idealistas.org

Now Accepting Applications for Full-Time Manager Vacancy in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Community in Action is a grassroots non-profit non-governmental organization (NGO) located in one of Rio de Janeiro’s largest favela (slum) communities. Our mission is to offer vocational and cultural classes for students of all ages, as well as personal development opportunities for volunteers. The majority of NGOs in Rio offer outreach programs on a service model: slum inhabitants simply use the services others (who live outside the community) deem they need. We implemented a new approach, a new vision — one that fosters the possibility of long-term community change by including residents in the operation of the organization. Currently, slum residents staff the majority of human resource and administrative positions. These present and future community leaders are the volunteers, the teachers, and the administrative teams. This partnering of services, promoting activism and personal development, is founded on the belief that there is a balance and reciprocal relationship between a successful NGO and cooperative community.

After almost five years of operating, we have made significant progress in the community where we are located. We generated a model for excluded and deprived people to create sustainable livelihoods and promote social inclusion. Our goal is to equip those in impoverished and socially excluded circumstances with the necessary skills to become employed and improve their living conditions.

We are currently seeking a Full-Time Manager to begin in March, 2009 for a one year period. This position entails several responsibilities. As the manager, you will direct day-to-day operations in Rio de Janeiro. Your duties will be carried out by working closely with the organization’s volunteers and founders.

RESPONSIBILTIES:

PLANNING
• Help formulate annual objectives
• Prepare performance reports on achievements of goals and objectives

PROGRAMMING
• Maintain program records, prepare program reports
• Manage yearly finances and monthly budget
• Develop marketing material and conduct marketing activities in community
• Solicit contributions and help organize fundraising campaigns
• Sustain and modify class structure on a monthly basis

PERSONNEL
• Manage staff and volunteers
• Recruit and train community volunteers on a regular basis as classes fluctuate in size
• Develop new outreach programs and strategies to assist with long-term sustainability

COMMUNITY RELATIONS
• Write news stories and update website with public information
• Provide organization linkage with other organizations
• Interpret/Represent organization in community

BOARD ACTIVITIES
• Help plan agendas for Board meetings
• Prepare materials and proposals for Board

* The Full-Time Manager must have basic knowledge or be proficient in Portuguese before beginning. Speaking Spanish is a plus.

Sustainable community development in Rio de Janeiro requires someone who is passionate about the cause and willing to pursue a vision. Community in Action needs someone with this passion and drive. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in International Development, Non-Profit Management, or Sustainable Enterprise.

To apply for the Full-Time Manager vacancy, please email a brief statement-of-interest and resumé to: zakpaster@hotmail.com

* Please note that due to our not-for-profit goals and means of sustainability, the Manager will only receive a small stipend that will be discussed during the interview process.

For additional information, please visit our website at www.communityinaction.org