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Experience beautiful Belize while assisting a dedicated conservation NGO!

Position: Business Executive Volunteer(s)
Ya'axche' Conservation Trust

Location: Belize, Central America

Responsibilities:
With an eye toward improving financial sustainability and keeping in mind the limited resources of the organization, the Business Consultant Volunteer(s) will assist and mentor the Executive Director of a conservation NGO in southern Belize to ensure that all current business operations and financial systems are optimized and to build and strengthen the abilities of the Executive Director by providing guidance and support.

Duration of placement: 2 to 4 weeks, dependent on functional area

Background Information:
The Ya'axche' Conservation Trust is a community-oriented organization which advances integrated landscape management for equitable development in southern Belize through sustainable land use management, strategic advocacy and awareness, and by supporting socially innovative and economically viable enterprise.

Assistance to the Executive Director is needed by 1 or more volunteers in the following areas:
1. Finance and accounting - Assess financial systems and advise ways to improve and streamline
2. Policy assessment and guidance - Assess and provide assistance as to how to improve and fill in the gaps
3. Operational management - Assess and strengthen operational efficiency
4. Human Resource Management - Consultation on how to build staff capacity and develop career ladders with minimal resources

General support to Ya'axché:
1. Advise how to improve the financial sustainability of Ya’axché e.g., in improving the cost effectiveness of management and exploring mechanisms for income generation.
2. Actively contribute to Ya'axché’s operational and financial planning efforts.
3. Support and advise the Executive Director and staff on issues pertaining to his/her technical expertise, ensuring that it uses best practices where possible.
4. Provide training as needed for Executive Director and staff.
5. Perform other related tasks that arise in line with his/her skills and experience.

Qualifications:
• An advanced academic degree in an area of Business Management.
• Extensive experience as a CEO or consultant.
• Experience working with NGOs or conservation organizations would be beneficial.
• Excellent written and spoken English and communication skills.


Benefits of Volunteering with Ya’axché:
o Free, shared housing (or camping) in a quiet, nature preserve
o Opportunity to work closely with dynamic, multi-cultural staff
o Appreciation for your dedication and hard work
o Adventure in a country with pristine ecosystems, world-class snorkeling and SCUBA
o In-depth, interactive cultural experience unattainable by tourists

Volunteers live and work in a beautiful but rustic, rural setting at Ya’axché Field Center and become part of the team to gain and promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment. Accommodations offer limited solar power, a cold water, shared bathroom, and the occasional rat, bat, tarantula, or scorpion.

Volunteer Personal Expenses:
There are no program fees charged for this experience, but the volunteer is expected to arrange and pay for:
o Transportation to Punta Gorda, Belize, including airfare.
o Food, personal expenses, in-country travel, passport, visa (if applicable)

To Apply:
Submit letter of interest detailing interest, how you meet qualifications, along with resume and contact information for 3 references to:
Development Officer, Ya'axche' Conservation Trust.
By email: yct.development@gmail.com

Ya’axché Conservation Trust
P.O. Box 167
#2 Prince Street, Punta Gorda,
Toledo District, Belize
Central America
Phone: (501)722-0055
Phone/Fax: (501)722-0108

Website: www.yct.bz
Blog: http://yaaxche.wordpress.com/