We believe in the power of bringing together people who dare to challenge the status quo: international interns who are passionate about making a difference and local leaders who can envision a better future for their families and their communities. The result is lives that are changed and communities that are transformed.
This project combines the strength of several partners as Andean Collection is embarking on an exciting new initiative with artisans in the Amazon in collaboration with the Runa Foundation and funding from the German Development Foundation.
For this unique interning position, we are looking for a self-motivated and driven individual who is passionate about the empowerment of local people. Interns in this area will learn in-depth about the management of a social enterprise, with the unique opportunity to work under both Fundación Runa and Andean Collection. Time and duties will be split between the two organizations, allowing the intern to gain a full breadth of knowledge and experience whilst being key in the development of a new area.
Andean Collection Background
Andean Collection is a New York-based brand of sustainable accessories, designed collaboratively by New York designers and indigenous artisans of Ecuador. Andean Collection's on trend accessories have been sold in over 2,000 locations worldwide, including specialty stores such as Anthropologie and DKNY, and are frequently mentioned in top fashion publications around the globe.
To learn more about Andean Collection, please visit www.theandeancollection.com or watch our video athttp://vimeo.com/46119576.
To learn more about Runa Foundation, please visit http://www.fundacionruna.org/index.html or watch their videohttp://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=qaSc_YCjS5o
Intern Responsibilities
Communication with Indigenous Artisans
- Be point person for artisans in Napo and manage day to day communication with the artisans
- Check on progress on tasks given to artisans and inform supervisors
- Identify artisan production needs as they arise and communicate them to supervisors (e.g. broken tools, lack of raw material etc.)
Production Amazonia Line
- Coordinate creation of new designs and samples following instructions from supervisors
- Monitor production progress and quality control with artisans and ensure production is completed on time
- Receive and send products and materials between Napo, Quito and Otavalo
- Ensure artisans have what they need for production and communicate any supply chain problems to the supervisors as soon as possible
Sourcing/Supply Chain
- Coordinate sourcing of materials
- Work with Director/Production Coordinator to solve larger supply chain problems as necessary
Intern Qualifications
- Fluency in English and Spanish
- Experience or interest in working with indigenous artisans; ability to form positive professional relationships with a culturally diverse team
- Ability to problem solve
- Ability to live and work in rural Amazonian Ecuador for the duration of the internship
- Ability to work independently and remotely
- Excellent organizational skills
Logistics
The tuition for being a intern is $200 a week. Included in this tuition is:
- Internship supervision costs
- Housing
- Travel expenses
- Filtered drinking water
A room in the community of Archidona is provided for this position, which is at a convenient distance from the artisan villages and right next to the Runa Foundation offices.
Additionally, the intern will need about $50 a week for food. Ample low cost restaurants and markets are available within walking distance from the room in Archidona and interns frequently cook meals to limit food costs.
