The Alliance for a Sustainable Amazon (ASA), a research-focused non-profit organization working in the southeastern Peruvian Amazon, is pleased to announce the position of Academic Programs Coordinator beginning in March, 2018. The successful applicant will be based at the ASA’s field site in Peru’s Madre de Dios Department.
POSITION: Academic Programs Coordinator LOCATION: Finca Las Piedras, Madre de Dios, Peru POSITION DURATION: Minimum 6 months SCHEDULE: 5 days/week, M-F START DATE: March 19, 2018 APPLICATION DEADLINE: December 1, 2017 JOB DESCRIPTION The Academic Programs Coordinator works closely with ASA academic faculty and staff to facilitate ongoing research and educational programs, including volunteer and internship programs, as well as other academic programs as required. The Academic Programs Coordinator is part of the public face of the ASA’s programs in Peru, and is part of a dynamic team of researchers, conservation and development professionals, and students from around the world. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ASA-led research projects The ASA manages several long-term projects spanning our two focal areas of research: biological research and monitoring, and sustainable tropical agriculture. The Coordinator contributes to these projects, both in an advisory capacity and through data collection and daily project maintenance, when required. In addition, the Coordinator is responsible for facilitating participation in these projects by ASA volunteers and interns (see below). Volunteer Program The ASA runs a Volunteer Program at Finca Las Piedras, which is designed to give those with an interest in tropical biology, sustainable tropical agriculture, and/or biodiversity conservation the chance to gain direct, hands-on experience in those domains. The Academic Programs Coordinator is the immediate supervisor and first point of contact for volunteers staying at Finca Las Piedras, and is responsible for overseeing volunteer activities and managing day-to-day operations regarding the Volunteer Program. Internship Program The Coordinator also oversees participants in the ASA’s Internship Program at Finca Las Piedras, and works closely with the Academic Director to manage day-to-day operations and facilitate the program generally. The Coordinator should expect to spend a significant amount of time facilitating the Internship Program, especially during peak months (June-August). Example duties include collecting interns from the airport in Puerto Maldonado, leading introductory group activities designed to expose interns to methods and skills in tropical field biology, interns to design and implement independent research projects spanning the ASA’s focal research areas, and serving as an overall mentor to interns. Other Duties The Coordinator will also assist other ASA faculty and staff in facilitating other academic programs, including visits from local school groups, national and international university groups, and others as needed. Social Media The Academic Programs coordinator contributes to outreach efforts on social media. The Coordinator is required to regularly create original material regarding ASA’s academic programs for distribution across a variety of platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and the ASA blog. REQUIREMENTS · Minimum 6 month commitment required (March – September, 2018) · Minimum bachelor’s degree in natural or environmental sciences, education, or related field · Fluency in English · At least basic Spanish · Experience working/living abroad, especially in the tropics (preferred) · Teaching experience (preferred) · Enthusiasm and strong work ethic · Flexibility in schedule and work environment · Maturity/must live with and work well with others in close setting · Excellent physical condition · Traveler’s insurance (proof required upon acceptance) · CPR/first aid certification (proof required upon acceptance) TRAINING Upon arrival at Finca Las Piedras, the successful applicant will undergo an intensive, two-week training period, including an overview of current ASA-led research projects, as well as the methodologies used for research and outreach regarding the projects. The Coordinator will be supervised and trained informally throughout the duration of their term at Finca Las Piedras. COMPENSATION Monthly salary is $500/month. Accommodations in shared staff dorms are provided on-site at Finca Las Piedras, as is food (3 meals per day, 7 days per week). Work-related local transportation, including pickup from the Puerto Maldonado airport (PEM) or bus terminal, is covered. The applicant is responsible for international flight to Peru, if applicable, including airfare, taxes, airport fees, flight insurance, etc., and domestic air or land travel to Puerto Maldonado. HOW TO APPLY The following are required to apply for this position: 1. A cover letter of interest 2. Current CV/resume with contact information for two references 3. Most recent unofficial university transcript Completed applications should include each of the three required items, and should be submitted as a single PDF document, in the order listed above, by the application deadline (December 1). Document title should read: “last name”_ “Coordinator Application”.pdf Send completed applications to: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> with “Academic Programs Coordinator application” in the subject line.
