Sustainable Land-Use Programme Volunteer

Explore beautiful Belize while gaining valuable conservation experience!

Position:  Sustainable Land-Use Programme Volunteer

Ya'axche' Conservation Trust

Location:  Belize, Central America

Responsible for:  Assisting the Sustainable Land-Use Programme Manager in ensuring that land use within the Golden Stream Landscape is guided by sound planning and that these plans are used in preparing models for future development, especially as it relates to future land needs by communities as a result of population increase.

Duration of placement:  1 year

Background Information:

The Ya'axche' Conservation Trust is a community-oriented organization which advances integrated landscape management for equitable development in southern Belize through sustainable land use management, strategic advocacy and awareness, and by supporting socially innovative and economically viable enterprise.

Assistance to the Programme Manager in:

1. Actively participate in and document outcomes from meetings with communities, private land-owners, Government agencies and Non-Governmental sectors.
2. Assist the SLPM in gathering and analyzing social and biological data as needed for Sustainable land-use, including but not limited to current and historical: physical features, land-use, demography, human resources, traditions and cultural practices, health and nutrition, livelihood activities, infrastructure, forest resources, water resources, land resources, ,
3. Assist Ya'axché staff, under the supervision of and alongside the  SLPM, in developing and/or revising (as necessary):
   1. Landscape level sustainable land-use plan(s).
   2. Resource use and development plans for the communities of the Golden Stream Landscape.
   3. Resource use and development plans for the private land-owners of the Golden Stream Landscape.
   4. Best-practices guidelines for various land-use activities, including agro-industries, tourism and private landowners.
   5. Scenario models to guide ongoing and future development.
   6. Stakeholder analyses
   7. Protected Area Management plans for the Golden Stream Landscape's Protected Areas.
   8. Reports, as required under the Progamme. 
   9. Education, training and advocacy materials needed by the programme, including visual and experiential materials that help to communicate Sustainable Land-use and Integrated Landscape Management to people with limited levels of literacy.

Qualifications:

The Sustainable Land-use Programme Volunteer should have:

• An advanced academic degree in the social sciences, rural development, planning or a closely related field.
• Experience in rural development projects involving community participation would be advantageous.
• Proven ability to promote cooperation between and negotiate with a range of actors.
• Highly advanced ability to use Geographical Information Systems for modelling and analysis.
• Highly advanced computer, communication and writing skills.
• Previous experience in working with communities in the Toledo District and knowledge of their social organization, decision-making, conflict resolution and communication practices would be an asset and strong cultural sensitivity towards the indigenous communities of the Golden Stream landscape would be advantageous.
• Excellent written and spoken English is essential and spoken Spanish, K'ekchi or Mopan languages would be advantageous.

Personal Qualifications:

Volunteer is expected to provide general support to the Sustainable Land-use Programme, by working flexibly, responsibly, with initiative and in a professional manner, playing an active role as part of Ya'axché's team by actively contributing to the organisation's overall objectives and mission.  Volunteer should have a strong work ethic and the ability to pick up concepts quickly and run with them.

To Apply:

Submit letter of interest detailing interest, how you meet qualifications, along with resume and contact information for 3 references to:

Development Officer, Ya'axche' Conservation Trust

By email:  yct.development@gmail.com

Ya'axché Conservation Trust
P.O. Box 167
#2 Prince Street, Punta Gorda,
Toledo District, Belize
Central America
Phone: (501)722-0055
Phone/Fax: (501)722-0108

Website:  www.yct.bz

Blog:  http://yaaxche.wordpress.com/

Benefits of Volunteering with Ya'axché:

• o Free, shared housing (or camping) in a quiet, nature preserve
• o Opportunity to work closely with dynamic, multi-cultural staff
• o Appreciation for your dedication and hard work
• o Adventure in a country with pristine ecosystems, world-class snorkeling and SCUBA
• o In-depth, interactive cultural experience unattainable by tourists

Volunteers live and work in a beautiful but rustic, rural setting at Ya'axché Field Center and become part of the team to gain and promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment.  Accommodations offer limited solar power, a cold water, shared bathroom, and the occasional rat, bat, tarantula, or scorpion.

Volunteer Personal Expenses:

There are no program fees charged for this experience, but the volunteer is expected to arrange and pay for:

• o Transportation to Punta Gorda, Belize, including airfare.
• o Food, personal expenses, in-country travel, passport, visa (if applicable)