A Peace Corps Response Volunteer (PCRV) who speaks advanced Spanish is needed to serve as an Environmental Conservation Specialist for the Copallin Private Conservation Area (ACP-Copallin). ACP-Copallin is adjacent to the Colan Mountain Range National Sanctuary (SNCC), thus they both have a common zone of influence and comparable conservation objectives. However, these areas are managed differently: ACP-Copallin is managed by the rural community and SNCC is managed directly by the National Service of Natural Protected Areas (SERNANP). ACP-Copallin is a young and vulnerable conservation area due to a lack of permanent sources of income and it is bordered by a high number of communities which threaten deforestation and animal poaching. There is a committed team working to achieve sustainable conservation, which they are hoping to improve through collaborating with SERNANP and a PCRV.

An Environmental Conservation Specialist with experience working in strengthening community-based communication strategies will design a yearlong work plan to improve the environmental education initiatives in Copallin. While collaborating with ACP-Copallin and SNCC, the PCRV will develop a proposal to improve communication efforts and a broadcasting strategy for conservation within the area of influence. This also includes designing an environmental education awareness plan that will involve educational institutions and the local population. Additionally, the Environmental Conservation Specialist will focus on strengthening capacities and relationships of the staff involved in this project. The goal of this assignment is to assist ACP-Copallin and SNCC in developing strategies for behavior change so that neighboring communities realize the importance of sustainable conservation.

Please note that this position is one of several that will depart for service in Peru at the same time. It is unlikely that the departure date will change but applicants will be notified if the date does change. Please only apply if you are available on the date listed and if you can serve for the entire duration of the project.

Copallin Private Conservation Area (ACP-Copallin) – Copallin Campesino Community and Colan Mountain Range National Sanctuary (SNCC) – National Service of Natural Protected Areas – SERNANP

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental education, environmental conservation management, or related field
• 1 to 2 years of experience working in strengthening community-based communication strategies with emphasis on environmental education for rural populations
• Experienced in the planning and execution of environmental education programs for the conservation of natural resources, preferably in protected natural areas
• Minimum of Advanced Mid level of Spanish

• Peru may not be able to support Volunteers with the following medical conditions: insulin-dependent diabetes; requiring a psychiatrist for psychotropic medications support; ongoing counseling.
• The following medication(s) are not permitted for legal or cultural reasons: none identified.
• Volunteers who should avoid the following food(s) may not be able to serve: none identified.
• After arrival in Peru, Peace Corps provides and applicants are required to have an annual flu shot, to take daily or weekly medication to prevent malaria, and to receive mandatory immunizations.