Bolivia (Plurinational State of): Organizational Strengthening Advisor - Canadians Only

Organization: Cuso International
Country: Bolivia (Plurinational State of)
Closing date: 11 Oct 2017

Location Santa Cruz, Bolivia

Start Date Aug – Oct 2017 (flexible)

Length of Placement 12 Months

Language Requirements Spanish

Spanish Reading: Level 4, Writing: Level 4, Speaking: Level 4

Language Scale: http://www.cusointernational.org/languageratingscale

Please submit a Spanish Cover Letter and Statement of Interest

Open to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada only

The Volunteer’s Role

Live in the tropical savanna of Eastern Bolivia and support the Chiquitano Forest Conservation Foundation (FCBC) in making the most sustainable and socially responsible impact possible in their communities.

The FCBC is currently supporting multiple value chains, in varying stages of development, with the intention of expanding its support and influence to include new value chains in this upcoming year. Currently, FCBC is supporting value chains in natural medicinal, cosmetic, coffee and active carbon products throughout Bolivia. However, they are looking to expand to natural tea production (made from wild medicinal leaves and roots) as well as develop a new eco-tourism value chain in the community of Yororobá.

Cuso International Bolivia is looking for a volunteer just like you to contribute in administrative, organizational and productive capacities of the local associations supported by FCBC, dedicated to producing and providing socially and environmentally-sustainable products and services. Along with the staff at FCBC, you'll work in creating new organizational and institutional structures through an evaluation of current practices as well as support the team in designing and implementing corresponding strategic plans.

You'll also be responsible for transferring your skills to your local colleagues as well as the communities you will work with, giving workshops, seminars and producing educational materials on strategic planning, business continuity and administration, value chain and sustainability in business planning, among other subjects.

As a volunteer, you will:

Facilitate workshops and/or create educational materials on themes related to strategic planning. These might vary depending on the volunteer’s expertise and the needs of the association though subjects may include business planning, conflict resolution, strategic planning, etc.
Perform need-based analyses on associations, including an analysis of the new value chain of an eco-tourism initiative in Yororobá. The analysis should highlight the associations’ institutional needs, along with the beneficiaries’ progress in achieving their professional goals.
Develop and implement strategic plans and recommendations on future actions of associations/groups based on the collected data.

Essential Academic Qualifications:

Degree in Administration, Business, Social Sciences, Sociology, Economics or related field

Essential Professional Background:

Experience in research, strategic planning, project planning and/or monitoring and evaluation.
Experience in organizational development and developing business plans.

Support Package

Modest monthly living allowance (varies depending country)
Accommodation while in placement
Return airfare and visa/work permit costs
Cost of required vaccinations, antimalarial medication and health insurance
Pre-departure training and in-country orientation
Travel and accommodation for reintegration debriefing weekend
Modest support for accompanying partners and dependents going on placement with you for 12 months or longer
Access to Employee Assistance Program while in placement and upon return
Cuso International assessment day (Candidates must cover the first $200 of the most cost-effective travel expenses and all accommodation costs).
Travel and accommodation for the five-day pre-departure training course and for in-country orientation