Social enterprise developer

Auroville Village Action Group (AVAG) is looking for an experienced professional or student to support the expansion of the Social Enterprise Programme. AVAG seeks a passionate individual committed to social change and interested in village development in rural Tamil Nadu, India.

AVAG is the primary outreach organization for Auroville, an international township (http://www.auroville.org). An integrated village development programme is implemented in 80 villages and Dalit hamlets neighboring Auroville. For more on AVAG's mission and programmes please visit, http://www.villageaction.in.

AVAG relies on volunteers and interns from around the world who help to support and develop programmes that support the organization's social activities. Volunteering for AVAG is a wonderful way in which young people can gain valuable experience and for more experienced individuals to contribute to a worthy and fulfilling cause.

All internship opportunities with AVAG are dependent on the specific skill set of the individual intern. AVAG would ideally like to match each intern to their specific interests but may need to assign positions based on need. A certain degree of overlap in responsibilities can be expected from any of the internship positions. Most work is done at the office located within the AVAG campus but field trips can be offered each week for any of the below positions.

Position Description:

A large disparity in distribution of financial resources exists within Tamil Nadu, with the 60% of the population that is rural receiving less than 1/7 of the wealth. Per capita income in AVAG's target area is less than 1/3 of that in the largest city, Chennai. The economy is based largely on agriculture, which is threatened by stresses of over-population and global warming.

In response to this economic condition AVAG has set a goal to expand its Social Enterprise programmes to supplement its Micro Finance programme and Livelihood trainings. In November 2009, EcoLife was initiated as AVAG's first social enterprise. EcoLife educates villagers about environmental degradation and sells low-cost, eco-friendly products.

In July 2012 the SEDAB project (Social Enterprises Development in the Auroville Bio-region started. The overall approach will involve creating self-employment opportunities for rural women members of SHG's and the development of livelihoods in a sustainable manner. The project will also aim to create assets to facilitate self-employment. Linkages, both locally and beyond the bio-region will provide for a sustained growth of new enterprises that are developed as part of the project. Technical expertise and participation by Auroville will provide the enterprises with the professional back up and experience which may assist with trouble shooting and further growth planning.

AVAG is looking for 2-3 motivated individuals to expand the Social Enterprise programme further.

Qualifications required include:

• Background in Economics, Finance or Management preferred
• Marketing skills
• Available for a minimum of 3 months
• Strong interpersonal and management skills
• Self-motivated and able to work independently in a constantly changing environment
• Fluency in Tamil a plus (not required)

Responsibilities of the position could include:

• Mapping and interviewing potential entrepreneurs
• Market research
• Investigating business ideas, studying best practices and preparing business plans
• Recruiting and training the enterprise staff.
• Coordinating the liaison between Auroville units and village enterprises
• Documentation
• Help in the Auroville Saturday Market