Project Officer DofE Direct

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A national youth charity is seeking a Programme Support Officer to help deliver and develop DofE Direct. The role involves supporting young people remotely and ensuring compliance with necessary policies. The ideal candidate should have experience working with young people and strong organisational skills. This position offers excellent benefits including generous holiday and pension contributions.

Benefits

Generous pension contribution

Healthcare cash plan

25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays

Additional paid leave between Christmas and New Year

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of safeguarding best practices.
• Experience in supporting young people and their parents/carers.
• Ability to manage a varied workload and solve problems proactively.

Responsibilities

• Support the Programme Manager with delivery and development.
• Safeguard participant wellbeing and escalate issues when necessary.
• Monitor progress against KPIs with the Data and Impact team.

Skills

Understanding of safeguarding best practice

Experience supporting young people online

Skills in engaging with stakeholders

Strong organisational skills

Knowledge in data processing and presentation

Commitment to quality and improvement

Proficiency in Microsoft IT applications

Strong administrative skills

Job description

DofE Direct is an independent way for young people aged 18-24 across the UK to complete a Gold DofE Programme without the need to attend an in-person centre. DofE Direct participants are supported by a remote DofE leader through our digital system, eDofE.

Overview

As part of the UK Strategic Programmes team, this role will work closely with the Programme Manager to ensure the effective delivery and future development of DofE Direct. You’ll play a key role in supporting young people remotely, helping them achieve their goals and thrive through the programme.

This is a varied role with opportunities to collaborate across the organisation, directly supporting young people and contributing to the growth of DofE Direct.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Programme Manager with delivery and development of DofE Direct, ensuring compliance with DofE policies and UK legislation.
• Safeguard participant wellbeing, escalating issues appropriately and providing cover in the Programme Manager’s absence.
• Proactively review and enhance the programme to improve access and maintain a high-quality offer.
• Monitor progress against KPIs, working with the Data and Impact team to measure and report on outcomes.
• Collaborate with the Engagement team to update resources and develop case studies.
• Provide administrative support, responding to queries from young people, parents/carers, and professionals.
• Stay up to date with youth sector developments, additional needs provision, and relevant government policy.
• Support wider team and directorate projects as required.

What we are looking for

• Strong understanding of safeguarding best practice, with experience supporting young people online.
• Direct knowledge working with young people and their parents/carers.
• Skilled at engaging with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage a varied workload and problem‑solve proactively.
• Knowledge in processing and presenting data.
• Commitment to quality, continuous improvement, and learning.
• Proficiency in Microsoft IT applications.
• Strong administrative skills.

How to apply and interview dates

If you feel excited by this role and believe you have the necessary skills and experience to become a valued team member, please go to our website and apply.

The deadline for applying for this role is: 30th November at midnight.

1st interviews will take place w/c: 8th December 2025 (via Teams).

2nd interviews will be arranged end of WC 8th December – if required:

If you would like to access the application form in a different format or if you would like any assistance that might help improve your experience while completing the application, please contact us by email [e-mail]

Benefits

We offer excellent staff benefits including a generous pension contribution, an employee assistance programme, 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× salary, incapacity benefit, generous family leave and sick leave.

The DofE are 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 (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.