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Renewable Energy Programme Coordinator

Are you looking for the opportunity to improve your Spanish language skills and gain hands-on experience in the field in the International Development sector? Why not volunteer with LAFF, where your skills will be put to good use and you will have the opportunity to work directly with beneficiaries, gain valuable field experience and increased awareness of International Development issues, whilst practising and improving your Spanish language fluency working in a Latin American context. After being supported into your new role through our pre-departure and in-country training, you will work in Peru as a valued member of our small team of enthusiastic and skilled professionals from around the globe, under the guidance and supervision of our International Partnerships Manager. What better way to gain valuable work experience in the field than taking on this challenging and CV-boosting professional role?
About LAFF:
Latin American Foundation for the Future (LAFF) is a UK-registered charity supporting marginalised children and young people in Peru. We work through local partner organisations in Cusco and support activities and projects in the areas of formal education; skills and vocational training; and sustainability, including income generation, cost reduction and capacity building. We believe in creating independence and sustainability, and aim to achieve it for those we help through educating, empowering and enabling.
LAFF seeks a skilled professional for a full time volunteering position.
Position Title: Renewable Energy and Cost Reduction (RECR) Programme Coordinator
Location: Cusco, Peru
Employment Type: Unpaid volunteering position/ full time
Leave: 2 days per month
Application Deadline: ongoing
Start date: ASAP (but we frequently require replacements – every 6 months – so please do send on your application if available later in the year)
Duration: 6 months
Summary
In order to reduce dependency and to move towards sustainability, LAFF supports activities which reduce costs for our partners, reduce their dependency on external funding. The Renewable Energy programme is build around a participatory approach and aims to assess the needs and potential of our partner organisations (children's homes) for implementing appropriate alternative technology to reduce their ongoing overheads. The main strategy is to provide technical support directly or indirectly through LAFF's volunteers, consultants, the International Partnerships Manager and/or training institutions. LAFF also raise funds to cover the costs of implementation of renewable energy projects and other cost reduction activities. The aim of the programme is to minimise our partners ongoing costs so that they require minimal financial assistance from LAFF or other sources in future.
Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the International Partnerships Manager, the Renewable Energy Programme Coordinator will be expected to carry out the following tasks:
Work with the Renewable Energy Programme Consultant to identify (through participatory techniques) the current and future energy needs/requirements for the renewable energy/alternative technology/cost reduction projects at partner organisations.
Work with the Renewable Energy Programme Consultant to identify (through participatory techniques) methods to implement the above projects, training needs and methods to ensure the long-term upkeep and maintenance of any installed technology and
Work with the Renewable Energy Programme Consultant to establish budget required in order to implement projects (including technical staffing, material resources and training requirements) Assist in the development of an implementation and training calendar.
Assist in the implementation of renewable energy installation and training, according to the implementation and training calendar.
Assist in the development of a Renewable Energy Programme handbook for use by LAFF partner organisations to advise on steps involved in energy analysis, relevant contacts, estimated budgets, implementation considerations and the regular maintenance of installed renewable energy resources, amongst others.
Network and forge links with other stakeholders and organisations (including local government, donors, companies, universities and other supporters) to ensure continued support for existing and new initiatives.
Assist in collecting monitoring and evaluation data from Renewable Energy Programme and assist in developing progress reports.
Requirements
Undergraduate Degree in Engineering, Environmental Studies, International Development or related field. Post graduate degree desirable but not essential.
Minimum of 1 year of volunteering and/or work experience. Field and/or international development experience, as well as experience on designing, developing and implementing renewable energy projects highly desirable.
Budget development, administrative skills and financial management experience preferred.
Proficiency in written and spoken Spanish and English required.
Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.
Highly organized, flexible, independent, culturally sensitive and detail oriented with ability to multitask. Solid report-writing skills.
Personal Qualities
We are looking for self-assured, motivated self starters who are able to work independently as well as being good team players. A non-judgemental approach and commitment to learning is essential, as well as a positive outlook and preparedness for the realities of volunteering in an International Development context.
Note: Volunteers are expected to cover all their own costs – including flights, visas and insurance. Applications received after the deadline or not compliant with the instructions above will not be accepted. All successful volunteer applicants must undergo a police check prior to acceptance. LAFF will hold interviews with suitable applicants. Due to the high volume of applications, we are only able to contact successful applicants.
How to apply:
In order to apply for this fantastic opportunity to volunteer in Latin America please download an application form from our website (www.laffcharity.org.uk) and submit it, together with your CV to:recruitment@laffcharity.org.uk . Please include the title of the position you are applying for in the subject line of your message.