NGO Management Internship in Peru

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Embark on a journey of diverse skill development in NGO management while contributing to the protection of the Amazon Rainforest

You’ll join a nonprofit in Peru dedicated to protecting the Amazon Rainforest. This organization takes a holistic approach to rainforest conservation, working not just to reduce harmful activities, they also have goals aimed to reduce poverty and drive sustainable development in the region too. They believe by creating new employment opportunities, they can curtail activities that harm the rainforest and incentivize its conservation.

As an intern, you’ll assist with the management and coordination of a lot of different aspects of the organization. You’ll gain experience in everything from education, to finances to social media, and you’ll get the chance to get involved with on-the-ground projects too.

Learning objectives:

  • Gain professional hands-on experience managing sustainable and educational projects in an international development NGO 
  • Work alongside and learn from experienced professionals from a range of disciplines
  • Improve your Spanish skills
  • Learn the customs and traditions of indigenous and Austria-German communities of the Amazon

ORGANIZATION

This is a conservation-focused NGO based on the outskirts of the Peruvian Amazon working to protect the rainforest through youth empowerment and community development. They have a series of goals aimed to reduce poverty and drive sustainable development in the local region including improving education for children for the area, teaching English skills, and creating infrastructure for tourism. They believe that by building skills and creating new job opportunities, they can curtail activities that harm the rainforest and incentivize its conservation.

TASKS & REQUIreMENTS

Your day-to-day will vary hugely depending on what projects are in operation when you join. In whatever case though, interns will work under guidance from supervisors assisting teaching languages, managing finances, contributing to social media, and managing projects like reforestation sites, permaculture gardens, dry toilet units, and more.

Responsibilities

  • Monitor project progress and successes
  • Process and analyze impact data
  • Write impact reports
  • Conduct surveys and interviews with local community members
  • Maintain reforestation sites, permaculture gardens, and dry toilet units
  • Gather photo and video content for social media
  • Teach language lessons and collaborate with other interns to write exams 
  • Supervise children on their Kids Explorer program and accompany them on nature-appreciation activities

Requirements

  • No necessary qualifications or prior experience
  • Minimum age 18
  • Organizational skills and time management
  • Strong communication skills, written and verbal
  • Basic Spanish language skills are preferred
  • Capability and willingness to work as part of a team
  • An open mind, positive attitude, and willingness to learn

WHERE YOU’LL STAY

Interns stay in one of the project’s cabins in Puerto Inca. You’ll have basic amenities including showers, long drop compost toilets, a bed with a mosquito net, Wifi, and a kitchen where you can cook for yourself. This is very basic accommodation with limited resources, so this program is best suited for interns prepared for a more stripped back way of life.

Safety & Support

Safety & Support

Make sure to visit your doctor and dentist for a check-up before yor internship and to get all the recommended vaccines and/or medications necessary to stay healthy. The village of Puerto Inca has no running water. People use water wells to get water so we recommend bringing a portable water filter to make sure you are drinking clean water, particularly during trips to the jungle.

Communication

Communication

There is Wifi in the cabin but the connection can be a bit unreliable, so you can do video calls but streaming is not really possible. It’s recommended to buy a local SIM card with unlimited internet, especially if you also need to do online work. Be sure your phone is unlocked for international carriers before your arrival.

Meals

Meals

Breakfast and lunch are included during working days. You will need to cook your own food during the evening and weekends or you can go out for a meal. Generally for a few dollars you can get a nice meal consisting of an appetizer (soup or salad) and a main dish. A soft fruit juice is often part of the menu as well. You can also go fruit picking as there are plenty of fruits around the village for free.

Location details

Location details

You’ll be based in Puerto Inca in the Huánuco region of Peru. This is an area of stunning natural beauty situated along the Sira Mountains in the Amazon Rainforest and bisected by the Pachitea River. The majority of the population lives off farming but deep within the jungle native communities still upholding their customs and traditions can be found too. As well as its extraordinary biodiversity, the area is famed for a number of geological and archaeological sites that you can visit during your internship.

