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Home > About Us > Work or Volunteer with Us

International

Current openings abroad: 1

POSITION:  Volunteer, Product Design and Development, Manos Amigas, Lima, Peru

GENERAL PURPOSE:  SERRV’s partner Manos Amigas is a fair trade organization working with and marketing for small artisan organizations throughout Peru.  In order to stay competitive in the global market, Manos Amigas needs a long-term volunteer to provide design assistance.  Their product lines include traditional Peruvian ceramics, gourd products, jewelry, ceramic wind chimes, musical instruments, and more.

 
TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT: Requires a 3 month commitment to working in Peru.

PAY STATUS: This is a volunteer position. Air travel to Peru and return airfare at the end of 3 months, along with a modest stipend, will be provided, as will travel expenses to visit and work with artisan groups within Peru.  Volunteer housing will also be provided.


HOURS:
·    Position requires 40-45 hours/week. Will require some evening and weekend work.
·    Requires flexibility in work schedule

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:  Supervision is provided by Manos Amigas in Peru.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
·    Work directly with artisan groups and with Manos Amigas to develop products for existing and potential customer base
·    Explore existing available materials and techniques to incorporate into products in new ways
·    Develop a work plan for product development with measurable goals.
·    Coordinate design development with current and potential customers to develop requested products
·    Prepare a plan to present new products/product lines to buyers
·    Accompany visiting designers to artisan groups
·    Work with artisans to develop costing and pricing strategies for new products
·    Other product-related duties as assigned by Manos Amigas

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS: These along with other performance data will be used to measure and evaluate the performance of the volunteer.
·    New product designs and development in multiple materials
·    Timely communication with designers
·    Positive, professional interactions with artisans and staff
·    Preparation of monthly report for SERRV and Manos Amigas summarizing work
·    Clear, consistent communication with Manos Amigas’ staff.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education & Experience
·    Some university or college education, Bachelors or Masters Degree preferred
·    Experience in product development and design, or creative projects
·    A sensitivity to appropriate product design for the U.S. and European markets
·    Fluent in spoken and written Spanish
·    Experience living or traveling in a developing country
·    An interest in Peruvian and/or South American culture
·    Basic computer skills
·    Good communication skills
Work Traits
·    Interest and/or experience in international crafts and/or product design
·    Strong English and Spanish spoken and written communication skills
·    Ability to work cooperatively with artisans, designers, and co-workers
·    Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
·    A desire to work with people from underdeveloped countries
·    Ability and willingness to live and work in some circumstances with minimal physical comforts
·    Attention to detail

WORK ENVIRONMENT: This position is based in Manos Amigas’ office in Lima, Peru.
Recruitment Process: Manos Amigas and SERRV have been partners since 1992. In order to assist Manos Amigas in securing the best qualified volunteer for this position, SERRV is assisting with the recruitment process. However, the successful candidate will report directly to Manos Amigas.

To Apply: Send or fax your resume and letter of application to cherylmserrv@aol.com or 1-608-255-0451. Please address in your cover letter the reasons you are interested in working in Peru, your Spanish language abilities, and your experience related to product
This position is open until filled.  Start date is not firm, but preference is for someone to begin as soon as possible.



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