NGO Management Professional Volunteer

Across northern Peru, EcoSwell is growing from a grassroots small-scale organisation into a scalable, professional non-profit now improving the lives of over 99,000 beneficiaries across Peru. Operating in a hyper-arid, climate-vulnerable region facing increasing desertification, our work sits at the intersection of climate resilience and community development. Achieving long-term impact in this context requires not only strong technical programmes, but robust organisational systems that can support sustainable growth.

As a multiple award-winning non-profit based in Lobitos, EcoSwell is seeking experienced professional volunteers to support the strategic development of the entire organisation. This role is focused on helping EcoSwell advance its mission by strengthening organisational structures, improving operational efficiency, and supporting thoughtful expansion. Areas of contribution may include organisational strategy, international and national expansion planning, resourcing planning, performance and impact analysis, financial management, and the development of standard operating procedures and automated systems appropriate for a low-resource setting.

Working closely with EcoSwell’s leadership team, this position offers a rare opportunity to engage in high-impact organisational development within a growing NGO in the Global South similar to that of a start-up mentality. Professionals in this role will act as strategic and hands-on contributors—analysing current practices, identifying gaps, and recommending practical steps to advance the organisation while remaining true to its community-led values. In doing so, you will help build the foundations that allow EcoSwell’s renewable energy, water & sanitation, and environmental programmes to scale sustainably and effectively in the face of climate change and resource constraints. 

Responsibilities vary depending on the project stage and volunteers could potentially get involved in, but not limited to, the following:

• EcoSwell Organisational strategy and resource planning

• Operating Models, Roles & Resourcing Design 

• Programme & Project Review 

• Project management systems and impact reporting

• Financial planning, budgeting, and donor reporting

• Fundraising strategy, partnerships, and grant support

• Marketing, communications, and storytelling

• Process improvement, website design and digital tools

• Automation & Digitization of operations 

• Data, Modelling & Decision Support

Requirements

This professional programme is designed for participants with a completed university degree and relevant professional experience who are interested in organisational development, nonprofit management, and impact-driven work in international and climate-vulnerable contexts. The programme is particularly suited to Consultants; Accountants; Operations Managers; Marketing or Communications Specialists; Sales or Partnerships Managers; Software or Data Professionals; and other professionals with demonstrated experience in organisational growth, operations, finance, partnerships, or digital systems.

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Have graduated from a university programme in a relevant discipline, or demonstrate equivalent professional experience in consulting, business, finance, operations, marketing, partnerships, technology, data, or related fields.

• Be a minimum of 18 years of age.

• Have the ability and motivation to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams, often in remote, low-resource, or fast-growing organisational environments.

TESTIMONIAL

“After five years working in the finance industry as a Chartered Accountant, I spent eight weeks with EcoSwell, and the experience was truly life-changing. It was incredibly rewarding to see the real, tangible impact my skills could have within a small, mission-driven organisation.

During my time at EcoSwell, I supported the organisation across financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, scenario modelling, strategic analysis, and the implementation of operational efficiencies. I helped professionalise core BAU processes, introduced new financial and decision-making frameworks and models to the NGO. The forecasting and scenario risk analysis I developed are now a core part of internal management and I have seen how it has made a real-impact. I also carried out a post-mortem evaluation process for projects undertaken by EcoSwell to improve project selection and resource allocation in the NGO. 

One of the highlights was the opportunity to work closely with all four Directors, engaging in honest, thoughtful discussions around real organisational challenges. It felt like a genuine partnership where my experience was valued and applied in meaningful ways. My initial concern was whether my corporate skill set would truly translate—but the experience exceeded my expectations, and I was able to make a lasting contribution to EcoSwell’s mission.

Beyond the professional growth, the personal experience was equally enriching. I learned to surf on a hardboard and ride large waves on some of the best point breaks in Latin America, deepened my yoga practice, learned how to make ceviche, swam in the sea almost every day, and met truly inspiring people along the way. Coming from Ireland, where water is abundant, I learnt the real value of water and became more mindful of my personal choices related to sustainability. The EcoSwell team made the experience exceptional—from the attentive and supportive Volunteer Coordinator, to Meche’s incredible Peruvian food, to the wider local staff who support you throughout your entire stay.

EcoSwell offers a rare opportunity to create real impact while immersing yourself in an inspiring environment and community. I left not only having made a real impact on the organisation, but with a renewed sense of purpose, perspective, and connection.”

- Emilie Mackeown, Chartered Accountant, Ireland