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Experience beautiful Belize while making a difference!

Position: Communications Officer Volunteer
Ya'axche' Conservation Trust

Location: Belize, Central America

Duration of Assignment:
6 months preferred

Communication Officer Responsibilities:
1. To assist in the effective communication of Ya’axché’s programs to internal and external audiences.
2. Website and blog maintenance
3. Implement Ya’axché’s Communication Strategy
4. Produce press releases, newsletters and brochures
5. Provide internal communication training as needed
6. Provide support to project activities in line with aptitude and experience.
7. To help maintain internal and external relationships, by liaising with relevant individuals from organizations operational in the region.

Qualifications:
• The successful applicant should have the following:
• Strong IT skills
• Experience with website maintenance and blogging preferred
• Prefer internet savvy with experience using: Dreamweaver, MS Office Suite
• Strong interest and experience in biodiversity conservation and sustainable development
• Excellent communication skills, a meticulous attention to detail
• Ability to operate as part of a team in a dynamic environment, as well as motivation and enthusiasm to work under own initiative
• A strong entrepreneurial streak
• An ability to think strategically
• Common sense and flexibility
• A minimum BSc or equivalent in a relevant subject area (e.g. communications, biology, environmental sciences)


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
Please type in Subject: “Communications Officer”

Ya’axché Conservation Trust
P.O. Box 177
#2 Alejandro Vernon 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/

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.