Director, Adult Volunteering

The Director, Adult Volunteering with World Scouting will coordinate the research and development work related to adult volunteers in Scouting, primarily exploring the evolving landscape of volunteering and its implications for Scouting worldwide. This role will be responsible for setting the global direction and strategy for volunteering to improve models, systems and opportunities to recruit, retain and engage volunteers. In addition, the Director will support the review and enhancement of World Scouting’s guidance, frameworks, and tools related to the training, development, and overall support of adult volunteers in Scouting, ensuring they remain relevant, accessible, and effective for National Scout Organizations (NSOs).

Key Responsibilities

• Drive innovation in volunteering within Scouting by leading research and pilot initiatives developed in partnership with youth-focused organisations to explore and test new volunteer engagement models.

• Recommend organisational, educational, managerial, and governance changes that will help increase the number and the quality of adult volunteers supporting the mission of Scouting.

• Identify ways to strengthen support systems for adult volunteers (including training, well-being, and work–life balance) and co-design a process to rollout updated guidance across the organisation and to NSOs.

• Co-lead the review of the World Adults in Scouting Policy and contribute to its implementation worldwide.

• Review World Scouting materials related to Adults in Scouting to assess their relevance, usefulness, accessibility, and overall impact for NSOs.

• Collaborate on the design and preparation of world and regional events in special the 5th World Scouting Education Congress.

• Plan and coordinate World Scouting initiatives for the 2026 International Year of Volunteering, including engagement with external partners when appropriate.

• Contribute to other education projects and initiatives led by the Education, Research, and Development Practice Team.

Experience and Qualification

• A degree in Education or Social Sciences, Human Resources, Non-profit Management or related fields and/or accumulated proven experience in relevant domains

• Extensive knowledge and experience in managing volunteers in non-governmental organisations, preferably in the Scouting context.

• Expertise in conducting research, analysing data, and presenting results and recommendations.

• Experience working with diverse stakeholders and volunteer teams.

• Experience in contributing to policies and/or guiding documents in non-profit or non-governmental organisations is considered an asset.

• Fluency in English written and spoken is essential. Literacy in any of the other World Scouting languages (Spanish, Arabic, French) is desirable.  

Competencies

Core Competencies

• Member support: Continuously develop own knowledge and capabilities to optimise support for members and stakeholders.

• Focus on results: Holds self-accountable or consistently delivering stakeholders’ support and services on time and to the highest quality to maximise impact.

• Flexibility and persistence: Shows flexibility and proactively adjusts and adapts to evolving conditions.

• Leadership and decision-making: Nurtures analytical and creative thinking, and fosters self-motivation and commitment to achieve organisational goals.

• Interpersonal relations: Listens intently and wins over others with tact and diplomacy even in challenging situations. Ability to collaborate cross functionally, cross culturally and internationally. Builds and maintains strong relationships with staff, volunteers and external stakeholders.

• Collaborative work: Willingly engages with all stakeholders and integrates their inputs and perspectives into the work and deliverables.

• Organisational integrity: Understands the organisation’s objectives and values, and aligns own behaviours to conform.

Technical Competencies

• Project management: Ability to plan, organise, and deliver projects on time, maintaining high quality and attention to detail.

• Clear and effective communication: Ability to communicate ideas, information, and messages clearly, confidently, and appropriately for different audiences and contexts.

• Autonomy and accountability: Ability to work independently, manage priorities, and take ownership of tasks and decisions with minimal supervision.

• Creativity and responsible initiative: Demonstrates curiosity, creativity, and the confidence to propose or explore new ideas while acting responsibly and thoughtfully.

• Event planning and facilitation: Skill in designing, coordinating, and delivering events, from conceptual planning to leading sessions and activities.

• Digital tools proficiency: Comfortable using digital platforms and tools relevant to project work, communication, data collection, or coordination.

• Reporting and written communication: Ability to produce clear, structured, and compelling reports, summaries, and written materials for internal or external use.

Terms and Conditions

The World Scout Bureau (WSB) provides a supportive and purpose-driven working environment for both staff members and consultants engaged in its projects. The selected candidate will be contracted either as an employee or as a consultant, depending on the location, legal framework, and funding conditions applicable at the time of contracting. Full details about the contract arrangement will be shared with shortlisted candidates during the recruitment process.

• This is a full-time engagement, for 3 years contract, requiring a minimum commitment of 40 hours per week. Additional hours, including occasional evenings and weekends, may be required to fulfil the responsibilities of the role.

• The position will be based in one of the WSB Support Centres or otherwise in a remote location agreed upon with the WSB. For Kuala Lumpur and Cairo is local hiring.

• Remuneration will be aligned with the responsibilities of the role and the selected contractual modality.

• Leave, benefits, and entitlements will be defined according to the contractual modality, local laws according with the location of the position and relevant WSB policies.

• The selected candidate must be available for occasional travel, depending on project needs and coordination with WSB teams.

Full contract terms, including remuneration details, leave entitlements, insurance provisions, reporting expectations, and administrative requirements will be confirmed at the end of the recruitment process.

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted using the online system before 23:59 CEST on 22 December and should include:

1. A curriculum vitae with full details of education and career history.

2. Completion of application questions, outlining the candidate’s suitability for the role, related skills, knowledge and experience to the requirements of the job description. The candidate’s particular interest and motivation in applying for this role with World Scouting should also be outlined.

3. Contact information of up to three people who can provide references.

Applications should be submitted using the online application form. Ideally, the Director, Adult Volunteering will start on 1 February 2026. 

The World Scout Bureau (WSB) is an equal opportunity employer and strongly believes in and practices diversity, equity and inclusion. We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse work environment where all qualified candidates will receive equal consideration in applying for the job opportunities and subsequent career advancement. Our employment practices are open to everyone, regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics. We believe that fostering an inclusive culture and embracing diverse perspectives strengthens innovation and growth within WSB. We encourage people of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented communities, to apply for the job opportunities created and announced by WSB.