Volunteer Coordinator Internship in Ecuador

The Tandana Foundation seeks a volunteer who can help with our work in Ecuador from either June 15, 2013 or September 1, 2013 through May 15, 2014.

Position Description

The internship was created to provide more continuity to Tandana's presence in the communities where we work in Ecuador and allow the intern to develop connections and relationships that will improve our volunteer programs. It should be an opportunity for the Intern to learn, grow, and connect, a chance for Tandana to provide more benefit to the communities on an ongoing basis, and a way to enrich the experience of our volunteers.

The Intern is expected to serve as Assistant Coordinator (or Group and/or Community Coordinator) for all scheduled programs during her time in Ecuador. As the need arises, she may be asked also to assist other volunteers or to coordinate custom programs. In between programs, she is expected to follow up with patients from the health care programs and teach English at the Panecillo elementary school. The Intern and the Executive Director will work together to plan this work, set goals, and evaluate progress. The Intern should keep in touch with the Executive Director and the Scholarship Coordinator regarding progress and challenges. She must provide written reports on patient follow up, vacation classes, and the Summer Volunteer Program.

Because developing relationships in the community and strengthening Tandana's presence there are priorities of the internship, the Intern is expected to be in the communities, make an effort to develop connections, and show community members that they are her priority. However, the intern may wish to spend some time traveling, and may spend up to three weeks away from the communities during the internship time period. She may also travel before or after the time period of the internship. Because the intern will often be involved in preparing for and following up after the programs, she must be in the communities one week before the beginning of each program through three days after the end. When leaving the communities, the Intern should inform the Executive Director of her schedule.

Responsibilities:

• Help lead the group programs on a daily basis and facilitate all aspects of the group's stay in Ecuador
• Work with community leaders and other local contacts to coordinate volunteer work and cultural activities
• Set a positive tone for volunteer groups and create opportunities for reflection and improvement of group dynamics
• Coordinate logistics of the programs, handle money, keep accurate records
• Represent Tandana in a positive manner to all community members and volunteers
• Solve problems and handle emergency situations in a professional manner
• Take responsibility for follow up with patients from our health care programs, making appointments, helping them navigate the public health system, advocating for them at the hospital
• Teach English in the Ati Pillahuasu elementary school in between volunteer programs; work on other ongoing Tandana projects.
• Communicate and collaborate with Tandana's Local Coordinator
• Live with a local host family and build relationships in the community

Requirements:

• Minimum of conversational Spanish; fluency preferred
• Experience leading groups in service projects or other experiential education programs
• Experience living in cross-cultural situations, preferably in Latin America
• Experience working with North Americans
• Ability to work cooperatively with a diverse array of people, to solve problems creatively, and to promote a positive experience for all involved
• Self-motivation, responsibility, and an ability to work independently
• WFA certification or equivalent or greater first aid training

Benefits:

• Intern will receive $100 per month and three weeks vacation
• Transportation to and from Ecuador
• Living expenses while working for The Tandana Foundation
• The opportunity to participate in unique cultural activities and worthwhile community projects