Guatemala: Local Programme Coordinator

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 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:

1. Support teachers at the primary school in community of Nueva Mercedes
2. Organize extracurricular activities such as computer classes, arts, crafts, mind-training games and sports for children
3. Scholarship Program to provide support for students in secondary and high school
4. 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 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 Maya community and to facilitate ownership within the organization.

Education

• A minimum of an undergraduate degree in pedagogical studies, international development, international relations, economics or equivalent. Master’s degree and/or knowledge in alternative pedagogies such as Stainer School or Freire’s Pedagogy of the Oppressed are advantages.

Skills

• Fluency in Spanish and English (written and spoken)
• Team management and coordination
• Project Cycle Management
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to primitive circumstances, sometimes rapidly changing situations and tropical climate
• Ability to work in an international, multicultural, multi-ethnic environment and intercultural communication skills

Other

• "Hands-on" attitude & result-based management
• Field experience in developing countries is desirable
• 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 and management of LICHUTAM projects (planning, implementation and evaluation).
• Management of local and international volunteers.
• Administrative follow-up and budget control of the projects.
• Activity reporting to LICHUTAM International Board (Guatemala and Germany).
• Partnership network development (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 costs. Housing is organized in a modern volunteer lodge with max 3 others. *
• 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.
• Possibility to improve your language skills and learn about forward thinking development projects.
• A recommendation letter upon successful completion of the assignment.

Joining our volunteer team is a challenging opportunity that suits highly motivated people who pursue for career within international development and want to make a visible difference.

* Unfortunately we can't offer a salary, health insurance or compensation for flights.

Please submit your application, consisting of a CV and a motivation letter, to info@lichutam.org no later than 3 July 2017. Please mark “Application: Local Programme Coordinator” in the subject field. We will contact all successful applicants to arrange an interview via Skype shortly after the closing date. The position is projected to begin in the end of August/ the beginning of September, 2017.