from 0€

Outstanding 4.9rating (21)

Social Enterprise Marketing Manager

location
12 - 50 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Outstanding 4.9  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Highlights

  • Develop your professional marketing skills (newsletters, social, web and more) for an established organisation
  • Work alongside the organisation founder either from home or join us out here in the beautiful Ecuadorian Andes!
  • Learn about the distinct local culture and a diverse set of innovative ways to create long-lasting change
  • Make a meaningful difference to low-income communities in the rural Ecuadorian Andes
  • If you visit, go on adventures with other interns/volunteers within less than an hour - hike in the mountains, bird watch in the jungle, and explore colonial villages

Especially suitable

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
50+

About the program

Develop your marketing skills & support a small organisation on a diverse range of community & environmental projects in the rural Ecuadorian Andes

If you want to develop your professional marketing skills while benefitting low-income rural communities in Ecuador, this internship is for you. You will be an integral part in developing El Terreno's community and environmental initiatives. Work alongside the founder and other key stakeholders to ...

About the program

If you want to develop your professional marketing skills while benefitting low-income rural communities in Ecuador, this internship is for you. You will be an integral part in developing El Terreno's community and environmental initiatives. Work alongside the founder and other key stakeholders to help design and implement a marketing strategy that will ensure its long- term success. You will get hands-on experience and be able to create and implement your own ideas.

THE REGION

El Terreno is on a hillside in the little-known province of Bolívar, just outside of the quaint colonial town of Guaranda in central Ecuador. It's nestled in a valley surrounded by traditional farmland and indigenous communities, with a spectacular view of the majestic Chimborazo Volcano (the point on earth closest to the sun!)

40% of the population around Guaranda live in poverty, yet it has enormous human and cultural capital, presenting a fantastic opportunity for sustainable development if unlocked. With the current systems and structures, however, the likelihood of this happening is remote. At El Terreno, we believe that cultural exchange has the potential to create a more prosperous, sustainable and meaningful world, which is why we're building a center for social innovation in one of the most unlikely places.

The organisation was founded in mid-2021, and as with anything innovative and a multi-cultural context, it provides novel challenges that require creative solutions. We're looking for a talented, committed and forward-thinking intern to join the team, either from home or here in the beautiful Ecuadorian Andes. Your efforts will be reflected in the success of an ambitious project that brings together local indigenous communities, NGOs, international volunteers, educational institutions and tourists from around the world.

ACTIVITIES
  • Learn about our vision, models & strategy 
  • Work alongside the core team & stakeholders to design a marketing strategy
  • Create marketing infrastructure to deliver your strategy
  • Build relationships with potential collaborators
  • Work to implement the strategy, with ongoing support from the core team
  • Evaluate your success and add your valuable experience to your resume
EL TERRENO: CULTURAL EXCHANGE CENTRE

As a centre of cultural exchange and social innovation, we bring together local Ecuadorians and others from around the world through sustainable tourism, culture, education and ecology – to create a more meaningful, sustainable and prosperous world.

We’re in the early stages - starting in July 2021 - but we have big ambitions! We aspire to regenerate local ecosystems, build pride in indigenous culture, provide dignified employment opportunities, offer a wide variety of unique eco & community tourism experiences, and ensure volunteers like you learn new skills, meet extraordinary people and leave with unforgettable memories.

MEET THE FOUNDERS

My name is Joshua; I’m 36 and from the UK. I first came as a backpacker to Ecuador in 2013 and fell in love with the place - the people, the culture, the biodiversity and of course, with my Ecuadorian partner, Karina. In 2017, I returned on a one-way ticket and after time spending 3 years searching the country looking for land, we found the perfect spot to begin building a vision we had been nurturing for many years. We are also expecting our first child un June 2022! More recently, we've been building a team of locals and international volunteers & interns to help our programme grow and thrive.



