Volunteer Coordinator

  Costa Rica

• North Western Region: 
Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui
• Eastern Lowlands: 
Puerto Viejo

Durations of Program: 3-6 months, 7-12 months and 1-2 years
Typical Duration of Program: 7-12 months
Dates: March-August or April-September, 2009

Description: The SCLC is now accepting applications for a Volunteer Coordinator to begin March 7, 2010.

The Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for facilitating and overseeing all volunteer run programs and activities, run by a mix of local and international staff. This includes developing, assisting and evaluating all of the SCLC's environmental and educational programs, as well as acting as the liaison between the Center and local home stay families, program participants, and the communities that it serves. The Coordinator is also responsible for all aspects of recruitment and evaluation of future SCLC volunteers. Other duties include promoting the SCLC via regular webpage and online updates and compiling a quarterly newsletter. The Volunteer Coordinator is a six-month position.

Qualified applicants will have experience successfully managing people and overseeing projects, strong communication skills, familiarity with MS Excel and database management, and high-level proficiency in Spanish. Additionally, they should have experience or a strong interest in environmental issues and conservation, teaching and youth development, ornithology, and other aspects related to the SCLC's mission. Lastly, they should be creative, able to think on their feet, and have a sense of humor.

Highlights: Puerto Viejo is one of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica. Take a look at our directory to find the best places to go and to stay.

This wonderful beach town on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica holds many surprises. With its laid-back attitude and Caribbean life style, you can be assured of a relaxing Costa Rican holiday. Naturally, for those of us who like a more active holiday, Puerto Viejo has it all. Long walks on pristine beaches, experiencing exotic flora and fauna in a wildlife refuge, snorkeling or diving among the many reefs in our crystal clear waters, world-class surfing, mountain biking, kayaking and cultural visits to indigenous people.

In exchange for their work, the Volunteer Coordinator is provided with room and board with a local family homestay, all meals, and access to a bicycle and Internet.

You will be integrated with rural Costa Rican communities, and be able to experience the lifestyle of the lowlands of Sarapiqui.

Qualifications:
Qualified applicants must have:
* experience in successfully managing people and overseeing projects, strong communication skills
* familiarity with MS Excel and database management
* high-level proficiency in Spanish
* experience or a strong interest in environmental issues and conservation, teaching and youth development, ornithology, and other aspects related to conservation and community development
* creativity, ability to think on your feet, and a sense of humor.

Experience Required: yes

Typical Volunteer: The SCLC incorporates many different programs and consequently has many different types of volunteers. Most volunteers are college graduates with some experience in the area of their program and all with an open mind to environmental conservation.

Age Range: all ages (children-adults)

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Costa Rica Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

Sarapiqui Conservation Learning Center's Mission Statement: The Sarapiqui Conservation Learning Center works to foster education, environmental conservation, artistic expression and responsible tourism in the rural communities of Sarapiqui, Costa Rica. Our goal is to be a resource for the Sarapiqui community by providing and coordinating activities that will both enhance their education and support sustainable development in the area.

Year Founded: 1993