Volunteering in Haiti

The relief work of AMURT/AMURTEL continues thanks to donations from around the world. Donations continue to be very much needed so that we can continue the work. You can make your donation through www.amurt.pt/haiti/donativos

Besides donations, disaster relief needs volunteers. Volunteers must be physically fit and able to adapt to diverse circumstances and situations, such as sleeping on the ground and all the other problems that exist in Haiti today. They also need to be able to pay for their own trip to Haiti and some extras once they get there, as well as live with other people in difficult circumstances and be able to take the initiative when necessary. The team is looking for doctors, nurses, paramedics, engineers, mental health workers, photojournalists and professionals who work with children. If you are interested in volunteering for any of these openings, contact us and send us your CV along with information on any previous experience.

Here is a complete list of the positions we are trying to fill:

Photojournalist (two positions): graphic documentation of the work of AMURT/AMURTEL in the response to the disaster.

Purchasing and Logistics (two positions): according to a given set of specifications, the person will have to purchase taking into account the best value of the product (quality, cost and availability). The position requires providing the transport arrangements and coordinating the deliveries and materials purchased from the United States to the Dominican Republic and Haiti and from the Dominican Republic to Haiti. Knowledge of English and Spanish required.

Nurses (several positions): Focus on working with injured and disabled people of all ages, mainly young people and the elderly, and also involves providing nursing care to the patient or patients with acute injuries or fatal illnesses. English required, French or Creole recommended.

Doctors (several positions): Treatment of people injured in the earthquake and creation of clinics. In addition, a position as health coordinator (doctors, equipment and facilities). English required (French / Creole translator will be provided).

Post-Traumatic Stress Counselors and Psychologists for Children (several positions): Psychological assistance and help for children physically or mentally affected by the earthquake, such as those who lost their parents, to recognize normal stress reactions and the emotions caused or aggravated by trauma and to regain control over themselves and their environment. French or Creole recommended, English required.

Structural Engineers (two positions): Determine the viability of existing structures, such as warehouses and buildings that can house medical facilities and shelters, as well as food / water distribution and storage. In addition, analyze and determine the extent of the repairs needed in existing buildings and design and supervise new construction efforts. English required.

Emergency Response Specialists (four positions): Responsible for the planning, execution, monitoring and evaluation of a wide range of humanitarian activities and long-term recovery, to ensure the survival and well-being of the children and mothers, and the affected community in Port-au-Prince. The specialists will play an important role in supporting the regional authorities in coordinating nutrition, water, sanitation, education and protection for all stakeholders. Specifically, the focus is on implementing adequate water purification systems taking into consideration the water sources, the needs of the population and the availability of materials. English required.

Urban Planner (one position): Design of evacuation camps and planning of large temporary and/or permanent infrastructure. Potential collaboration in planning new urban areas, including urban risk-reduction interventions, procedures, approaches and strategies to help develop more sustainable and organic urban communities. English required.

Public Relations (one position): Responsible for creating public trust among donors and partner agencies to maintain the reputation of AMURT/AMURTEL with donors, the community, other NGOs and the media present on site. This position requires maintaining a continuous and open dialogue with all key people (including the community) with a potential opinion on the work carried out by AMURT / AMURTEL, and also with the workers of AMURT / AMURTEL for a permanent update on the activities under way in the field.

Children’s Entertainers / Educators (with a background as entertainers, clowns, artists, educators, or similar) (several positions): Responsible for developing and maintaining a permanent entertainment program for the children. The specific aspects of the activities may require input from the children’s counselors, psychologists, educators and Neohumanists to strengthen the children’s self-expression, reinforcement and spiritual development.