Typical day

For 20 hours a week (Mon-Thu) you'll dedicate your time to fundraising activities and receive shared accommodation and cooked lunches mid-week. It's a great way to get to know the project and local culture, as well as enjoy the variety of activities available in your free time with other volunteers ...

Typical day

For 20 hours a week (Mon-Thu) you'll dedicate your time to fundraising activities and receive shared accommodation and cooked lunches mid-week. It's a great way to get to know the project and local culture, as well as enjoy the variety of activities available in your free time with other volunteers and interns!

  • 8am Group check-In
  • 8.30am Morning work
  • 1pm Lunch
  • 1.30pm Free Time

Free-time activities

LOCAL FREE TIME ACTIVITIES

With your time off, you can take a walk around any of the beautiful local trails around the communities, down to the river or jump in a taxi to savor the spectacular could-covered sunset. There are regular buses into town if you would like to go shopping, try the local food ...

Free-time activities

LOCAL FREE TIME ACTIVITIES

With your time off, you can take a walk around any of the beautiful local trails around the communities, down to the river or jump in a taxi to savor the spectacular could-covered sunset. There are regular buses into town if you would like to go shopping, try the local food or learn about Guaranda’s Carnaval - the most infamous in the country.

For a day’s outing, don’t miss hiking up to Chimborazo’s refuge and enjoying a hot chocolate at over 5,000m above sea level. Alternatively, take a tour around the salt mines and micro-businesses of the nationally renowned village of Salinas de Guaranda. If you prefer warmer climates, within an hour you can drop down to sea level and go hiking in protected virgin forests in the search of pristine rivers, tropical birds and immense waterfalls. Bolívar really has it all (minus the tourist traps!).

CLIMATE

We are at almost 3,000m (10,000ft) above sea level and the average temperature is 13°C (55°F). Below is a list of typical weather patterns throughout the year, though climate change is definitely throwing these off, so be ready for anything!

  • Summer (Jun - Sep, around Christmas): hot sunny days (leading to water shortages), colder cloudless nights and often a strong wind
  • Winter (Feb - Apr): Often dry mornings and heavy rain in the afternoon. Less day/night temperature change and no wind.
  • Spring/Autumn (May, Oct - Jan): Somewhere between summer and winter!

Due to the high altitude, the sun feels cooler but will burn you more easily - so be prepared with a hat and sun screen. The temperature is cool at night and Ecuadorian houses have no insulation/central heating, we have blankets and hot water bottles to help keep you cosey. Fortunately there are no mosquitos at this elevation!


Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (intermediate level)

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Other Skills

The position is open to those who have a level of marketing education and/or experience and want to develop their skills further through this hands-on, real-world opportunity

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 08:00 - 12:00

What's Included

What's Included

Accommodation

Casa Comunal:
The most social option is by staying in the casa comunal. There are two dormitories with a total of 8 beds, bathroom (with hot water) and a kitchen used exclusively for volunteer use (apart from the odd community event). It has fiberoptic WiFi and all the basics to help you feel at home. Washing can either be done by a neighbour, a laundrette in the nearby town or by hand.

Family Homestay:
If you would prefer to practice your Spanish, get to know the local culture and enjoy a little privacy, a family homestay is also an option (subject to availability). Rooms may be humble, in keeping with the lifestyle that people live here. However, all will include a private room, hot shower, shared kitchen, WiFi and a washing station (either by hand or machine). You will also have full access to the kitchen, bathroom, living and WiFi room of casa comunal (volunteer dormitory accommodation), only a few minutes walk away

Food & Beverages

We provide a cooked lunch Monday to Thursday in the casa comunal, cooked by our volunteers. We can accommodate most dietary requirements.


The remainder of your food you must cook yourself, you will receive a personal basket and fridge space to store food. There are basic shops in the village and nearby town (10mins bus/30 minutes walk) or supermarkets in Guaranda (30 minutes bus)

Internet Access

Good access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Airport Pickup at Mariscal Sucre International Airport

An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito. We assist you to find cheap flights to Ecuador. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Ecuador provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in Ecuador you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Ecuador. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

START DATES
This position starts from Mid-may, or even sooner if you are able to work remotely!

