Opportunity Title: IT (Information Technology) Volunteer
Location: Malawi
Malawi ranks as one of the poorest countries in the world and Information Technology is not well developed, although the government is in the process of laying out a fiber optic cable that will hopefully improve the poor services at present.
Number of Positions: 1
CRCNA Ministry Involved: CRWRC
CRWRC Partner Involved: Nkhoma Relief Development (NRD)
Time Commitment: 2 Months
Dates Opportunity is Available: Spring or Summer 2010 (dates are flexible)
Purpose: The program consultant and the office administrator would like to enhance their proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office software and basic computer skills. The program consultant will need training on how to update the CRWRC database as well as offer support in any other areas that may arise in the data entry process.
Specific Responsibilities:
1) Analyze the computer training gaps at CRWRC and NRD and develop a training plan;
2) Train the CRWRC staff in the identified areas and in any other area that may arise in the course of the training;
3) Train the NRD staff in basic computer skills (MS Word) and how to use the email;
4) Provide personal coaching to the NRD staff to help build the needed confidence for mature people;
5) Coach the program consultant on the CRWRC database and provide support as required;
6) Be a team player on the CRWRC/NRD team;
7) Be willing to share your Christian faith with others;
8) Build relationships with the community by staying open and flexible to the culture around you;
9) Live and worship with the community during the project;
10) Complete recommended reading, and orientation before departure to the country;
11) Provide CRWRC and the community with an evaluation of the project;
12) Write a story or final report for your church and/or supporters.
Qualifications:
1) Mature Christian committed to serving Jesus Christ
2) Experience in IT skills
3) Language knowledge an asset
4) Ability to thrive in a tropical climate and sometimes under rustic conditions;
5) Willingness to follow the community’s leadership in the project;
6) Good oral and written communications skills, as well as reporting, planning and organizational skills;
7) Be compassionate, respectful of other cultures, and emotionally stable;
8) Proactive and able to work with minimal supervision in ambiguous situations;
9) Flexible, adaptable and able to view life with a sense of humor.
Expectations of the volunteer:
1) Complete and submit a volunteer application form and resume/CV;
2) Ability to pass a background check;
3) Raise prayer and financial support by inviting individuals, businesses and /or churches to give to this opportunity;
4) Attend an orientation session in the Home Office (when possible, or by phone)
5) Adhere to CRCNA Standards of Conduct
The environment can be challenging and things do not always work as one expects. The person needs to be able to cope with uncertainties of changing schedules and different work ethics. (The person should be patient, compassionate, humble and flexible to cope with the dynamic environment)
Training experience in IT skills with adults will be a great advantage. However a person with the willingness, patience and compassion to teach (slow adults) will be fine. The average age of the learners will be approximately 50 years and above!
Accountability and Supervision:
The volunteer will work under the supervision of the NRD director in Nkhoma and the Program Consultant in CRWRC Malawi office.
If at all possible, the volunteer should try and bring along a laptop (a used one would be highly appreciated), a battery for one of the laptops (the serial number can be provided on request) and software for QuickBooks, MS Office Suite, Touch type writing and Microsoft Word.
Budget: please note that costs are estimated and listed in US funds
Budget is being determined; please check again soon
Benefits:
1) Growth in your faith and relationship with God;
2) An opportunity to foster new attitudes, perceptions and relationships;
3) A chance to learn from, serve and be served by a different culture;
4) The opportunity to share your Christian faith with others who may not know the Gospel;
5) Serve as an encouragement to Christians in Malawi;
6) Apply your current gifts and talents and discover some new ones;
7) Develop a personal perspective on poverty, missions and/or development work;
8) Grow in your understanding of the basic principles and tools of community development.
9) Gain personal satisfaction by seeing first-hand how your prayers and contributions to CRWRC have impacted communities in Malawi;
10) Assist in educating and raising awareness within North America about the social/political situation in Malawi:
11) Expenses directly related to this volunteer opportunity are tax-deductible.
Support Services Provided: ServiceLink and CRWRC agree to provide:
- orientation materials as well as ongoing logistics and support to meet the needs of the volunteers, local community, and CRWRC’s country staff;
- consultation and/or visits by missionary staff when available;
- opportunity to help volunteers link their individual/church’s mission and vision to work being done;
If you are interested in applying for this volunteer opportunity, please proceed to our SIGN UP page.
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