Description

blueEnergy utilizes both wind energy (turbines) and solar energy (solar paneling) to create a hybrid, sustainable solution to rural electrification in unpredictable weather conditions. An innovator in the sustainable energy field, blueEnergy manufactures its wind turbines locally, an approach seldom seen but designed to increase the local understanding of, and capacity for, maintaining the renewable energy system. This approach helps build local technical capacity and provides jobs in the local economy. blueEnergy's engineers have pioneered our cutting edge design, and volunteers will learn what it takes to successfully develop and implement this technology by interacting with the design team and visiting the manufacturing facilities. By volunteering for blueEnergy you can play an important role in supporting this sustainable, locally focused approach to energy development.

We are seeking volunteers interested in contributing to blueEnergy's Nicaragua location in the following capacities:
* International accounting system design, internal control evaluation and development of accounting staff
* Implementation of community-based micro-financing systems and relationships
* Process development and management consulting
* Energy system design, system electronics work
* Energy system and water filter manufacturing
* Capacity building (training and education curriculum development and manual development)
* Communication
* IT, multimedia (short promotional videos and photo montage) and GIS
* Databases development

Highlights

Living in the blueEnergy house is an experience that you will likely remember for the rest of your life. The international staff comes from a wide variety of countries and backgrounds to provide their individual expertise, be it engineering, business, or community outreach, while blueEnergy's local employees and partners lend a fresh perspective to living and working on the Caribbean Coast. Due to the myriad of intricate components in each blueEnergy project, from micro-finance system development and cost accounting implementation to solar panel installation and aerodynamic turbine blade improvement, conversations around the dinner table are richly rewarding. There is a real communal spirit that develops when the diverse groups come together for work and play.

Qualifications

Join the blueEnergy team!

blueEnergy recruits volunteers from around the world to assist in its mission of improving lives in marginalized communities using a holistic approach to sustainable energy and related fundamental services. Volunteers form a core component of blueEnergy's capacity by bringing much needed expertise, experience and energy, while in return gaining an experience of a lifetime.

Skills and characteristics we always like to see in our candidates include:
* Teamwork
* Flexibility
* Maturity
* Independent, motivated work ethic
* Spanish and English spoken and written proficiency
* Interest in Latin America, renewable energy and in bringing basic services to people in need

See website for specific job postings.

Languages

• English
• Spanish

Cost in US$:

Depends on length of stay

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Program Fees Include:
* Project orientation covering:
* blueEnergy projects and philosophy
* Cultural aspects of working in a development context
* History and cultural background
* Safety education and training
* Hands on development work experience in one or more of blueEnergy's program departments
* Food and lodging in Bluefields
* Lodging in Managua (if needed)
* Wireless internet (available at the main house and at the office)
* On-going support and supervision
* Mentor who will work with you to answer your questions about the organization and generally help you get the most out of your experience.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

The beauty of the volunteer group at blueEnergy is that there is no typical volunteer. Our current volunteers come from 4 continents and have diverse backgrounds, from PhDs in various sciences and engineers to backgrounds in teaching or construction. Most, however, do speak Spanish, are in their 20s and 30s and enjoy working and playing hard.

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 5

Scholarships are Available

Considered in certain cases

Application Process Involves

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Phone/Video Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

2 weeks

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network

Blue Energy's Mission Statement

blueEnergy improves lives in marginalized communities using a holistic approach to sustainable energy and related fundamental services. blueEnergy develops wind and solar energy solutions, solar lighting solutions, communications solutions and provides local capacity building support to communities on the Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua. blueEnergy functions in challenging environments and succeeds because of our connection with the community, commitment to building local capacity, and with the hard work of our international volunteers.

Year Founded

2003