Social Scientist (f/m/x) on Strengthening Indigenous Rights from a Good Life Perspective in Guatemala

Background

Although indigenous people make up more than 40 per cent of the Guatemalan population, they are still not sufficiently involved in the country’s political decision-making processes. In this context, indigenous women particularly often experience multiple discriminations. In January 2007, the Diocese of San Marcos therefore founded the Pastoral Commission for Peace and Ecology / Asociación Comisión Paz y Ecología (COPAE). The aim of its work is the protection of natural resources, the defence of the territory and the self-determination of the indigenous peoples. To this end, COPEA uses legal and political actions, environmental monitoring, research and information dissemination and works with a wide range of cooperation partners. The background is the concept of “el Buen Vivir” (the good life).

COPEA works mainly in seven western regions of Guatemala; its headquarters are in San Marco.

Job Scope

You will support COPEA in its work to strengthen indigenous rights from the perspective of “el Buen Vivir” in Guatemala.

In more detail, you would be responsible for the following:

• Guiding the programme team in identifying key research topics from a political ecology perspective.
• Training the programme team and participants of COPEA’s political education courses in scientific research techniques and methods.
• Preparation of research results for advocacy and political lobbying work
• Contributing to the publication of research findings in various media (e.g. indigenous academics’ journal) and event formats (local, national and international).
• Networking with research centres and academic institutions

Profile

As a counselling professional with experience in working with social movements in Latin America and a relevant university degree, you communicate in a solution-oriented way and at eye level in an intercultural context.

These qualifications will be supported by

• Your knowledge of international human rights
• Your excellent knowledge of Spanish as well as your good knowledge of English
• Your experience in planning and monitoring social science research projects, including organising public debates and dialogues on these research topics
• Your willingness to travel in the region

Citizenship of a Member State of the European Union or Switzerland is required.

Benefits provided by Bread for the World and Dienste in Übersee
Bread for the World provides a framework in which the professionals of Dienste in Übersee share their knowledge and skills with people of other cultures.

Supportive cooperation, mutual learning and intercultural exchange are made possible by:

• Individual preparation
• Three-year contract with benefits in accordance with the German Development Aid Workers Act
• Coaching