Support for Territorial Research and Sustainable Development in the Andean Highlands of Peru
FUNDACION ALBOAN
CCAIJO
ANDAHUAYLILLAS, Peru
Description
CCAIJO is a Jesuit social organisation with more than 50 years of experience promoting sustainable and inclusive development in the Province of Quispicanchi, Cusco, Peru. Working closely with peasant communities, producer organisations, local governments, and civil society actors, CCAIJO contributes to territorial development through initiatives focused on agroecology, sustainable livelihoods, entrepreneurship, social participation, and community empowerment.
The volunteer will support participatory processes aimed at understanding the social, economic, environmental, and institutional realities of the Quispicanchi territory. Through collaboration with local communities and CCAIJO’s technical team, the volunteer will contribute to identifying challenges, opportunities, and potential areas for strengthening local development initiatives.
The main activities may include participating in field visits to peasant communities, supporting meetings with local stakeholders, collecting and systematising information, conducting interviews, assisting in participatory workshops, preparing reports, and documenting successful experiences and good practices.
The volunteer will gain practical experience in community-based development, participatory methodologies, intercultural collaboration, and sustainable development approaches. All activities will be carried out under the guidance and supervision of CCAIJO’s staff; the volunteer will support institutional processes without replacing professional personnel.
Accommodation, food and transport arrangements
The volunteer will be based in Andahuaylillas, a safe and welcoming town located approximately one hour from the city of Cusco. Accommodation is fully covered by the project and arranged by CCAIJO, including a private room, internet access, and basic utilities. The CCAIJO office, as well as essential services such as shops, markets, and health facilities, are within a 5–10-minute walk from the accommodation. Regular public transportation provides convenient connections between Andahuaylillas and Cusco throughout the day.CCAIJO will support the volunteer in accessing food and other essential services during their stay. Transportation required for project-related activities will generally be provided through CCAIJO’s institutional vehicles.
Training during the activity
The volunteer will receive comprehensive pre-departure training from Alboan, the sending organisation, in Europe before the start of the placement. Upon arrival in Peru, they will participate in an induction programme introducing CCAIJO’s mission, values, Communication for Development approach, and institutional communication strategy.
Throughout the placement, the volunteer will work closely with the Communications Officer, gaining hands-on experience in communication planning, content creation, storytelling, digital communications, field documentation, and participation in multidisciplinary team meetings. This practical learning process will enable the volunteer to develop both technical and intercultural competencies while contributing to CCAIJO’s communication objectives.
Participant profile
We are looking for a motivated and committed person with an interest in territorial development, rural communities, participatory approaches, and sustainable development processes.
Preferred Academic Backgrounds
Candidates with academic backgrounds in the following fields are especially encouraged to apply:
- Territorial Development
- Rural Development
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Development Studies
- International Cooperation
- Related social sciences or community development fields
Desired Skills and Competencies
The ideal candidate should demonstrate:
- Interest in sustainable development, social justice, and community empowerment.
- Basic knowledge or experience in research methods, data collection, and information systematisation.
- Ability to work respectfully and effectively in intercultural and community-based environments.
- Adaptability and willingness to live and work in a rural context.
- Strong teamwork, communication, and collaboration skills.
- Basic or intermediate knowledge of Spanish, or motivation to improve language skills.
Transversal Competencies
We value candidates who demonstrate:
- Autonomy, initiative, and a proactive attitude.
- Good organisation and time management skills.
- Intercultural sensitivity and openness to different perspectives.
- Active listening and dialogue abilities.
- Problem-solving skills and flexibility when facing new situations.
- Commitment to collaborative work and community engagement.
Candidates must be 18 to 35 years old, reside in one of the eligible countries (EU Member State, North Macedonia, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Turkey), have completed the compulsory Humanitarian Aid Volunteering training and not have participated before in individual Humanitarian Aid Volunteering. When adding together this new volunteering opportunity and any previous participation in EU volunteering programmes, the total duration cannot exceed 12 months.
Activity dates
A total of 43 week(s) during the period 01/10/2026 to 02/10/2026
Activity location
CALLE GARCILASO 707, ANDAHUAYLILLAS, ANDAHUAYLILLAS, Peru
Activity type
Individual volunteering
Looking for participants from
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Türkiye
Activity topics
Social challenges
Citizenship and democratic participation
Environment and natural protection
Support to local Small and Medium Enterprise
Deadline for applications
No application deadline
Project code
2025-1-EACEA-VOLUN-101252031