Volunteer Opportunity: Project Manager for Seed Bank Construction in the Peruvian Amazon
Organization: Plant Your Future
Location: Peruvian Amazon (Ucayali)
Duration: 2 to 3 months (late July – mid October)
Languages Required: Spanish and English
Application Deadline: 12th July 2024
About Plant Your Future
Plant Your Future is an NGO dedicated to reforestation and sustainable agriculture in the Peruvian Amazon working with smallholder farmers. We empower local communities by providing them with the tools and knowledge to restore degraded lands, promote biodiversity, and generate sustainable livelihoods. Learn more at www.plantyourfuture.org.uk
Opportunity Overview
We are seeking a passionate and experienced volunteer to lead the construction of a seed bank, office and storage barn at our off-grid tree nursery location in the Ucayali region in the remote Peruvian Amazon.
PYF will shortly begin building a first-of-kind, off-grid, low technology seed bank which will preserve and store native Amazonian tree seeds. Once built, this seed bank will ensure that quality native seed will be readily available, removing the problem of supply chain shortages of native seed and significantly improving reforestation efforts.
This is an exciting, innovative and transformative project and the successful candidate will be fundamental in creating a sustainable solution to the growing global shortage of native tree seeds. The seed bank will be pioneering and will conserve biodiversity, address pressing climate change challenges and represent an immensely beneficial project for local communities.
This role is ideal for someone with a background in project management, logistics, and procurement, who is excited about making a tangible impact in the heart of the Amazon rainforest.
Key Responsibilities
- Project Management: Oversee the entire construction project from inception to completion, ensuring all milestones are met on time and within budget.
- Logistics and Procurement: Manage the procurement of materials and coordinate the logistics of transporting them to the off-grid location.
- Team Coordination: Work closely with our management team in the UK, local technical team in Peru, and the builders responsible for well installation and construction.
- Timeline and Budget Management: Develop and maintain detailed project timelines and budgets, ensuring transparency and accountability.
- Reporting: Provide regular updates and detailed reports on project progress to stakeholders.
Requirements
- Language Skills: Proficiency in Spanish is essential for effective communication with local teams and contractors.
- Experience: Professional experience of 4+ years minimum in project management, logistics, and procurement.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in remote, rural, and off-grid working conditions.
- Interpersonal Skills: Strong communication and leadership skills to manage diverse teams across different regions.
Working Conditions
- Location: Remote off-grid tree nursery in the Peruvian Amazon, in the Ucayali region. The nearest city is Pucallpa, which is 1.5 hours travel from the project site.
- Accommodation: Local accommodation in a nearby village will be provided
- Environment: Be prepared for rural and remote living conditions.
Benefits
- Impact: Contribute directly to conservation and reforestation efforts in the Amazon.
- Experience: Gain unique, hands-on experience in managing a vital environmental project.
- Community: Work alongside dedicated professionals and local community members committed to sustainable development.
How to Apply
To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and motivation for applying to camillaamoore@plantyourfuture.org.uk with the subject: Volunteer Opportunity by 12th July 2024.
For more information about Plant Your Future and our work, visit https://www.plantyourfuture.org.uk/
Join us in making a difference in the Peruvian Amazon – apply now and be a part of a transformative environmental initiative!