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Environment Project Coordinator

Otra Cosa Network
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Project Coordinator - Environment

Otra Cosa Network (OCN) is a small NGO located in Huanchaco, Trujillo - which is in northern Peru. We work in disadvantaged neighbourhoods with developing communities that are mainly populated by displaced peoples from the Peruvian highlands and rainforest regions. Due to the effects of climate change and deforestation, they have been forced to flee their homes and now live in informal settlements around the town of Huanchaco. Many of these settlements lack basic amenities such as running water, plumbing or basic sanitation services.


 

We are currently looking for a Project Coordinator for our Huanchaco Education & Learning Programme (HELP) Environment Project to plan, manage and deliver our environmental classes. This is the perfect role for anyone who has a passion for the environment, nature or horticulture. 


 

This project will also involve monitoring and evaluating the health of reeds in the ‘totora’ reed ponds close to the town. These reeds are vital for the production of Huanchaco’s Caballito de Totora, the traditional reed fishing boats that fishermen use to fish the Pacific Ocean. These are an iconic part of Huanchaco culture, and are incredibly important for the continuation of this heritage trade.


 

As the Project Coordinator - Environment, you will be responsible for the following:


 

  • Planning and updating the OCN environment curriculum, including planning weekly environmental education classes for the children.
  • Organising monthly beach cleans and litter picking events around the neighbourhood of Cerrito de la Virgen.
  • Maintaining all material related to the project.
  • Looking after our small garden that we have in our Recreation & Education Centre (REC)
  • Coming up with new and creative ways that we can teach the children about caring for the environment (for example, previous volunteers have implemented composting and hydroponic garden projects).
  • Writing weekly reports and monthly reviews on the project progress and impact
  • Weekly visits to the reed ponds to photograph and report on the reed health
  • Managing & coordinating other volunteers’ time within the environment project(s)
  • Assisting with local fundraisers


 

As a hands-on role, this position involves much more exposure to the Spanish language than some of our office roles, so it would be a great opportunity for Spanish-speaking volunteers or those looking to improve their Spanish language skills. 


 

Volunteers are required to give around 25 hours of their time per week, Since HELP Environment is one of our smaller projects it only requires a few hours a week, and so you will also get to volunteer on some of our other projects, such as HELP English, HELP Youth, and HELP Literacy.


 

This position is a fantastic opportunity for individuals who want to work with children while also gaining an insight into the world of NGOs. Also, living in Huanchaco, a small surf town not far from the city of Trujillo, will give you the chance to immerse yourself in  another culture and meet lots of new people.


 

All volunteer positions are available as internships, which is ideal for students looking to complete a year in industry/placement abroad. In this case, you will receive an extra level of mentorship and all appropriate communication with your academic institution to ensure compliance with internship placement requirements. 


 

Mandatory Requirements:

  • Understanding of environmental concerns that could impact community development in northern Peru.
  • A good level of Spanish*
  • A good attitude, with key attributes of flexibility, responsibility and open-mindedness
  • The ability to lead others, with prior experience of leadership being an advantage
  • Ability to cope with active and energetic children


 

Desirable Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies or a related field
  • An awareness of key issues in international development
  • A good level of English
  • Practical experiences in environmental studies
  • Experience of living abroad


 

*If you want to improve your Spanish, we can arrange Spanish classes for you in advance (by Skype) or during your stay.

Our minimum stay for the Project Coordinator - Environment position is 3 months, but we are ideally looking for volunteers who are able to stay longer so that you are able to get to know and be a part of the local community in which we work.