Panama Programs Assistant

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Panama Programs Assistant is responsible for the supporting in the coordination, implementation, and assessment of AMIGOS programming in Panama. The Panama Programs Assistant supports the Panama Country Coordinator during the preparation and execution phases of the summer programs. The person in this role will collaborate with Project Staff Teams, facilitate activities, support with group dynamics, and coordinate logistics as needed. This position involves travel to project areas throughout the contract period. This is a full-time, seasonal position. This position is based in Panama City as it requires in-person logistical coordination with providers and teams in the city prior to and during the implementation of the projects.

We are looking for a young professional who is excited to dive in and support the summer programs.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Program Implementation & Team Support
o Supports programming in assigned work areas.
o Assists in the review of budgets and documentation for assigned projects.
o Maintains relationships with partner agencies and local providers that are based on mutual respect, effective communication and collaboration, and shared visions of involving youth as actors in community development initiatives and cross-cultural exchange.
o Provides timely and appropriate communication with a wide range of individuals. Ensure prompt follow-up of inquiries and actions.
o Brainstorms creative and new ways to enhance the volunteer experience.
o Assists with the revision of project weekly reports and paperwork as indicated.

• Program Logistics & Preparation
o Supports the planning for program logistics including, but not limited to briefing/debriefing, language classes, program activities, program excursions, lodging, transport, and food.
o Prepares and purchases materials for the projects. This includes visiting and organizing the bodega items to be delivered or picked up for different projects.
o Supports with cash pick up and drop off to project staff teams.
o Supports the drafting of the Acuerdos entre Partes with different Partner Agencies.
o Collaborates with the logistics for lodging reservations. This includes getting quotes and submitting payments among other tasks.
o Fills out and prepares wire transfers requests for payments.
o Coordinates and supports transportation providers, this includes logistics of staff arrival to project sites, and collaborate with project staff on the coordination of transportation for volunteer arrival among other tasks.
o Supports in identifying or vetting new service providers according to the assigned responsibilities and duties.
o Supports project staff as necessary during emergency situations.

• Field Staff Responsibilities
o May serve on project staff when needed. In the event of serving on project staff the Panama Program Assistant will follow the corresponding project staff’s role job description.
o May directly work on and supervise a project staff team.
o May accompany participants in extended overnight stays at the clinic.
o May accompany participants to the airport for early departure drop offs.
o May facilitate workshops, trainings, and seminars in both English and Spanish

• Other
o Participates in other programs team activities and projects.
o Facilitates in-country training for volunteers in designated project areas.
o Supports in outreach, recruitment, and onboarding of Latin American Youth participants. This includes reviewing of Project Information Package webinars and supporting on coordinating arrival logistics.
o Supports in the facilitation of training for Latin American youth in Panama
o Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
• Project Management
o Understands and effectively communicates AMIGOS mission, vision, and core program components.
o Complies with all AMIGOS policies and procedures.
o Responds appropriately to crisis situations.
o Exemplifies fiscal responsibility and effective budget management.
o Strong time management skills.

• Personal Leadership
o Demonstrates effective teamwork & communication skills including active listening and giving and receiving feedback.
o Demonstrates responsible decision making and creative, constructive and culturally sensitive problem-solving skills.
o Demonstrates effective time-management skills and self-care.
o Facilitates training methodologies that are appropriate for a diversity of learners and demonstrates confidence speaking in public.

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
o Experience working with diverse populations.
o Empathetic approach to volunteer and staff support.
o Comfortable facilitating activities for volunteers on race, gender, identity, etc.

• Cultural Competency
o Uses tact and sensitivity in interactions with all AMIGOS constituents (e.g., professionalism, proper attire, culturally sensitive communication with partner agencies).
o Provides effective support and guidance for diverse youth volunteers.
o Communicates effectively in English & Spanish* and can serve as a translator.

• Community Engagement
o Implements positive community development strategies with host communities & partner agency representatives.
o Utilizes effective methodologies for evaluating AMIGOS projects and making recommendations for the future.
o Successfully mobilizes resources for the projects and country.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills in Spanish and English, including spoken and written Spanish/English fluency and translation.
• Adaptable and flexible to the needs of the organization and its programs.
• Able to work in a remote environment and live with the project staff as needed.
• Previous experience working directly with young people.
• Committed to incorporating social justice frameworks, including program activities on anti-racism, decolonization, and gender diversity.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, and willingness to learn customer relationship management software.
• Lift and carry a 50-pound sack.
• Walk 2+ miles per day on rugged and uphill terrain.
• Wake up early and stay up late for project activities and tasks if is need it.
• Bring your own laptop and unlocked cellphone.
• Only accepting applicants from Panama or the US, or Panamanian residents.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor’s degree in education, international studies, or another related field (or equivalent work experience).
• Experience working on and leading teams.
• Previous experience with the AMIGOS organization as a volunteer or summer staff member or with a similar organization leading experiential group immersion experiences.
• In an effort to increase diversity on our staff teams, applicants who are citizens of Panama or live in Panama will be prioritized.
• US tourist visa.

What we offer

LENGTH: 4 to 5 months – 15-March to August 23.
TRAVEL: 50% of time within Panama, some nights and weekends
SALARY: Entry level

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
• Work on an amazing team in Panama
• Pre-paid telephone minutes for work-related purposes.
• All work-related lodging, food and travel expenses paid when needed.
• In-country COVID testing, as needed.
• Intercultural exchange experience
• Skill development such as time and budget management.

Salary

The salary range for this position is under 25.000

Contact person