Organization: Li Ch'utam
Country: Guatemala
Closing date: 30 Nov 2017
IMMEDIATE VOLUNTEER NEED!
LICHUTAM is an international development organization based in El Valle del Polochic–Guatemala. The Polochic Valley is one of the most disadvantaged areas in Guatemala, where education is still a privilege only a few can afford. Most rural communities in the region are affected by low income, high levels of poverty, and low access to basic service such as health, electricity, and water. Since 2009 we have been working to promote sustainable development in indigenous Maya communities through innovative solutions with the aim to improve education and livelihoods of local inhabitants.
Currently our projects serve two Maya Q’eqchi speaking communities, with a total population of 600 people, focusing on following key activities:
- Support teachers at the primary school in the community of Nueva Mercedes
- Organize extracurricular activities such as computer classes, arts, crafts, mind-training games, and sports for children
- Scholarship Program to provide support for students in secondary and high school
- Family Projects: kitchen gardens, teaching planting/harvesting techniques, providing technical agricultural support
We are a small and young organization, a group of eager and practical people who want to make a difference in the world.
Currently, we are looking for a Local Programme Coordinator to lead a team of up to 4 volunteers. This is a fantastic opportunity for a person who has interest in international development, enjoys working in rural environment, has excellent intercultural communication skills and previous experience in project management.
Your Profile
We are looking for a commitment of 6-12 months in the field in order to develop a long-term relationship of trust with the local Maya community and to facilitate ownership within the organization.
Education
A minimum of an undergraduate degree in pedagogical studies, international development, international relations, economics, anthropology, environmental science, or equivalent. Master’s degree and/or knowledge in alternative pedagogies such as Stainer School or Freire’s Pedagogy of the Oppressed are advantages.
Required Skills
- Ability to engage for a minimum 6 months’ period in the field
- Fluency in Spanish and English (written and spoken)
- Experience managing or leading a team
- Clear understanding of the Project Management Cycle including: project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and evaluation, and closing
- Awareness of the importance of project ownership and active participation to ensure sustainable growth for the organization
- Ability to be flexible and adapt to the challenges of living in a rural environment and a tropical climate
- Ability to work collaboratively in an international, multicultural, multi-ethnic environment and team, utilizing strong intercultural communication skills
- Experience working in rural areas in developing countries
Additional Skills
- "Hands-on" attitude & result-based management
- Project monitoring and evaluation experience
- Grant writing and/or research experience
- Understanding of the Guatemalan educational system, state sponsored policies and their relationship with indigenous communities
- Experience working with indigenous communities, development of community-based education in rural areas, knowledge and creativity to apply pedagogical games to support education are highly desired
Your Responsibilities
- Field coordination, management, and execution of LICHUTAM projects (planning, implementation, evaluation, redesign and improvement if necessary)
- Management of local and international volunteers
- Managing local project activities on a daily basis to include: assisting teachers at the local school; developing and implementing additional educational programs/activities; coordinating the sustainable family garden initiative; approving local educational scholarship candidates; and completing administrative tasks that ensure the overall success of the LICHUTAM mission
- Administrative follow-up and budget control of the projects to include writing internal reports, developing promotional material (social media, newsletters, blogs, etc.), and conducting research on potential financial resources
- Activity reporting to LICHUTAM International Board (Guatemala and Germany)
- Partnership network development with local and international NGOs, governmental agencies, associations, local schools, etc.
- Maintain a trustful relationship with the community
What we offer
- To cover all living (accommodation and food) and work related transport expenses; housing is provided in a modern volunteer lodge with maximum 3 other volunteers *
- Internet connection
- A unique opportunity to gain work experience in a cross-cultural environment and to work with indigenous Q'eqchi Mayan families in the heart of Guatemala
- Ability to improve your language skills through complete immersion
- Ability to learn about forward thinking development projects and take an active role in planning and implementing them
- A recommendation letter upon successful completion of the assignment
Joining our volunteer team is a challenging opportunity that suits highly motivated people interested in pursuing a career within international development and who want to make a visible difference in the lives of others.
* Unfortunately we cannot offer a salary, health insurance, or compensation for flights to and from Guatemala.
How to apply:
Please submit your application, consisting of a CV and a motivation letter, to info@lichutam.org no later than 30 November 2017. Please mark “Application: Local Programme Coordinator” in the subject field. Please specify your potential start date within the email and/or motivation letter.
As we are looking to fill this position as soon as possible, interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis so we encourage interested applicants to apply as soon as possible. We will not wait until the suspense date if we identify a qualified candidate earlier than 30 November.
We will contact all successful applicants to arrange an interview via Skype.
