugees or in a similar field of working with vulnerable people.
• Flexibility in the working environment.
• Team player, able to manage a changing team
• Fluency in English and strong written communication skills.
• A developed understanding of boundaries and safeguarding.
• Ability to stay in Greece for 9 months or beyond.

Desired:

• Experience in a similar role.
• Experience working closely with community members.
• An understanding of the ongoing situation for people-on-the-move in Europe, especially at the borders.
• Driver’s licence and ability to drive a manual van preferred.

What we can offer:

• A unique, practical learning experience working in a non-hierarchical, grassroots organisation providing direct aid to people-on-the-move.
• A monthly stipend of €750.
  • Unfortunately at this time we are unable to offer a Greek employment contract. We can either pay a stipend through the reimbursement of receipts or pay the invoices of an individual registered as a freelancer in Greece. For the latter option, we will also pay the tax incurred on top of the €750.
• The opportunity to work in a diverse team with European volunteers and members of the community we are serving