Organization: FINCA Perú Exports
Position Title: Business Development Volunteer
FINCA Perú Exports:
FINCA Perú, a non-profit microfinance institution, launched an initiative entitled FINCA Peru Exports in 2005. This initiative functions as a fair trade export business and serves to help FINCA Peru’s artisan clients to find overseas markets for their products. Former interns have laid the foundations of the artisan export business: they have created a catalogue of offerings, established communication with distributors and built a website (
http://www.fincaperuexports.org). Until the business is fully off the ground and has reached a consistent level of sales, it needs an experienced English/Spanish-speaking volunteer to help manage the operations, expand export markets and manage communications between the organization and potential distributors. There are also opportunities for volunteers to take part in new product development and artisan training initiatives.
Job Description Business Development Volunteer:
• Coordinate all aspects of marketing for FINCA Peru Exports, including but not limited to market research and input on product development, website maintenance and the production of promotional materials, cultivating new sales relationships, maintaining existing sales relationships and coordinating participation in events including fairs and trade shows
• Pursue memberships and certifications from key fair trade organizations and labeling initiatives in North America, Europe and Australia
• Coordinate logistics for shipping and payment of orders, including legal compliance for exportation
• Manage financial administration of business including accounting and record keeping
• Report on program progress to funders and to FINCA Peru national staff
Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree ( Masters preferred) in business administration, accounting, marketing, economics,
international relations and/or development, or other relevant field.
• Desired (but not required) 2 years of professional experience , preferably in small/medium business environment
• Proficiency in basic accounting practices
• Cross-cultural communication skills, as well as a sensitivity and interest in other cultures. Experience working or living in Latin America preferred.
• Ability to work in challenging conditions and maintain a positive attitude while using creative problem-solving skills.
• Approaches work as a team-player, but also with a strong sense of ownership and accountability
• Ability to motivate others, demonstrated interest in poverty reduction
Language Requirement
• Advanced-level English, demonstrated oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Spanish
• Fluency in other languages--French, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch, Danish etc.-- highly desired, although not required.
Time Commitment
• The volunteer should be able to commit to 6-12 months to the project. Interns work full time during regular FINCA Peru working hours.
Cost of living
As a non-profit organization, FINCA Perú cannot offer candidates any financial assistance to cover the travel and living expenses. Fortunately, Ayacucho is a very affordable place to live: plan a maximum of $85 for monthly apartment rental, $5 per day for food, with an additional $50 monthly for incidentals, local travel and recreation. Opportunities exist to visit Cuzco, Machu Picchu, and Lake Titicaca if desired
How to Apply
Contact Information and Start Date:
All interested applicants should forward their resume and a cover letter, written in Spanish, to Iara Cury at
fincaperuexports@gmail.com. Please include the following information in your cover letter:
i) potential date that you could arrive
ii) duration of time that you can work with FINCA Peru (including potential date of departure).
Please visit FINCA Peru Exports' website at
http://www.fincaperuexports.org for more information. Thank you.
