How to become a volunteer for PBI Colombia

PBI Colombia is looking for international observers to work for the protection of human rights defenders and displaced communities in Colombia.

What we offer you as a member of the Colombian team:

• Return flights from your home country
• Accommodation, food costs and any work related costs
• A monthly stipend – currently 300 USD
• Financial contribution at the end of your service (repatriation).
• Four – six months full training, including a week-long training meeting

PBI Colombia cannot work with nationals, including those with dual-nationality. ‘No person can work on a team in their own country, not as an observer/volunteer, as part of the Project Committee, or in the Project Office’.

This rule was made to guarantee and highlight the impartiality of members of PBI Colombia. It also aims for the independence of PBI Colombia and its members, unaffected by local pressure. PBI volunteers' and Project workers’ security is highest priority for PBI in a country where serious violations of human rights are not uncommon.

Job Description

Working as an international observer with PBI Colombia offers an excellent opportunity to gain experience in the international human rights arena. Volunteers will be able to work in one of the four teams: Bogota, Barrancabermeja, Medellin or Uraba, accompanying human rights defenders and communities threatened for their legitimate work towards justice and peace

Our accompaniment work includes:

Physical presence – daily visits to organisations, field visits and visits to other communities

Political accompaniment – meetings with the Colombian authorities and the international community

Publications about the current situation in Colombia

Prerequisites

Essential:

• Fluent Spanish, both spoken and written, especially in moments of crisis.
• Experience with NGOs working in Human Rights and social issues
• Commitment to 12 months in the field with PBI
• Three written references
• Experience working in a team and living with a group, especially in situations of stress.

Recommended:

• Work experience speaking with authorities, running campaigns and in communication and negotiation.
• Analytical capacity and comprehension of political situations.
• To be well-versed in the Colombian political situation.
• To have collaborated with a national PBI group in your own country or in the country where you reside.
• Knowledge of and experience working in human rights.
• Computer skills: Microsoft Word, email, databases
• Experience in research and information

PBI policy relating to anti age discrimination for field volunteers

Age is not a barrier to working on projects. However, the need for mature and experienced volunteers is critical because the organization needs to present an experienced face in our interactions with high level authorities in the countries where we maintain field projects and because volunteers need to be able to assess responsibly risk and security questions in areas of crisis or conflict. Therefore volunteers are often over the age of 25.

Download the information package (available in Spanish)

Download the application form (available only in Spanish)

Download the reference document in Spanish

Download the reference document in English

Download the reference document in French

Download the 2010 calendar for the training sessions

For more information, please visit http://www.pbicolombia.info/ http://www.pbicolombia.info/