ARRIVAL DETAILS
We are equidistant between Ecuador's two largest cities of Guayaquil and Quito, both 4-5 hours by bus. Travel is inexpensive and generally safe, though there are private car options available. We can help you decide where you would like to travel to and share the information of how to arrive. Once you arrive in Guaranda, you can get a taxi (maximum $5) to reach us.
Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

12 weeks (min. stay) 0€
50 weeks (max. stay) 0€
Average fees 0€/week

Program fees

0€ per week 12 - 50 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

12 - 50 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with El Terreno during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

El Terreno

Outstanding 4.9 rating (21 reviews)

Agency - founded in 2021

Verified by Volunteer World

  Very high response rate

Coordinated by

Joshua

Spoken languages: English, Spanish

About the project

Cultural Exchange Centre in the Heart of the Ecuadorian Andes. We offer internships develop your skills, make a difference to low-income communities and travel the world

Meet your organization

Nestled within the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes, El Terreno is encompassed by picturesque valleys, the warmth of its people, and the richness of  culture. Since 2021, El Terreno has been building a dynamic cultural exchange centre, uniting global citizens and local communities in a shared mission to foster a more meaningful, prosperous, and regenerative world. 

We are Joshua (UK), Karina (Quito, Ecuador) and our toddler son, Liam. We have a strong passion for positive change and years of experience in social development, volunteer coordination and sustainable tourism. We chose to dedicate our lives to Atandahua due to it's amazing landscapes and people, but also it's also a place with a lot of need:

  • 40% poverty
  • 48% child malnutrition
  • 75% children don't go to high school
  • 26% teenage pregnancy rate
  • >5% indigenous children speak the native language
  • 3-4 months of water shortages per year
  • 95%local forests destroyed

With your help, we're working to regenerate local ecosystems, build pride in indigenous culture, provide dignified employment opportunities, offer a wide variety of unique eco & community tourism experiences, and ensure interns like you learn valuable skills, meet extraordinary people and leave with unforgettable memories.

21 reviews · rating4.9

I had the privilege of interning at El Terreno for 6 weeks, where I worked on a water project and was able to learn so much and make a difference in the community. I worked with a great team, did a lot of hiking to water sources, talked to community members, learned a lot from our mentors ...
I had an amazing experience with El Terreno. I participated in their Culture and Anthropology internship and learned more than I could ever have expected. The support from Joshua and Karina throughout the process was outstanding and my experience in a homestay and with the other volunteers and ...
Julia Spiegel rating4.8

2023 at Medicine & Public Health Internship

I have nothing negative to say about my experience at El Terreno. The medicine and public health internship allowed me to get a close up look at how a healthcare system runs in rural Ecuador and I was able to make meaningful connections with the community members we ...
Isabela Valencia rating4.8

2023 at Ecology & Sustainable Agriculture Internship

One of the best parts of this experience was having the best of both worlds culturally: on one hand, you’re able to live in a less-touristy part of Ecuador and immerse yourself in Ecuadorian culture, but on the other hand, you don’t feel completely like a fish out of water. I enjoyed my time in ...
After my first attempt at volunteering in Peru didn't work out, I found this opportunity which felt like a close fit and had great reviews. Leaving my family for 4 weeks sounded like long time, but it takes a while to make an impact. I'm so glad that I decided to go to Atandahua and help with ...
You can feel that this Project comes from the heart and that the main motivation is improving the quality of live for the local community. The love and energy that Joshua and Karina put into the work is omnipresent and create a wonderful atmosphere. I was nervous to spend such a long time away from ...

Location

Americas > South America > Ecuador > Guaranda

You might also be interested in

Contact Joshua
  Very high response rate
English, Spanish

Most volunteers ask about


Do you have any more questions? Send a message to Joshua
Please do not share personal contact details for your privacy