DATES & RATES

Fee Breakdown

Internships begin on a Monday and it’s recommended to arrive on weekends to explore Puerto Inca prior to your first day. Start and end dates are flexible and will be discussed with you during the selection process.

Note: meals & Spanish classes are NOT included after week 12

What you’ll pay (2024 rates)

4 weeks USD 1,833

8 weeks USD 2,491

12 weeks USD 3,150

16 weeks USD 3,150

20 weeks USD 3,150

26 weeks USD 3,150

Inclusions

  • Careful matchmaking. It takes time to find the right internship for each person, and we take this process very seriously.
  • Initial interview with one of our team to gauge your skills, interests, and desired learning outcomes.
  • An academic internship eligible for university credit. Check with your university to confirm if this internship qualifies for credit or alternatively we can assist you with purchasing transfer credits.
  • Shared accommodation in one of the huts in Puerto Inca with access to basic amenities and cooking facilities
  • Breakfast & lunch from Monday to Friday. You will need to cook your own meals during the evening and on weekends.
  • Spanish classes (4 hours per week for up to 12 weeks). Extra classes can be booked at an additional fee.
  • Wifi access
  • Transfer from/to the airport of Pucallpa or bus station (ride from Pucallpa to Puerto Inca takes 3 hours approximately)
  • Activities: five trips to different spots in the rainforest including a camping trips, fruit picking, and an artisanal chocolate making workshop
  • Assistance with your visa arrangement and other preparations
  • An orientation program with your supervisor
  • Supervision and support during your stay
  • Regular check-ins during your internship with your supervisor
  • Troubleshooting if needed
  • A reference letter at the end of your internship

Exclusions

  • Flights to Pucallpa Airport
  • Visa and medical/travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
  • Daily transport
  • Daily dinner and weekend meals – and all meals after week 12
  • Drinks, snacks, and items of personal nature (f.e. curios, gifts, clothing)
  • Costs for additional excursions or activities
SCHOLARSHIP & FUNDING

FAQs

Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs in Peru.

What can I expect from an internship in Peru?

You can expect to be in bustling cities or a completely remote jungle, depending on your internship of choice. Also, you’ll be collaborating with local professionals and volunteers that will offer you insights into Peruvian work ethics and practices. Beyond your internship, your weekends and free time can be spent discovering the overall breathtaking beauty of the country.

How will a nonprofit internship in Peru help my career development?

During your internship in Peru, you’ll be able to utilize your professional and personal skills, as well as develop those skills that you feel could use more work. Also, employers may see your CV as more favorable, since it’ll show that you were a part of a meaningful international grassroots project, which shows a variety of transferable qualities. If you want to know more about how doing a nonprofit internship is good for your career, make sure to check this blog out!

While on an internship in Peru can I receive university credit?

Yes, but you must check with your university supervisor that this experience qualifies. You can also buy additional transfer credits to add onto your internship.

Can I receive a stipend while completing my internship?

Unfortunately, no. You can find other ways to fund your internship as you will not be paid while working with a nonprofit organization. Your internship experience will bring a wealth of new knowledge, along with opportunities for professional and personal growth which are both invaluable!

QUICK FACTS

LOCATION: Puerto Inca, Peru
PROGRAM FOCUS: Conservation NGO
TASK FOCUS: Monitoring & Evaluation, Impact Reporting, Project Interaction
LENGTH: Min. 4 weeks
COST: From USD 1,833

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Gain an understanding of working in a nonprofit context
  • Experience the challenges of project management in nonprofit work
  • Build close relationships with the local community
  • Enjoy varied work and broad skill-development
  • Work and live in the Peruvian Amazon
ENQUIREAPPLY NOW

HOW TO APPLY

If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:

APPLY

Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us.

GET STARTED

SPEAK WITH AN ADVISOR

We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.

INTERNSHIP MATCHING

If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.

PAYMENT

If everyone’s happy, we’ll provisionally confirm your placement! We’ll then send you the invoice for the deposit, getting started with the booking process and all the info you need.

CONFIRMATION

Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.

NEED TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY FIRST?

Or if you’d just like to ask us some questions about this internship first, just fill in the contact form below. We’ll be happy to assist!

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