Tostan’s Department of Development Support oversees the Empowered Communities Network (ECN), helping communities that have participated in the Community Empowerment Program to reinforce their education through projects that promote socioeconomic wellbeing. The department provides guidance, training and financial support to Community Management Committees (CMCs), which manage projects ranging from microcredit programs to the construction of community health stations. The ECN Volunteer is an integral member of the ECN team, which consists of the Director of the Department of Development Support and the CMC coordinator in Thiès, the Partnership Coordinator in Washington, and the regionally-based Development Support Supervisors. S/he collaborates with team members to design, implement, and monitor community development projects and spends roughly equal time in Thiès and in the field.

Location: Thiès, Senegal

Minimum commitment : 6 months

Responsibilities include:

1.         Collaborate with other members of the ECN team to prepare reports and presentations about activities for donors and other partners

2.         Interview, photograph, and ultimately write portraits about dynamic and active CMCs to showcase their accomplishments

3.         Support department staff in managing program data system (for microcredit and other projects)

4.         Collaborate with other members of the ECN team to design, implement, monitor and evaluate projects

5.         Build staff capacity through support and trainings in Excel, Internet and computer programs

6.         Represent Tostan’s international team by accompanying staff on data-gathering missions and attending training seminars, declarations, and other events

Qualifications :

• Bilingual French/English
• Strong writing skills
• Educational or professional experience in (micro)finance or community development projects
• Knowledge of Google Applications, Microsoft Word, Excel, and other internet and computer programs
• Ability to work independently and flexibly in a fast-paced multicultural work environment

Benefits :

• Housing, workday lunch, travel costs for work-related trips
• Internet access in office
• Hands on experience with an internationally recognized NGO
• Opportunity to develop highly sought-after skills in project management, field research, microcredit management, training, and written and oral communication
• Opportunity to work within a multicultural, multilingual environment, interacting with communities, Tostan staff, international volunteers, and a variety of donors and partners