Alternative Energy (Wind + Solar) Volunteer Program on the Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua

  Nicaragua

Masaya,  Rural Areas

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months, 7-12 months and 1-2 years
Typical Duration of Program: 7-12 months
Dates: All Available Dates

Description: blueEnergy utilizes both wind energy (turbines) and solar energy (solar paneling) to create a hybrid, sustainable solution to rural electrification in unpredictable weather conditions. An innovator in the sustainable energy field, blueEnergy manufactures its wind turbines locally, an approach seldom-seen but designed to increase the local understanding of, and capacity for, maintaining the renewable energy system. This approach helps build local technical capacity and provides jobs in the local economy. blueEnergy's engineers have pioneered our cutting edge design, and volunteers will learn what it takes to successfully develop and implement this technology by interacting with the design team and visiting the manufacturing facilities. By volunteering for blueEnergy you can play an important role in supporting this sustainable, locally focused approach to energy development.

We are seeking volunteers interested in contributing to blueEnergy's Nicaragua location in the following capacities:
* International accounting system design, internal control evaluation and development of accounting staff
* Implementation of community-based micro-financing systems and relationships
* Process development and management consulting
* Energy system design, system electronics work
* Energy system and water filter manufacturing
*Capacity building (training and education curriculum development and manual development)
* Communication
* IT, multimedia (short promotional videos and photo montage) and GIS
* Databases development

Highlights: Living in the blueEnergy house is an experience that you will likely remember for the rest of your life. The international staff comes from a wide variety of countries and backgrounds to provide their individual expertise, be it engineering, business, or community outreach, while blueEnergy's local employees and partners lend a fresh perspective to living and working on the Caribbean Coast. Due to the myriad of intricate components in each blueEnergy project, from micro-finance system development and cost accounting implementation to solar panel installation and aerodynamic turbine blade improvement, conversations around the dinner table are richly rewarding. There is a real communal spirit that develops when the diverse groups come together for work and play.

Qualifications: Join the blueEnergy team!

blueEnergy recruits volunteers from around the world to assist in its mission of improving lives in marginalized communities using a holistic approach to sustainable energy and related fundamental services. Volunteers form a core component of blueEnergy's capacity by bringing much needed expertise, experience and energy, while in return gaining an experience of a lifetime.

Skills and characteristics we always like to see in our candidates include:
* Teamwork
* Flexibility
* Maturity
* Independent, motivated work ethic
* Spanish and English spoken and written proficiency
* Interest in Latin America, renewable energy and in bringing basic services to people in need

See website for specific job postings.

Cost in US$: Depends on length of stay

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: The beauty of the volunteer group at blueEnergy is that there is no typical volunteer. Our current volunteers come from 4 continents and have diverse backgrounds, from PhDs in various sciences and engineers to backgrounds in teaching or construction. Most, however, do speak Spanish, are in their 20s and 30s and enjoy working and playing hard.

This Program is open to American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Nicaragua Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 5

Scholarships are Available. Considered in certain cases

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network

blueEnergy's Mission Statement: blueEnergy improves lives in marginalized communities using a holistic approach to sustainable energy and related fundamental services. blueEnergy develops wind and solar energy solutions, solar lighting solutions, communications solutions and provides local capacity building support to communities on the Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua. blueEnergy functions in challenging environments and succeeds because of our connection with the community, commitment to building local capacity, and with the hard work of our international volunteers.

Year Founded: 2003