idealistas.org

Location: Peru, La Libertad District
Starting Date: ASAP
Duration: 6 months, renewable, with preference giving to those applicants who can make a commitment of one year.
Type of contract: Voluntary

Location

We work in the northern Peruvian coast in the poorer districts surrounding the city of Trujillo. El Porvenir, the district where most of our work is focused, is one of such zones with high incidents of social problems.


The Project

SKIP is a nonprofit organization registered in Britain that has been active since 2003. The organization works with children, adolescents and families that live in the poor outskirts of the second largest city in Peru, Trujillo. The district faces a host of social problems that accompany poverty, including limited social services and infrastructure, extremely poor quality education, and few employment opportunities. We promote quality education for economically-disadvantaged children in El Porvenir and foster the capacity of children and families to be the principal agents of change in their own lives. We work in partnership with families through holistic programs focusing on the educational, economic, emotional and social development of each child and family.

SKIP is a small yet growing organization that relies in large part on voluntary support.

The Position

In order to continue fostering our commitment to volunteerism, SKIP is seeking a bilingual (english and spanish) volunteer coordinator with experience in South America to work for a minimum of 6 months, with preference given to applicants who are able to make a one year commitment.

As volunteer coordinator, your will work directly under SKIP's legal representative in Peru and in close collaboration with the Project Coordinator. Your responsibilities will include coordinating and supervising the daily activities of our international volunteers
Responsibilities

1. Recruit foreign volunteers according to SKIP's current needs

• Participate in the organization of volunteer recruitment according to the current needs of the project: participate in writing volunteer job descriptions, coordinate the dissemination of volunteer posts on the internet, identify and maintain contacts with volunteer agencies and foreign universities, coordinate communication with applicants via the internet, and participate in the selection of volunteers in order to recruit foreign volunteers with appropriate experience.

• Participate in the definition of detailed work plans with each volunteer, work closely with each volunteer to ensure they are satisfactorily implementing their work plans, and coordinate the schedules of the volunteer team.

• Organization of weekly meetings with volunteers to discuss and coordinate their activities in SKIP and local public schools.

2. General organization of volunteers' stays

• Organize volunteer arrivals in Trujillo including introducing them to SKIP’s work and other team members, an orientation of the city, and organizing the rooming situations within the volunteer house.

• See to the cleanliness, security and general upkeep of the volunteer house, and to coordinate (read motivate!) the volunteers to help maintain the house properly, in order to foster a healthy and respectful living and working environment.

3. Other important responsibilities

• Participate in updating our website and the creating compelling items for the website as well as our newsletter.

• In absence of the legal representative, the volunteer coordinator and project director are in charge of proper execution of the project.

Conditions

Through these responsibilities, we will provide the volunteer coordinator with the opportunity to integrate themselves in a new community; to build relations with a multicultural, international team; and to take advantage of the cultural exchange in order to deepen their understanding and compassion for a specific, unique culture and language. This position is an ideal opportunity to build experience for those considering a career in NGOs or international organizations.

This offer can be part of any study or work related internships.

Lunch and lodging will be provided, along with costs of work related transportation. However, travel to Trujillo is not included, neither is insurance nor any daily living costs, such as breakfast or dinner.

Profile

1. Fluent English and advanced Spanish required

2. Experience working or volunteering in South America

3. Experience in managing a multicultural team

4. Ability to share knowledge and give advice while being open to suggestions and constructive criticism

5. Work well in teams, but also be able to take initiative and be willing to work independently

6. Open minded and willing to learn about the local culture, to integrate themselves in the community, and to live in a multicultural environment

7. Willing to be patient and flexible in order to accommodate working with limited resources

8. Have realistic expectations and a sincere desire to work in a challenging environment

9. Be prepared to work flexible hours

Please request an application from volunteering@skipperu.org with the following subject line: SKIP VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR 2009 - you can also send a CV if you wish

After the selection of the candidates, a telephone interview will be arranged according to your schedule, and within two weeks after applications close, we will send out a final response.