Honduras: Environmental Policy Advisor - Canadians Only - Somos Iberoamérica / Somos Ibero-América

Organization: Cuso International
Country: Honduras
Closing date: 11 Oct 2017

Honduras

Start Date Sep – Nov 2017 (flexible)

Length of Placement 12 Months

Language Requirements Spanish

Spanish Reading: Level 3, Writing: Level 3, Speaking: Level 3

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

Please submit a Spanish Cover Letter and Statement of Interest

Open to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents only

The Volunteer’s Role

Arca de Esperanzas (Ark of Hope) is an association of parents and specialists who serve children, youth and adults who are suffering or are at risk of suffering from brain injuries. Arca de Esperanzas opened in 2000, and since then has expanded to improve the socioeconomic well-being of people with disabilities and their families through recycling projects and initiatives. Currently, Arca de Esperanzas is generating employment through its project called “Environmental Education and Recycling”.

Put your green thumb to use, and strengthen Los Girasoles Recycling Program (part of the organization Arca de Esperanzas) by supporting the Reduce, Reuse & Recycle initiatives in Tegucigalpa, Honduras! As an Environmental Policy Advisor, you will conduct research and analysis on organizational capacity, and promote the creation of recycling policies and environmental practices. You will be able to contribute to economic sustainability of Arca de Esperanzas by improving environmental education and waste management practices.

This placement is under the VOICE program at Cuso International which has signed cooperation agreements with partnering organizations in Honduras. The purpose of these agreements is to provide human resources that will assist in the design, planning, implementation, and monitoring & evaluation of various projects for a period of five years.

As a volunteer, you will:

Conduct research on environmental laws and regulations as well as Reduce, Reuse and Recycle initiatives being implemented in Honduras.
Create strategies that promote the regulation of waste management
Provide support in the design, creation and implementation of an environmental education campaign
Design of didactic material on environmental education as needed and provide feedback and suggestions on how existing programs can be improved
Contribute to the creation of strategic agreements with public and private organizations to improve waste management practices

Essential Academic Qualifications:

University degree in Law, Environmental Studies, Ecology, Environmental Sustainability, Environmental Science or similar

Essential Professional Background:

-At least two years of experience in research, organizational development, project design, planning and management preferably with community and civil society organizations, INGOs, National and local governments or the private sector.

-National or international experience in at least one of these sectors: Project management, law, waste management practices.

-Demonstrated experience leading or working in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.

-Understanding of Gender Equality, Social Inclusion and Human Rights.

-Understanding of participatory approaches to development.

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