Wanted
Solution Agent and Entrepreneur, Summer 2013, NYC
To Do
Identify for-profit ideas, develop a pilot business plan, partner with strategic investors, and implement the start-up phase of the venture that enterprising farmers/villagers in ARK's partner communities can launch so that they may have a source of sustainable income.
Why
Farmers in the developing world more than ever are having a hard time supporting their families on $3/day depending primarily on one crop for which they use expensive and harmful chemicals to farm. Global warming with its unpredictable rains and protracted droughts have decimated harvests and income, and made the lives of marginalized farmers more dire and untenable.
Pilot
ARK partner communities in rural Capiz, Philippines
Reward
Tangible skills and experience (leadership, analysis, marketing, entrepreneurship, capital raising, finance, and effective non-profit operational models); a NEW, EXCITING VENTURE; collaboration with successful professionals from diverse fields; impactful and measurable contribution; connections, potential mentorship and paid opportunities within the ARK network.
Expectations
Basic understanding of finance, economics, excel and powerpoint. Good oral and written communications skills. Fun-lovin', gung-ho, positive, focused, solutions-oriented who will "hit the ground running" and work side by side with ARK officers in NYC and in the field on on-going and live projects.
ARK internships are unpaid; range from 6 to 10 weeks of commitment period.
Ideas to get you started
For-profit skills and projects that will diversify farmers' rice and corn-based income; can be implemented within the baranggays; supply existing markets including ARK's Feeding Program, nearby villages, towns and tourist areas with much needed products/services. Eg.
- Ecological vegetable and livestock (eg. chicken) raising to supply ARK's Feeding Program
- Sewing of uniforms, bags for ARK Scholarship Program with potential to supply a NYC-based designer/boutique with their clothing or accessories line.
- Making of ecological, luxurious soaps, personal care and household products that are used daily by villagers, towns people and tourists
Responsibilities
- Assess and identify skills that ARK-sponsored communities want to develop
- Identify and partner with strategic investors, collaborators and advisers in training, marketing and fundraising of the project
- Build the pilot business plan
- Pave the path for implementation and distribution or market testing
- Assess cash flows; Audit and analyze financial metrics of ARK's existing programs
- Propose, manage and execute fundraising ideas and events
Are you The ONE? checklist
- You have a can do spirit
- You can lead but like to listen and work with others
- Your curiosity prevents you from having cats
- You can articulate your thoughts succinctly
- You flourish in evolving, dynamic and entrepreneurial settings
- Your eyes light up when you talk about righting wrongs and starting something new
- You like to laugh!
