SFEL Internship Programme

  Ethiopia

Term: Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter 
Dates: All year round

Description:
Eco Trail Coordinator:
This position is open to an intrepid, physically active, culturally sensitive and well organised individual with some experience and training of eco-tourism/trekking/trail development/operation.

It involves the following:( Based on information gathered in previous research carried out in Konso):
* Exploring trails
* Developing community based activities for tourists, which will be lead by community members
* Writing up a logistical manual for SFEL tour operation
* Consulting/training local guides in implementing the manual for operating the tours/trekking trails to insure improved customer satisfaction.
* Developing promotional materials to promote the eco-trails including leaflets, posters and website.
* Leading trial runs along with local guides
* Acting as coordinator for the organisation of local cultural music festival

Major Responsibilities:
* Supervising the day to day operation of the gardens and monitoring of water usage
* Monitoring the operation of the nursery and seed bank
* Leading tours of the farm for visitors
* You may be also asked to assist with our Permaculture implementation schemes in local schools in Konso, though most of the work will be on the on-site Permaculture demonstration farm.

Length of Position: 1 month probation, extendable from 3 months to 1 year.
Working Hours: 8 hours per day, 6 days per week, 2hrs on Sunday (50 hrs total).

To Start ASAP

Highlights:
Terms of volunteering:   
* Full room and board (meals and accommodation with project staff)
* Quarterly leave 5 days
* sufficient notice should be given so the position can be covered (you will have a chance to visit the local tribal cultures of the nearby Omo Valley).

Benefits: Free Certificated 72h Permaculture Design Course in January 2010

Qualifications:
This position is ideal for someone with training in agriculture and limited experience of farm management with some other experience of managing people in a working environment. A grasp of basic horticultural and farming techniques and their application is essential (e.g. budding, grafting, composting etc.) It offers the chance to get experience of Permaculture through hands on practical application and regular consultation with our senior farm manager (Mr Tichafa Makovere) who is an experienced Permaculturalist from Zimbabwe. The assistant manager will supervise the implementation of plans laid down by the Farm Manager himself, who is not able to be on the site continuously due to other commitments, as well as to deal with emerging situations as they arise. The position requires an ability to direct local people through a local supervisor (who has some grasp of the English language). It requires a tough though flexible character, an ability to think on your feet and some charisma to inspire confidence in directives given to the workers. Though a trainee in the field of Permaculture, the assistant manager should know what they are doing on a farm.A driving licence and ability to drive a motor-bike is desirable

Cost in US$: 0

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Ethiopia Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Resume

Post-Program Services Include:

• Job and Internship Network

Strawberry Fields's Mission Statement: Integrated ecological design. Strawberry field forms the epicenter of a new series of ethically-minded, communtiy based, education and adventuretourism activities in Konso Special Woreda. SFEL is a concept in applied community development: a sustainable business integrating and eco-lodge, farm, and Permaculture training facility.

Year Founded: 2007