Are you looking for the opportunity to improve your Spanish language skills and gain hands-on experience in the field in the International Development sector? Why not volunteer with LAFF, where your skills will be put to good use and you will have the opportunity to work directly with beneficiaries, gain valuable field experience and increased awareness of International Development issues, whilst practising and improving your Spanish language fluency working in a Latin American context. After being supported into your new role through our pre-departure and in-country training, you will work in Peru as a valued member of our small team of enthusiastic and skilled professionals from around the globe, under the guidance and supervision of our International Partnerships Manager. What better way to gain valuable work experience in the field than taking on this challenging and CV-boosting professional role.
About LAFF:
Latin American Foundation for the Future (LAFF) is a UK-registered charity supporting marginalised children and young people in Peru. We work through local partner organisations in Cusco and support activities and projects in the areas of formal education; skills and vocational training; and sustainability, including income generation, cost reduction and capacity building. We believe in creating independence and sustainability, and aim to achieve it for those we help through educating, empowering and enabling.
LAFF seeks a skilled professional for a full time volunteering position.
Position: Title: Social Entrepreneurship Programme Coordinator Location: Cusco, Peru Employment Type: Unpaid volunteering position/ full time Leave: 2 days per month Application Deadline: November 10th, 2012 Start date: Between December 2012 and January 2013 Duration: 6 months +
Summary:
In order to reduce dependency and to move towards sustainability, LAFF supports activities which generate income for our partners, reduce their dependency on external funding and in some cases provide training and job placement opportunities for at risk young people. The Social Entrepreneurship / income generation programme is build around a participatory approach. The main strategy is to provide technical support directly or indirectly through LAFF’s volunteers, the IPM and/or training institutions. LAFF also raise funds to cover the start up costs of social entrepreneurship projects/ income generating activities. The aim of the programme, however, is to design a self-sustainable business model, so that the business no longer requires financial assistance from LAFF or other sources.
Responsibilities:
Under the supervision of the International Partnerships Manager, the Social Entrepreneurship Programme Coordinator will be expected to carry out the following tasks:
Identify (through participatory techniques) the needs/requirements for the development of social enterprise/ income generation projects at partner organisations and LAFF.
Identify (through participatory techniques) methods to implement, sustain and grow social enterprises/ income generation schemes.
Using the LAFF social enterprise development handbook and other resources, provide technical support and build the capacity of our partners (directly or indirectly) in the development of market studies; budgets; investment, costs and income analysis; feasible business plans and proposals, amongst others.
Network and forge links with other stakeholders and organisations (including local government, donors, companies, universities and other supporters) to ensure continued support for existing and new initiatives.
Monitor and evaluate the results and impact of the Social Entrepreneurship Programme and submit progress reports.
Identify (through participatory techniques) the needs/requirements for the development of social enterprise/ income generation projects at partner organisations and LAFF.
Identify (through participatory techniques) methods to implement, sustain and grow social enterprises/ income generation schemes.
Using the LAFF social enterprise development handbook and other resources, provide technical support and build the capacity of our partners (directly or indirectly) in the development of market studies; budgets; investment, costs and income analysis; feasible business plans and proposals, amongst others.
Network and forge links with other stakeholders and organisations (including local government, donors, companies, universities and other supporters) to ensure continued support for existing and new initiatives.
Monitor and evaluate the results and impact of the Social Entrepreneurship Programme and submit progress reports.
Requirements:
Undergraduate Degree in Business, International Relations, International Development, Economics or related field. Post graduate degree desirable but not essential. Minimum of 2 year of volunteering and/or work experience. Field and/or international development experience, as well as experience on designing, developing and implementing social enterprises highly desirable. Budget development, administrative skills and financial management experience preferred. Proficiency in written and spoken Spanish and English required. Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills. Highly organized, flexible, independent, culturally sensitive and detail oriented with ability to multitask. Solid report-writing skills.
Personal Qualities:
We are looking for self-assured, motivated self starters who are able to work independently as well as being good team players. A non-judgemental approach and commitment to learning is essential, as well as a positive outlook and preparedness for the realities of volunteering in an International Development context.
How to apply:
In order to apply for this fantastic opportunity to volunteer in Latin America please download an application form from our website (http://www.laffcharity.org.uk/volunteer/volunteer-in-peru/) or above and submit it, together with your CV to info@laffcharity.org.uk. Please include the title of the position you are applying for in the subject line of your message.
Note: Volunteers are expected to cover all their own costs – including flights, visas and insurance. Applications received after the deadline or not compliant with the instructions above will not be accepted. All successful volunteer applicants must undergo a CRB check prior to acceptance – which will be free of charge and LAFF will help to arrange. LAFF will hold interviews with suitable applicants. Due to the high volume of applications, we are only able to contact successful applicants.
