Indigenous Community Project Management Volunteer

Build your project management and leadership skills in sunny Belize!  

JOB TITLE: INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY PROJECT MANAGEMENT VOLUNTEER, BELIZE

LOCATION: GOLDEN STREAM Field Center & Ya’axché’s PUnta Gorda OFFICE, TOLEDO DISTRICT, Belize 

POSITION REporting TO: PROJECT MANAGER

DURATION:  SIX MONTHS preferred  

I. OBJECTIVE:  Donate your time to a worthy cause while building valuable skills - assist a Belizean NGO with the implementation of the 2^nd year of the project “Building Sustainable Community Enterprise Development Capacity for Poverty Alleviation Among Indigenous Communities in Southern Belize”.    

II. GENERAL RESPONSIBILTIES: Ya’axché Conservation Trust is implementing a project in the Toledo District. The objective of the project is for the Southern Biological Corridor of Belize to be managed as an exemplary model of sustainable development, incorporating the needs of indigenous Mayan communities with the protection of a key biodiversity area.  The purpose of the project is to build the capacity of three local communities to further benefit from environmentally friendly value-added socio-economic programs and products.   The Project Management Volunteer will provide support to Ya'axché by working flexibly, responsibly, with initiative and in a professional manner, playing an active role as part of Ya'axché’s team by actively contributing to the organisation’s overall objectives and mission.  

III. SPECIFIC DUTIES: The Project Management Volunteer will act as Co-manager of this project:

1.  Ensure timely progress of project activities – in the field and in the office

2.  Assist with the development of the Project Execution Plan

3.  Assist with writing and/or editing reports

4.  Liaise with accountant to ensure accuracy in accounting and financial reporting

5.  Provide guidance and assistance with education and training materials as needed  

IV. AUTHORITY: The Project Management Volunteer is responsible to and reports directly to the Project Manager, with guidance for specific duties from the Program Managers.  

V. QUALIFICATIONS The Project Management Volunteer should have: 

1.  Strong interest in gaining experience in Project Management (some experience preferred)

2.  Ability to be a self-starter and assertive

3.  Excellent organizational, writing, and communication skills

4.   Cultural sensitivity

5.  Ability to operate as part of a team in a dynamic environment, as well as motivation and enthusiasm to work under own initiative

6.  Common sense and flexibility

7.  Excellent written and spoken English is essential.  (Spoken Spanish, K’ekchi or Mopan languages would also be advantageous.)

8.  A minimum BSc or equivalent in a relevant subject area (e.g. business, biology, environmental sciences, development or education)

9.  A sense of humor and a sense of adventure  

To Apply:   Submit letter of interest detailing interest, how you meet qualifications, along with resume and contact information for 3 references to:

Development Officer, Ya'axche' Conservation Trust

By email:  yct.development@gmail.com

Please type in Subject:  Project Management Volunteer 

Ya’axché Conservation Trust
P.O. Box 167
#2 Alejandro Vernon Street, Punta Gorda,
Toledo District, Belize
Central America
Phone: (501)722-0055
Phone/Fax: (501)722-0108 

Website:  www.yct.bzBlog:  http://yaaxche.wordpress.com/ 

Benefits of Volunteering with Ya’axché:

o   Free, shared housing (or camping) in a quiet, nature preserve

o   Great hands-on experience to build your resumé

o   Opportunity to work closely with dynamic, multi-cultural staffo   Appreciation for your dedication and hard work

o   Adventure in a country with pristine ecosystems, world-class snorkeling and SCUBA

o   In-depth, interactive cultural experience unattainable by tourists 

Volunteers live and work in a beautiful but rustic, rural setting at Ya’axché Field Center and become part of the team to gain and promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment.  Accommodations offer limited solar power, a cold water, shared bathroom, and the occasional rat, bat, tarantula, or scorpion.  

Volunteer Personal Expenses: There are no program fees charged for this unique experience, but the volunteer is expected to arrange and pay for:

o   Transportation to Punta Gorda, Belize, including airfare.

o   Food, personal expenses, in-country travel, passport, visa (if applicable)