Want to use your skills to help low-income rural communities in Ecuador? This position is for you! You will be an integral part in promoting and growing El Terreno’s initiatives. Work alongside the founder and other key stakeholders to help design and implement strategies that will have long-term success. This role offers the chance to apply your skills abroad and tackle new challenges. Bring your creativity and ideas!
SPECIALISTS NEEDED
- Marketing Specialist
- Finance & Admin Specialist
- Business Development Specialist
- NGO Fundraising Specialist
- Building & Maintenance Specialist
- Permaculture & Gardening Specialist
ACTIVITIES
- Learn about our vision, models & strategy.
- Work alongside the core team & stakeholders to design strategies.
- Develop a framework to deliver your strategy.
- Use your skills and ability to work independently to implement your strategy.
- Build relationships with potential collaborators.
- Evaluate your success and add your valuable experience to your resume.
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 associates 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.
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 learn new skills, meet extraordinary people and leave with unforgettable memories.
MEET THE FOUNDERS
My name is Joshua and I am 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. More recently, we've been building a team of locals and international volunteers & interns to help our programme grow and thrive.
ATTITUDE & VALUES
As an organisation committed to a community-based approach, we search for ethically minded participants who share our vision for a more vibrant, prosperous, and sustainable world. An ideal participant is passionate, proactive, can work to deadlines, and takes pride in their work — all this while desiring to step outside of their comfort zone, build authentic relationships, and become a member of our international community!
SAFETY IN GUARANDA AND ATANDAHUA
El Terreno is based in a peaceful rural community
where people know and support each other. The region is considered very safe,
and Atandahua even has its own local police station. There have been no
security incidents involving our interns or community members since our start
in 2021. We also maintain close partnerships with local authorities and provide
24/7 on-site support to ensure you always feel safe and welcome.
