Manna Project International (MPI) is an Orlando-based nonprofit fostering the next generation of social change agents through collaborative, on-the-ground service with communities in need. Operating in Ecuador, MPI’s mission is to empower communities while cultivating young leaders.
At our site in Shandia, Ecuador, the Country Director (CD) plays a pivotal role in advancing MPI’s mission, vision, and goals. The CD supervises and mentors the Site Manager, 2-4 Program Directors (PDs- 12+ month fellows), 3-5 Program Coordinators (PCs- 3-9 month volunteers), and seasonal volunteers (1-3 month interns and 1-week short-term groups). Together, they build relationships with local communities and develop impactful health, education, and economic development initiatives. The Site Manager supports the CD with administrative duties, program oversight, and integration into the local Kichwa culture.
In practice, the CD serves as the executive leader for MPI in Ecuador, responsible for daily management and long-term strategic planning. As MPI is a small organization in Ecuador, the role requires a versatile leader who can navigate tasks ranging from grassroots engagement to high-level decision-making. Since Shandia is a newer site established in May 2023, the CD and the long-term team must be comfortable with ambiguity, sudden changes, and a start-up work context.
The CD and long-term team live and work closely together, prioritizing community-driven development while fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual support. This position offers an exciting opportunity to lead impactful initiatives while building relationships in a dynamic and multicultural environment. For more background on MPI, please visit our website, www.mannaproject.org.
The CD is directly accountable to and reports to MPI’s Executive Director. The CD will spend their work time in Shandia / Tena, and live in Shandia or within 30 min. drive of Shandia. The CD’s daily responsibilities include any and all tasks necessary to maintaining and improving the operations of the organization in Ecuador, and will delegate some responsibilities to capable staff and volunteers.
We’re Looking For Someone With:
Strong relationship-building skills;
Fluency in English and advanced Spanish;
A minimum of two years' experience in Latin America (preferably Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru or Bolivia);
Experience in and a passion for grassroots community development and/or community organizing;
A passion for and experience in working with volunteers, college students or in leading Gen Z individuals;
A visionary mind and an entrepreneurial initiative, very comfortable with ambiguity and sudden change;
A strong ability to multi-task and balance short- and long-term goals;
Personal experience as an international volunteer (preferred);
Experience in the classroom (preferred), enthusiasm in working with youth aged 6-17;
A willingness to commit and contribute to MPI’s collaborative, community-based, holistic approach to community development;
A minimum two year commitment;
A Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred.
DESCRIPTION OF RESPONSIBILITIES
1.MANAGING & SUPPORTING FOREIGN PROGRAM DIRECTORS & SHORTER-TERM VOLUNTEERS (30%)
Supervising PDs and volunteers to ensure their well-being, safety, personal and professional development, effectiveness in projects and overall volunteer experience.
The CD plays a hands-on leadership role, dedicating approximately one-third of their time to supporting Program Directors (PDs) and volunteers, including 3-9 month Program Coordinators (PCs), summer interns, and short-term volunteer groups. This responsibility encompasses ensuring their well-being, safety, personal and professional development, and the overall success of their experience with MPI.
The CD works collaboratively with the Site Manager to:
Role model immersive community living and development.
Help the team build relationships with local residents and Kichwa community members.
Coach, mentor, and provide regular feedback to the team.
Observe and support community programs to ensure alignment with MPI’s mission.
Implement safety and security protocols for all staff and volunteers.
As the direct supervisor for PDs, the CD conducts regular one-on-one coaching meetings with them to address their personal and professional needs, monitor emotional well-being, and provide guidance for improved performance. These meetings ensure that every volunteer feels supported, motivated, and enriched by their time with MPI.
Additionally, the CD oversees the implementation of MPI’s Leadership and Community Development Curriculum, working with the Site Manager to design and facilitate twice monthly workshops for PDs and volunteers. The CD also leads weekly team meetings, acting as both a team leader and a bridge between the on-site team and MPI’s remote staff. This dual role involves communicating relevant updates, policies, and decisions from the organization; representing and advocating for the on-site team’s needs to the broader organization; and offering well-informed perspectives on issues and ideas based on the CD’s experience, MPI’s history, and best practices in community development.
The CD also oversees the visa application process, guiding volunteers through each step—from pre-departure documentation to on-site translations and office visits with government authorities.
Finally, the CD is responsible for MPI’s 24/7 emergency response system, ensuring the safety of all staff and volunteers. This includes rotating on-call shifts with other staff members to handle rare but serious emergencies, such as illnesses, injuries, crimes, or natural disasters.
Navigating the transition between groups of 13-month Program Directors and volunteers, with an eye toward efficient, effective, and sustainable progress in community relationships & programs;
As one of two members of the MPI site team whose presence in Ecuador spans MPI’s seasonal transitions from one group of volunteers to the next, the CD oversees the continuity of the organization from year to year. This is crucial to ensuring that programs and projects develop well over time. The CD works with the Site Manager to lead orientation & onboarding activities for new PDs & volunteers, who in turn can lead such activities for summer volunteers and one-week groups.
In partnership with MPI’s Site Manager, assist recruitment of PDs and volunteers to support our community program and recruitment goals.
The CD assists as needed with interviews with PD & PC applicants, and works with the SM to support in sending out pre-arrival materials, responding to email inquiries, and assisting with arrival plans for interns and one-week groups.
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