Current Job Openings Abroad: 2

Volunteer, Fiber Dyeing Specialist

DEPARTMENT: International Development

GENERAL PURPOSE:  To provide expertise in dyeing to the Kumbeshwar Technical School (www.kumbeshwar.com) producing hand knitting and hand-knotted rugs, able to work on improving all aspects of dyeing wool, silk, and cotton, including natural and some synthetic dyes, fiber preparation, mordants, color consistency, color cards, etc.

CATEGORY:  Includes travel expenses, small living stipend, and near-site accommodations.  Unpaid volunteer position.

LOCATION:  In Lalipur (Patan), one of the three main cities in the Kathmandu Valley.  The school is adjacent to the well-known Shiva Temple in Kumbeshwar Square.  The neighborhood is largely populated by Newars, the indigenous people of the valley.  Open air dyeing facility at the school.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under direction of the Director of the Kumbeshwar Technical School.

TIME PERIOD:  4 consecutive weeks in  August - December 2008

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Expertise in fiber dying, both natural and synthetic.
Ability to quantify dyeing process for color consistency.
International travel or living experience in the developing world.
Ability to communicate and teach related to the dyeing process.
Ability to adapt in cultural context.

Interested volunteers should submit an email or letter of interest and resume to cherylmserrv@aol.com or via fax to 608-255-0451.
 

Volunteer, Marketing Strategist in Thailand

SERRV International (U.S.) & Thai Tribal Crafts (Thailand)

SERRV International is seeking an experienced marketing volunteer for a five-week marketing strategy project working with the Thai Tribal Crafts (TTC) in Chiang Mai, Thailand. TTC is a fair trade organization providing employment opportunities to tribal people in northern Thailand who create a range of handcrafted products, including textiles (bags, table linens, etc.), jewelry, baskets, and more. To learn more about TTC, visit www.ttcrafts.co.th.

TTC has two stores in Chiang Mai and exports to 12 countries in Europe, North America, and the Pacific Rim.

Project Responsibilities

• Prepare a strategic marketing plan with TTC’s General Manager, integrating goals in existing business plans.
• Prepare a work plan with the steps necessary to implement the strategic marketing plan.
• Prepare report on trade/gift shows worldwide, researching and assessing information including how to prepare for a gift show, costs, attendance, etc.__/
• With General Manager, develop job description for a marketing position based on the marketing plan.
• Conduct one training workshop on marketing for TTC and its partner organizations in Chiang Mai

Qualifications

• Experience in preparing marketing plans
• Knowledge of marketing strategy, researching markets, etc.
• Experience living in or traveling in developing countries, and ability to adapt to cultural context
• Ability to work independently and with TTC staff
• Ability to be flexible in responding to needs
• Strong communication and teaching skills to transfer information

Location: 1 week preparatory research in the U.S., 4 weeks in Chiang Mai, Thailand/

Supervision: Work under direction of the General Manager of Thai Tribal Crafts

Time Period: 5 consecutive weeks sometime in November - December 2008 or January 2009

Position: This is an unpaid volunteer position without benefits. Includes all travel expenses, and a small living stipend to cover accommodations and expenses.

How to Apply: Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest, resume or CV, and references to Cheryl Musch (cherylm@serrv.org) or by fax to 608-255-0451.