Founded in 1984, Christians for Peace in El Salvador (CRISPAZ) is a faith-based organization dedicated to the mutual accompaniment with the church of the poor and marginalized communities in El Salvador. Continually building bridges of solidarity between communities in El Salvador and those in our home countries, we strive together for peace, justice and human liberation.

The El Salvador Encounter Program (ESE) is a faith-based delegation experience in which North Americans visit El Salvador to learn about current Salvadoran reality. In a seven to ten-day Encounter participants have the opportunity to explore a different reality and to build relationships with people of a different culture. Itineraries include meetings with representatives from Salvadoran non-governmental organizations and government institutions, visits to parishes and church communities, martyr sites and museums and an overnight stay in the countryside.

There are two positions available:
- Delegation Leader
- South-North Solidarity Intern

Delegation Leader

Position Description: The El Salvador Encounter Leader (ESE Leader) will work with our El Salvador Encounter program which hosts delegations of North Americans, mainly from the United States during their 7 to 10 visit to the country. The ESE Leader will lead, interpret and facilitate all aspects of the El Salvador Encounter delegation for the groups they are assigned to. The ESE leader will work with the South North Solidarity Coordinator to plan for each delegation and report on all aspects related to the groups they are responsible for after each Encounter. In addition, the ESE leader is responsible for corresponding with delegation organizers in the United States and the Boston office regarding itinerary preparation. They will attend staff and team meetings and participate in CRISPAZ team life as is appropriate.

Requirements:

• Fluency in Spanish and English.
• Experience in spoken interpretation.
• Experience in popular and / or adult education.
• Experience working in a team and with consensus decision-making models.
• Ability to plan, organize and implement the delegation activities.
• Ability to lead groups and facilitate group dynamic in a cross-cultural context.
• Ability to work effectively with staff and volunteers.
• Organizational skills and experience including computer skills, basic accounting and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of political, social and current situation in El Salvador.
• An understanding of Salvadoran and North American culture and a demonstrated ability to function well in both and between the two.
• Good sense of networking and maintaining contacts.

Dates: January 2, 2006 to August 31, 2006. Interest in longer commitment to CRISPAZ a plus.

Compensation: Salary commensurate with experience and health insurance.

Application Deadline: November 4, 2005. Hiring decision expected by November 18th. For more information or to request an application, write to Nelson Perez at volunteer@crispaz.org (include Delegation Leader in subject line) or call/fax at 011-503-2-225-9031.

South-North Solidarity Intern

Position Description: The South-North Solidarity (SNS) Intern will participate in an orientation guided by CRISPAZ staff and assist the SNS Team in facilitating all aspects of the SNS focus area. The intern’s time will be focused primarily on the El Salvador Encounter program, and for the first month will partner with the El Salvador Encounter (ESE) Leaders to assist in facilitating all aspects of the El Salvador Encounter experience. Following the orientation period, the intern will be responsible for leading 2-3 Encounters and will accompany delegations lead by other SNS staff as needed. The intern will participate in all aspects of CRISPAZ community life and attend staff and team meetings. The intern will be supervised by the SNS Coordinator.

Requirements:

• Fluency in Spanish and English
• Experience in spoken interpretation, written translation and leadership of groups
• Organizational skills and experience: including computer skills, basic accounting, and attention to detail
• Experience in popular and/or adult education
• Experience living in a different culture
• Knowledge of political, social and religious history and current situation in El Salvador
• Familiarity with faith-based community building and a willingness to facilitate both faith- based and non-faith based reflections
• Good sense of networking and ability to make and maintain contacts
• An understanding of Salvadoran/Central American and North American culture and a demonstrated ability to function well in both and between the two
• Interest in extending commitment to CRISPAZ a plus

Dates: Ideally mid-May through August 2005 (some flexibility in start and end date).

Compensation: Stipend commensurate with experience and health insurance. CRISPAZ may also help arrange housing.

Application Deadline: February 10, 2006. Hiring decision expected by March 1, 2006.

For more information or to request an application, write to Nelson Perez at volunteer@crispaz.org (include SNS Intern in subject line) or call/fax at 011-503-2-225-9031.

See other CRISPAZ employment and volunteer opportunities