International Development Program Coordinator

Manna Project International (MPI), a US-based nonprofit organization operating health, education, and economic empowerment programs in Ecuador, is looking for co-op students as summer interns to strengthen our on-site team in rural, Amazonian Ecuador to create sustainable grassroots programming that addresses the challenges and needs in the community.

Since 2004, Manna Project International has fostered communities of talented young leaders to become the next generation of social change agents by engaging in collaborative, on-the-ground service with international communities in need. MPI focuses on building cross-cultural relationships with local residents, partner organizations, community leaders while creating and implementing small, start-up community programs and develops our short-term and long-term volunteers and Program Directors through challenging field work, active skills building, and hands-on leadership opportunities over the course of their service. For more background on MPI, please visit our website, www.mannaproject.org.

During your time with MPI you will experience life and work alongside other young leaders and community members. At our rural, indigenous Kichwa village site in the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest, you will support a variety of impactful programs designed in collaboration with the Shandia community to address their needs. You will have the flexibility to support new programs and conduct personal research where the community's vision intersects with your own education, passions and interests. At a new site in rural Ecuador, working with an indigenous community where 70% of residents are underserved, this position is well-suited for volunteers who are adventurous and flexible, comfortable living in rustic conditions, and eager to work with some structure and lots of entrepreneurship.

Overview

There are 4 primary roles for summer interns:

1. Developing and supporting community programs

2. Managing organizational operations

3. Raising awareness in the U.S. of international issues

4. Building relationships with local organizations and community members

Responsibilities:
The responsibilities of summer interns include any and all tasks necessary to maintaining and improving the day-to-day operations of MPI. This includes but is not limited to:

• Maintaining current community development programs
• Researching, designing and implementing new initiatives
• Building and deepening MPI’s local and international partnerships
• Collaborating regularly with fellow Program Directors and the Tena Site Manager to improve the reach and effectiveness of MPI’s programs
• Submitting programmatic reports to the Tena Site Manager and regularly tracking metrics to assess the impact of MPI’s programs
• Collaborating regularly with fellow Program Directors and the Tena Site Manager to improve the reach and effectiveness of MPI’s programs
• Training the incoming group of Program Directors, with an eye to efficient, effective, and sustainable progress and programming;
• Fundraising for on-site programmatic and operational development, room and board, and a weekly stipend and
• Participating in organization-wide planning and development, including recruitment, finances, grant writing, fundraising, social media, public relations, and donor relations.

Desired Qualifications

• A willingness to commit to MPI’s principles and approach to community development
• Strong collaboration skills and ability to work in a team, professionally and personally, as Program Directors both live and work together
  enthusiasm to experience a new culture and customs and to step outside your comfort zone
• High level of patience and flexibility, as living and working in a developing country is often unpredictable and moves at a different pace than in the U.S.
• Self-starter, able to succeed in an environment with a high level of autonomy
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Spanish skills preferred but not required (you will have the opportunity to take Spanish classes on-site)  

Benefits of working with us:

Please note that while this is an unpaid position, MPI works tirelessly to offer opportunities for professional and personal growth, including:

• Extensive ongoing leadership experience and preparation for many professional fields including but not limited to: International Development, International Business, Latin American Studies, Nonprofit, Education, Healthcare, Law, Communication, Foreign Relations
• Opportunities to conduct personal research
• 5-10 personal days (depending on length of commitment); 10 national holidays annually
• Valuable workforce and life skills
• A visa to live in-country for the duration of your work with MPI
• Professional development including mentorship, quarterly retreats
• Access to a growing and very distinguished Alumni Network of 2,000+ and resources to help with your future