Program Director

About the Organization

Manna Project International (MPI), a US-based nonprofit organization operating health, education, and economic empowerment programs in Ecuador, is looking for Program Directors (PDs) to strengthen our on-site team in rural, Amazonian Ecuador to create sustainable grassroots programming that addresses the challenges and needs in the community.

Since 2004, Manna Project International has fostered communities of talented young leaders to become the next generation of social change agents by engaging in collaborative, on-the-ground service with international communities in need. MPI focuses on building cross-cultural relationships with local residents, partner organizations, community leaders while creating and implementing small, start-up community programs and develops our short-term and long-term volunteers and Program Directors through challenging field work, active skills building, and hands-on leadership opportunities over the course of their service. For more background on MPI, please visit our website, www.mannaproject.org.

During your time with MPI you will experience life and work alongside other young leaders and community members. At our rural, indigenous Kichwa village site in the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest, you will support a variety of impactful programs designed in collaboration with the Shandia community to address their needs. You will have the flexibility to support new programs and conduct personal research where the community's vision intersects with your own education, passions and interests. At a new site in rural Ecuador, working with an indigenous community where 70% of residents are underserved, this position is well-suited for volunteers who are adventurous and flexible, comfortable living in rustic conditions, and eager to work with some structure and lots of entrepreneurship.

Job Responsibilities 

The PD works with other in-country staff to contribute to the successful building of new relationships in Shandia, assisting with volunteer support, and coordinating nonprofit operations. The PD’s daily responsibilities vary, including but not limited to:

1. Creating and developing relationships with community residents, partner organizations, local vendors, etc. PD will assist with:
   • Community needs research & learning local culture
2. Creating & managing community development programs in education, health, and economic livelihood may include: 
   • Teaching English
   • Public health education & Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH)
   • Sports & recreation clubs for kids
   • Facilitating women’s group meetings
   • Academic tutoring and children's music & art classes. 
3. Supervising & supporting foreign volunteers. PD will assist with: 
   • Supervising one-week college groups
   • Supervising up to 5-10 week interns (during peak season)
   •  Supporting Program Coordinators 
4. Organizational Operations: 
   • Assists with various nonprofit organization roles
   • Communications & social media, fundraising, grant writing and donor cultivation, finance processes, program metrics, and other administrative tasks.
   • Ad hoc mandatory trainings, staff retreats, and team activities 
5. Fundraising: 
   • PD commits to fundraising $1500 over the 13-month term
   • Participates in training about fundraising

Required skills/experience/training

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university required or relevant work experience
• Demonstrated interpersonal and community-building skills
• Demonstrated flexibility to unforeseen circumstances 
• Willingness to integrate with cultural & lifestyle norms a rural, indigenous community in the Amazon region of Ecuador
• Experience working with kids aged 5-17
• Strong ability to multi-task and balance short- and long-term goals
• Personal or professional cross-cultural experience
• Lived overseas 2 months or more
• Spanish at intermediate level

Additional information

Benefits MPI provides Program Director are as below:

• MPI pays housing, food, & local transport for the Program Director, plus a weekly stipend of US$20 
• Ten personal days
• Two week designated winter break
• Ten national holidays of Ecuador
• 100% reimbursement for Emergency Travel Insurance up to US$50/month (receipts required)
• Visa to live/work in Ecuador for the duration of employment with MPI
• Leadership & professional development: paid trimester retreats and monthly workshops, mentoring & other training.
• Coverage of all work-related transportation expenses
• Local SIM card and usage plan 
• Occasional cultural and tourist excursions

MPI does not provide the following, which are the responsibility of the Program Director:  

• Personal Health insurance (in the US)
• Personal smartphone
• Personal medication, tourism, clothes, toiletries, etc.