Voices on the Border Volunteer Position

Voices on the Border, a small non-profit organization that promotes just and sustainable development in El Salvador, has an opening for a full-time volunteer to live and work in a rural Salvadoran community.  The volunteer, who must make a minimum 14-month commitment, will report directly to Voices' field director, and represent Voices in the northern Morazán region of El Salvador.

 

Voices began its work in 1987 as a project of accompaniment with over 10,000 Salvadoran refugees in Colomoncagua, Honduras and in other refugee camps. In 1989 and 1990, Voices accompanied these refugees as they returned to El Salvador. Upon their return, many refugees founded Comunidad Segundo Montes, in the northern department of Morazán, while others moved to the Lower Lempa region of Usulután.  We have continued accompanying our Salvadoran partners for over twenty years, responding to their needs and priorities, facilitating partnerships with U.S. communities and other international organizations, advocating for justice and equality, and informing U.S. citizens of the realities in El Salvador.

The Voices' volunteer will help to represent voices in Morazán, and work closely with our local counterparts to accomplish our goals in the region, which include advising local development organizations, promoting civic participation, and promoting greater unity between different organizations and sectors.

 

Responsibilities:

 

Advise and work alongside community boards, local organizations, and other Voices' partners to accomplish local development goals

 

Submit regular reports and updates on the communities and other Voices' interests in the region

 

Develop and maintain relationships with local and international partners

 

Drafting and translating project proposals

 

Assist with emergency preparations, evacuations, and relief efforts

 

Assist field director to organize and host international delegations

 

Support for local partners seeking information and resources for their advocacy initiatives

 

Assist Executive Director with fundraising efforts

 

Qualifications

Fluent in Spanish and English

Demonstrated commitment to social justice and community empowerment

Superior interpersonal and communication skills

Ability to live modestly in a rural Salvadoran community

Demonstrated ability to work independently, think creatively, and thrive with minimal supervision

Strong organizational skills, and ability to follow through on commitments

Good physical shape

 

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to voices@votb.org by October 1, 2009.

 

For more information about Voices, please visit our website: www.votb.org