About Our Professional Volunteer Program
“Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.”
— Howard Zinn
“First and foremost, EcoSwell impressed me with its professionalism and deep expertise in improving the quality of life of vulnerable communities in northern Peru”
- Maik Bitner, Senior Strategy Consultant at Roland Berger
JOIN OUR PROFESSIONAL VOLUNTEER PROGRAM TO MAKE A REAL IMPACT AND LEARN FROM A LEADING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT NGO
Come join our professional programme designed for working professionals who want to gain hands-on experience in international development, those who are taking a career break or rethinking a career- change. If you are curious to learn more about sustainability in a low-resource environment our programme is designed for you to apply your skills and experience to make a real-impact, and contribute to the sustainable development of Peruvian coastal communities whilst also learning how to surf and immerse yourself in Peruvian culture.
Apply now to discover what we’ve often been told is a life-altering and unique opportunity. We are a multiple award-winning grassroots NGO whose mission is to promote the sustainable development of vulnerable communities across Peru, with more than 99,586 lives impacted to date.
Communities here are exposed to increasing frequency and intensity of climate-related events in recent years, which are particularly acute in Northern Peru’s desert and semi-arid coastal regions, causing drought and water scarcity, lack of energy access or unreliable grid connection leading to frequent blackouts, health and quality of life implications and and severe disruptions to livelihoods, food security, and basic services, making our work even more critical to the resiliency of these communities.
We are forging a path towards sustainability through community-led environmental, educational, infrastructure, and socio-economic initiatives, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, working hand-in-hand with local communities and passionate international professional volunteers like you to drive local sustainable solutions for the long-term.
Our programme offers strategic-ownership of projects, leadership-level experience and a pathway to shape systems, partnerships, and long-term impact.
You can also improve your surfing or yoga skills, or enjoy Peruvian cultural activities as part of the program, as well as a weekly dinner out with local staff in Peruvian restaurants to try famous dishes like the ceviche and lomo saltado.
There are three roles to choose from:
Read about our Available Positions, Day to Day life as a Professional Volunteer and Testimonials to learn more about the program. If you have any questions please submit an application to learn more!
Programme Highlights – what can you expect?
Hands-on Fieldwork
Design innovative sustainable solutions and implement enhancements to existing systems and projects, leveraging your design-experience and technical skills to make a direct impact.
Personalized Mentorship
Receive 1:1 in-person mentorship with one of the EcoSwell Directors and Co-Founders.
Collaborative Research
Spearhead research efforts and devise solutions to solve real-world challenges in developing communities that have low-resources and are impacted by climate change.
NGO/ Social Enterprise Management
Learn how an international development NGO / Social Enterprise operates with insight into organisational management, marketing and operations, financing, research techniques, and more.
Professional Development
Be a self-starter and drive crowdfunding campaigns and strategic outreach to secure essential funding for new sustainability projects, sharpening your marketing experience.
Cultural Immersion
Learn how to make local Peruvian dishes, watch natural wildlife, practice yoga and meditation, surf world-class waves, explore nearby coastal towns including Mancora, Organos and Chicama, and improve your Spanish with daily add-on classes. Your programme includes a weekly dinner in a local restaurant aswell as a weekly activity. Check out the Day to Day life to learn more.
Accommodation during the programme:
Stay at the Family-run beach side hotel Mangata in a private or shared room, with a scenic ocean view, that is safe, clean and comfortable during your stay with us. If you are travelling as a pair you can be housed together.
Accommodation includes:
· Private or shared rooms with en-suite bathrooms
· Reliable Wi-Fi
· Clean, comfortable living spaces
· Ocean views and a peaceful environment
Why join us?
We’re seeking driven and committed professional volunteers with a passion for impact with relevant background knowledge and experience to join us in Lobitos and help drive these projects forward. Here’s what you stand to gain:
· Enhance your CV with hands-on professional experience managing sustainable projects for an international development NGO, making a tangible impact in vulnerable communities.
· Collaborate with experienced and passionate people in an international team from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, fostering valuable connections and broadening your horizons.
· Immerse yourself in a surfing paradise in northern Peru, embracing the unique culture and endless summer vibes as you contribute to meaningful change. You will have the opportunity to improve your surfing skills with daily surfing lessons, or yoga classes and immerse yourself in the culture tasting delicious locally produced Peruvian food.
· If you’re ready to challenge the status quo and reimagine the way rural communities are developing, join us in rethinking sustainability and empowering the people of our community to forge a brighter, more resilient future.
Above all, we are looking for professionals who bring an open mind, a positive and proactive attitude, and a strong willingness to learn and contribute to real-world, community-based projects.
FOR EVERY PROFESSIONAL VOLUNTEER THAT JOINS US, A LOCAL FAMILY WILL PLANT AND CARE FOR A NATIVE TREE.
Take a look at one of our latest blogs from a professional water & sanitation volunteer:
If you'd like to get in touch with our former professional volunteers to hear about their experiences with us, get in touch and we'd be happy to connect you.