Description:
FINCA Perú, a non-profit microfinance institution, recently launched a new initiative entitled FINCA Peru Exports. This initiative will function as a fair trade export business and will serve to help FINCA Peru’s artisan clients to find overseas markets for their products. Former interns have laid the foundations of the artisan export business, including the creation have created a catalogue of offerings, established communication with distributors and built a website (http://www.fincaperuexports.org). Until the business is fully off the ground and has reached a consistent level of sales, it needs an experienced English/Spanish-speaking volunteer to help manage the operations. FPX works with four lines of artisanal production: loom woven textiles, hand knit textiles, the traditional Peruvian art of the retablo, and alabaster stone.
FPX seeks a volunteer production coordinator to manage its four lines of production. The coordinator will supervise the fulfillment of orders and direct the development and production of new competitive and innovative products for the foreign market, and the technical training of participating artisans.
Position Description
· Coordinate all aspects of the production of artisanal products destined for exportation, including but not limited to the coordination and leadership of weekly meetings with teams of artisans, the development and production of new products and samples, and the supervision of the fulfillment of orders
· Administration of FPX´s ¨Materials Bank,¨ including the purchase of appropriate raw materials, the distribution of raw materials to artisans, and the maintenance of inventory for accounting purposes
· Administration of FPX´s ¨Tool Bank¨ lending program, including participation in the evaluation of the needs of the artisans, financial evaluations of loan candidates, supervision of loan repayment, and results reporting to donors
· Coordinate all aspects of the technical skills training of participating artisans, including the development of appropriate workshops and educational materials, the hiring and supervision of outside consultants for training workshops and other educational activities, and the supervision of production and quality control
· Maintain current information about the capacity of each team of production and the level of participation of each artisan in FPX meetings and events
· Coordinate the payment of artisans
· Work closely with the Bilingual Sales and Marketing Specialist in all aspects of the development and production of new samples and products according to market research, and regarding FPX´s participation in special events and the fulfillment of orders, as well as the accounting
Qualifications
·Degree in design, art, fashion or handicraft production and/or demonstrated experience with handicraft production, with preference given to those with experience in textile production, sculpture or retablos.
· Demonstrated experience in business management or the administration of projects, and prior experience in a position of leadership, with preference given to those with experience working with adults with basic levels of education
· Cross-cultural communication skills, as well as a sensitivity and interest in other cultures. Experience working or living in Latin America preferred.
· Ability to work in challenging conditions and maintain a positive attitude while using creative problem-solving skills.
· Approaches work as a team-player, but also with a strong sense of ownership and accountability
· Ability to motivate others, passion for fighting poverty
Language
· Candidate must be fluent in Spanish, with preference given to candidates with some knowledge of Quechua.
· Fluency in English is desirable but not required.
Time Commitment
· The volunteer should be able to commit between 6 and 12 months to the project, with preference given to those candidates who are able to commit for a full year. Volunteers work full time during regular FINCA Peru working hours.
Cost of living
As a non-profit organization, FINCA Perú cannot offer volunteers any financial assistance to cover the travel and living expenses of volunteers at this time. Fortunately, Ayacucho is a very affordable place to live: plan a maximum of $65 for monthly apartment rental, $5 per day for food, with an additional $50 monthly for incidentals, local travel and recreation. Opportunities exist to visit Cuzco, Machu Picchu, and Lake Titicaca if desired.
