Opportunity Title: Program Manager of Semester
Location: Lupeni, Romania
CRCNA Program: ServiceLink
Partner Group Involved: New Horizons Foundation.
Number of Positions: 1 at a time
Expected Length of Service: 8 or 16 months on field, plus orientation prior to departure
Dates Opportunity Is Available: Opportunity dates are dependant upon staff, partner and volunteer availability. Applications are due 4 - 6 months in advance of placement.
Specific Responsibilities:
1. 7-12 college students from North America come every fall to study, observe and work with the New Horizons Foundation in Lupeni, Romania (www.new-horizons.ro). The role of the program manager is to ensure that all necessary planning is in place for the well functioning of the semester. This includes trip planning among other things as well as providing spiritual and emotional direction for students during a life changing time in their lives.
2. This position must be filled by applicants who are committed to the mission of the New Horizons Foundation (through fun and service youth can improve self and society), who are both flexible and organized, believe in and are able to facilitate experiential education, and who are willing to be Christian role models and good question askers to American college students.
3 The program manager position also allows time and space for volunteers to become involved in the Viata Summer Adventure Camp (July-August) and a local IMPACT service-learning club during other parts of the year. Involvement in the other aspects of the organization is encouraged because assistance is needed and because it will allow the program managers to facilitate the participation of the Northwestern students in these programs as well.
4. If time permits, interns will also assist fellow co-workers with office administration tasks and strategic planning.
5. Complete weekly or monthly reports regarding work.
Qualifications:
1. Mature Christian committed to serving and following Christ, who is a Canadian or US resident;
2. Able to nurture own faith in a sometimes isolated environment;
3. Experience serving in the church and/or community;
4. Respectful of and ability to thrive in cross cultural settings or another culture;
5. Demonstrated interest in learning about Christian community development;
6. Commitment to CRCNA community development values;
7. Self-starter and able to work and guide own learning without constant on-site supervision;
8. Able and willing to work in a team setting;
9. Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel required (MS Access also preferred);
10. Ability to invite others into his/her ministry through prayer and financial support;
11. Ability to work effectively while dealing with the ambiguity of adjusting to another culture;
12. Able and willing to learn about a different culture and language;
13. Good oral communication and writing skills;
14. Flexible, adaptable and able to view life with a sense of humor.
15. Three or four year degree from an accredited higher education institution.
16. Driver’s license.
17. Preferable Qualifications and Experience:
• Outdoor leader certified through the Wilderness Education Association, National Outdoor Leadership School or Outward Bound (or other equivalent programs).
• Medical certification.
• Experience working with college and university students.
• Experience working with high school youth.
• Experience in management.
• Experience cross-culturally.
Financial Requirements of Volunteer:
Estimation of $14,460 (8mos) or $24,320 (16 mos) USD for RT Airfare to Romania,, Transfers, In-country travel, Insurance, Orientation, Personal Travel Costs, Living Allowance, Immunizations, Visa Costs, Cell Phone, and Other Personal Expenses.
Benefits:
1. Gain one year of transferable work experience in general community development practices and knowledge;
2. Active exploration of Romanian culture;
3. Learn a foreign language;
4. Increase international and cross-cultural experiences;
5. Contribute to combat poverty;
6. Explore complexities of poverty in Romania;
7. Learn how to work in a team based environment;
8. Learn or increase skills of living in a developing country;
9. Gain a better understanding of how US or Canadian Foreign policies affect other countries;
10. Develop a "greater appreciation for diversity";
11. Engage in experiential learning.
Support and Services Provided for the Volunteer:
* The program is 2 years old at this point; there is a comprehensive manual explaining how things have been done and recommendations for future programs.
*Pre-departure orientation (Required)
*Cultural Orientation (Required)
*Internet Access
*Field Supervision & Mentorship
*Ongoing Field Support
*Language Training
*Debriefing
*Career Counseling
*Assistance and training materials on raising prayer & financial support
If you are interested in applying for this opportunity, please contact us today at volunteer@crcna.org.
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