Since 2003, SKIP has been working with disadvantaged families in an impoverished district of the city of Trujillo, Peru. Our holistic program focuses on the educational, economic, emotional and social development of each child and family. It is our aim to foster the capacity of children and families to be the principal agents of change in their own lives.
The Department of Economic Development The Economic Development Department supports SKIP families in the creation of sources of sustainable income through the provision of microcredits, group and individual consulting, and a program of productive workshops. We work with more than 130 families through two distinct projects:
Microcredits– we offer microcredits that will help generate a new source of income for families, along with business workshops and support and advice in the launch of new businesses. Small loans are also offered to carry out home improvements and cover health emergencies.
Productive workshops– we have developed three types of workshops that allow SKIP mothers to develop certain productive skill, such as sewing, weaving and production of jewellery. We also offer business workshops and, through the work of our volunteers, support the mothers in the commercialization and sale of their products.
The Position The Coordinator of Economic Development will work under the supervision of the Director of SKIP. He/she will be responsible for coordinating all projects within the department, whilst focusing on planning and evaluating the results of SKIP intervention.
Responsibilities The Economic Development Coordinator will be in charge of the planning and implementation of two projects: Microcredit and Production workshops. In addition:
• Supervise and coordinate the team and manage the department’s budget (and accounting);
• Undertake a participatory analysis of the needs of the SKIP families and of the El Porvenir community, focusing on sustainable income generation activities;
• Implement income-generating activities according to the projects identified through the participator planning process and after a market analysis and viability studies;
• Develop short- and long-term plans according to the needs identified;
• Develop a database and maintain adequate economic, financial, and social documentation for all of the SKIP beneficiaries;
• Draw up quarterly reports and analysis for the head office;
• Ensure complete implementation of the procedures;
• Carry out any other duties assigned by the Director;
• Develop an institutional network with other organizations.
Profile Requirements:
- Fluid command of the Spanish language;
- 1 year minimum commitment;
- 2 years minimum work experience;
- Significant experience managing, organizing, and motivating groups;
- Ability to work in a team, but also to take initiative and to work autonomously;
- Experience in economic development, particularly with small businesses and/or Latin American cooperatives;
- Knowledge of microloan management;
- A close understanding of the obstacles that poverty presents to human development and a firm trust in the abilities of people of low-income backgrounds to excel;
- Significant experience in the planning and implantation of community projects;
- Work or volunteer experience in Latin America, ideally in Peru;
- Work experience in international cooperation projects;
- Ability to transfer skills and knowledge, but to also listen to suggestions;
- Have an open mind and be willing to learn about local culture, to interact with the community, and to live in an international environment, with a passion for teamwork;
- Willing to exercise patience and flexibility to be able to live simply and to work with limited resources;
- Be prepared to work flexible hours;
- Knowledge of the English language.
Desired:
- Knowledge of fair/ethical trade.
The benefits of volunteering with us In return for your invaluable participation in our volunteering program, SKIP will provide:
- Salary of 550 soles/month
- a thorough induction to the organization, programs, department and specific role;
- structured and relevant training from fully qualified and experienced staff members;
- mentoring and support in the form of regular supervision and staff meetings as well as informal sessions;
- the chance to be a part of a diverse and dedicated team and a welcoming community;
- a letter of recommendation upon request after completion (minimum 3 months).
Look at our video - if you are interested in finding out more about the work we do in El Porvenir please watch the following video: http://www.skipperu.org/en/about-skip/ourvideo
MORE / LESSHOW TO APPLY
To apply please download the application form from our website http://www.skipperu.org/en/volunteer/apply-volunteership. Please send the completed form to volunteering@skipperu.org with the subject as SKIP Coordinator ECODEV, along with a coverletter highlighting why you are suited to the post. If you are shortlisted we will be in contact to organise a telephone interview.
