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International Volunteer - Agriculture - Child Protection Project - Mae Chan - DEPDC/GMS

Development and Education for Programme for Daughters and Communities in the Greater Mekong Sub-Regi

Volunteer - Thailand, South East Asia

Apply by: 31st October 2012

DEPDC/GMS is a non-profit community based NGO working in human trafficking prevention in northern Thailand along the border of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar (Burma). DEPDC/GMS works to prevent at-risk children and youth from entering the commercial sex industry and other forms of exploitative child labour, such as agricultural, fishery and factory work. DEPDC/GMS follows a four-pronged approach to prevention, protection, rehabilitation and reintegration through alternative education and ICT creative media, vocational training, community development. DEPDC/GMS also provides a Half way Home-safe shelter, child help line and youth leadership training program.

DEPDC/GMS is currently seeking TWO volunteers to work at our Family Based Child Protection Project in Mae Chan, Chiang Rai Province.

Position:Two Volunteers

Location:MRICRH Centre, based in Mae Chan, northern Thailand.

Duration:Minimum six months. One year preferred.

Pay:These are unpaid volunteer position. The volunteer must fully fund their flight, visa accommodation, food, and other necessities while living in Mae Chan.

Job Description: We are looking for two volunteers to participate in the Family Based Child Protection Project (FBCPP) in Mae Chan. A large part of this will also be initiating and managing projects and activities within FBCPP. Mae Chan is located in the northern part of Chiang Rai Province in Thailand. The objectives of FBCPP are:

To create self help projects and provide food security for
disadvantaged families through sustainable organic agriculture.
To ensure these agricultural projects provide vocational training,
income generation and a safe environment.
To provide education in basic English language, hygiene, health care and
direct child development skills as needed for children and families.
The project will implement organic sustainable farming practices as well as empower the communities living in the area. There are approximately 60 people including adults and children living in the region who will benefit from FBCPP. Every family is Akha – an ethnic minority hill tribe group who were smuggled or migrated from Myanmar (Burma). They speak very little Thai or English.

You will be working directly with the participants of the project and will be assisted by two DEPDC staff who work at MRICRH. They will not be assisting you at all times, but can help you translate and explain projects and activities. Volunteers should be aware that they will be working with marginalized and impoverished families that are facing various socioeconomic issues.

Please note that this is a new project for DEPDC/GMS and volunteers will be instrumental in its implementation. We are seeking volunteers who take initiative and are willing to help lead and form the project as it grows. DEPDC/GMS is seeking individuals who can create and develop specific models and strategies.

Additionally, there may be work involving survivors of trafficking, abuse, and/or abandonment; however, volunteers would only be responsible for teaching them English and implementing or participating in activities. Due to the sensitive nature of working with victims, volunteers will not be involved with rehabilitation of any kind without supervision and permission from Project directors.

Volunteers may also be helping out at the Swimming Home one to two days a week, assisting with taking care and spending time with the children. This home is located about 7 kilometers from the agriculture site. As there is no internet connection at the agriculture site volunteers can go to the Swimming Home to use computers and internet there.

There is the option to live on-site in a modest bamboo house free of charge or to live nearby in a rented house or room. Ideally the volunteer should be based at DEPDC/GMS, located in Mae Sai, for the first month before moving to Mae Chan. This would provide the volunteer with a chance to settle in and begin preparing projects and/or activities for the project in Mae Chan.

Qualifications

Education:

A Bachelors Degree in the fields of Child Development, Rural
Development, Environmental Studies, International Development or
Engineering.
Applicants without an academic degree will be considered based on individual
skills, previous work experience, and volunteerism.
Experience:

Experience working with children and/or teaching English.
Experience in/or knowledge of agriculture, water management, and
sustainability.
Experience in a developing country or emerging economy not required, but
preferred.
Experience in non-profit work a plus.
Knowledge of Thai, Akha or Burmese language ideal.
Skills and Requirements:

Ability to work as part of a diverse team in a cross-cultural work
environment.
Outstanding communication and organizational skills.
Leadership skills and ability to identify potential solutions to challenges.
Ability to work independently as well as a function in a team-oriented
setting.
Thai, Akha, and Burmese language skills or willingness to take language
courses prior to arrival.
Calm and professional manner when faced with difficult situations.
Ability to work flexible hours, managing a wide array of tasks, projects and
responsibilities.
Commitment:

A minimum of six months is required. All candidates must demonstrate
an ability to be patient, flexible, and adaptable to the Thai work
culture.

Please fill out our volunteer application form and e-mail it to us at depdc.gms(at)gmail.com. Please note: All applications should be e-mailed to depdc.gms(at)gmail.com along with all required documents as detailed on the application. Once your complete application has been submitted, we will process it and be in contact with you shortly.

Read what other volunteers have said about their experience volunteering with DEPDC/GMS!

Please mention Jobs4Development in your application