Maritimes-Guatemala Breaking the Silence Network

c/o Tatamagouche Centre RR#3, Tatamagouche, NS B0K 1V0 1-800-218-2220

www.breakingthesilenceblog.com btsguatemala@gmail.com btsmaritimes@gmail.com

Job Posting: Maritimes/Guatemala Coordinator
The Maritimes-Guatemala Breaking the Silence Network (BTS) is a voluntary network of people in the Maritimes who began to organize in 1988 to support the efforts of Guatemalans struggling for political, social, and economic justice.

We recognize that injustice is connected to structural inequalities both within and between countries, and BTS is committed to supporting structural transformation both in Guatemala and in Canada.

Our work is guided by the understanding that we all deserve to be treated as equals, and that we need to build long-term relationships based on solidarity and mutuality. We respond to the needs and issues defined by our partners and by other Guatemalans with whom we work, and we support them in taking charge of their own lives. Our relationships are built on friendship, sharing, and dialogue as we work, learn, and grow together.

As a community of people who share this commitment to solidarity, we undertake advocacy and lobbying; organize delegations; send interns, volunteers, and human rights accompaniers; promote fairly-traded coffee; and raise awareness within our own communities through speaking tours by Guatemalan leaders and other political campaigns. For more information, please refer to our website at http://www.breakingthesilenceblog.com/ .

BTS is looking for a responsible, experienced person to fill a contract position (to cover a maternity leave) as a network Coordinator. The contract will be from mid-March until the end of October, with the possibility of extension contingent on funding. The position will be based in the Maritimes in March and April, and in Guatemala from May-November.

Responsibilities: (Please note that this is a possible list of responsibilities but that a more complete workplan will be developed collaboratively with the co-coordinator and coordinating committee taking into consideration the skills and interests of the successful candidate.)

· Participate in the BTS Annual General Meeting (March 15-17)

· Support speaking tours in the Maritimes (logistics and translation)

· Support local committees in planning and organizing events

· Support the coordination of and attend the solidarity gathering in Guatemala (May 2013)

· Support the coordination of education activities and campaigns

· Support the organization of the Global Youth Leaders Tour (delegation of 4 youth to Guatemala) and provide leadership for the delegation in Guatemala

· Coordinate the planning in Guatemala of the Breaking the Silence delegation (October 2013)

· Maintain regular contact with counterpart organizations in Guatemala

· Respond to partner needs, requests, translations

· Contribute to the maintenance of the blog, Facebook page, and BTS listserv

· Prepare work plans and reports as needed

· Other responsibilities as needed

Desired Experience, Skills and Qualifications:

· Driver’s license a necessity

· Access to a car an asset

· Fluent in English and Spanish

· Familiarity with BTS in Canada and Guatemala

· Familiarity with Guatemala context

· Ability and willingness to travel throughout Maritimes (March-April)

· Ability and willingness to travel to and work in Guatemala (May-October)

· Proven ability to self-direct work in Canada and Guatemala

· Experience facilitating groups and working with volunteer steering committee

· Proven ability to work collaboratively

· Strong communication skills

Salary: $1850/month working 25hr/week in the Maritimes, $1,333/month working 35hr/week in Guatemala with 10 days of paid vacation (or 4% vacation pay). BTS will also cover the cost of one-round trip ticket to Guatemala, extended health insurance in Guatemala and work-related expenses (i.e. transportation, phone and internet) will be reimbursed.

Application deadline: Sunday, February 17th, 2013

Start date: Mid-March 2013

Please submit your resume, cover letter and the names and contact information of three references, by e-mail to btsguatemala@gmail.com AND yvettemichaud@eastlink.ca by February 17th, 2013. Please ensure that you indicate the job title in your subject line.

Thank you for applying. All applicants will be contacted to confirm receipts of your application. Interviews will take place the week of February 18th.