Open Positions
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Full-Time
Location: Les Cayes, Haiti; some US activity.
Reports to: Founding Director, Randy Meyer
ABOUT LAKOU
Lakou is a non-profit organization that cultivates a dynamic culture of opportunity for people in Haiti to make educational and economic progress in their lives. Our mission is to create opportunities for people in Haiti through vocational training and job creation.
Community, Respect, Humility and Education are the values that guide us. Developing and strengthening our community through hard work in one good direction allows all of us to grow and thrive over time.
POSITION SUMMARY
This position is hands-on and requires a minimum commitment of 9+ months out of the year in Haiti.
This position has dual responsibility to:
1. Coordinate all mechanical work and equipment operations
2. To coordinate all mechanic/operator training. Although this position is hands-on, the greatest responsibility is to TEACH; developing the talent and willingness of participants into confident, competent mechanics and operators.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Mechanical Work and Equipment
1. Purchase - Aid in identifying, procuring and shipping annual purchase of equipment.
2. Inventory - Develop a comprehensive system for moving new equipment into service.
3. Maintenance and Repairs - Develop comprehensive maintenance and repair systems for all construction equipment, tools and vehicles (fleet). Maintain inventory of parts.
4. Equipment Operation - Operate equipment as needed on job sites. Develop a team for all equipment activities. Develop comprehensive safety policies for equipment operation.
5. Operate the concrete batching plant, developing a team to operate, maintain and repair the batching plant and concrete mixers ready for all concrete operations.
6. Decommission Equipment - Aid in the sale of all equipment taken out of service.
Construction Training Program Instructor
1. Curriculum - Coordinate classroom instruction and field training with the Program Administrator
2. Teach in both classroom and shop classes. Evaluate and certify participants.
3. Instructor Training - Develop a team of mechanic/operator instructors, local or visitors.
4. Big Picture - The training is greater than simply a trade. This position requires the ability to communicate and actively demonstrate the value of each individual participant, the necessity of working in a community of trust (team), and the integration of different callings and skill sets among participants. This coordinator must align with Lakou in its efforts to create a culture of inclusion and respect, discipline, accountability, honesty, and leadership that serves.
SECONDARY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Learn or strengthen Creole.
2. Learn to drive in Haiti.
3. Hospitality of guests.
4. Leadership in sponsored activities, seminars, events, and community service projects.
5. Actively promotes the businesses of Lakou, International Guild,SA. and ready-mix.
QUALIFICATIONS (Required)
In depth knowledge of gas and diesel engines for vehicles. Full understanding of vehicle systems, maintenance and repair.
In depth knowledge of construction equipment including: hydraulic systems, drivetrain and transmission systems, suspension and steering, electrical and ignition, brakes, fuel systems, etc.
In depth knowledge of small engines.
In depth knowledge of truck operation, construction equipment operation
Knowledge of business, and business operations.
Combination of 15 years experience as mechanic/operator (some exceptions)
Demonstrated or actual experience in teaching.
Excellence in mechanic work and equipment operation, using all manner of efficiencies in execution of all activities.
Uses a variety of spreadsheets, word processing and database softwares for a fully functional
inventory, maintenance and repair system. Uses the same computer skills in management of classes, class schedules, instructors and training.
Ability to teach adults.
Manages budgets, understands lead-time, timely in procurement.
QUALIFICATIONS (Preferred)
Welder
CDL
PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
Maintains schedule personally and for direct reports. On time every time.
Extremely organized.
Leader - supervising and coordinating staff, participants, and activities.
Mentor - Excellence in relationships to students, staff, and community.
Possesses great listening skills and ability to bring sound judgment to difficult situations and conflict.
Is not easily overwhelmed by confrontation.
Demonstrates optimism, and tenacious determination to work toward a long term goal.
To apply, please submit a cover letter and a resume to:
Randy Meyer - info@lakou.org
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Full-Time
Location: Les Cayes, Haiti
Reports to: US Executive Director Jude Laude and Haiti Director Randy Meyer
ABOUT LAKOU
Lakou is a non-profit organization that cultivates a dynamic culture of opportunity for people in Haiti to make educational and economic progress in their lives. Our mission is to create opportunities for people in Haiti through vocational training and job creation.
Community, Respect, Humility and Education are the values that guide us. Developing and strengthening our community through hard work in one good direction allows all of us to grow and thrive over time.
POSITION SUMMARY
This Position is responsible for managing the development of The Lakou’s Educational Branch, and specifically the growth and implementation of The Lakou Construction Training Program. Additionally, this Position is responsible for managing the finance and administration of the Educational Branch. In direct collaboration with the US Executive Director, the Haiti Curriculum Administrator will develop the funding resources to grow the existing Construction Training Program and continue developing social service community programs directly impacting Lakou’s participants, families and communities. This position is further responsible for developing a clear strategy to move Lakou’s long-term campus development goals forward
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
I. Construction Training Program Development
1. Application and Enrollment Process – Develop and maintain the application system for The Lakou Construction Training Program, providing qualified participants for admission to the Program. On-boarding the right participants is vital to the success of the Program and is a current critical need.
2. Curriculum – Continue developing, coordinating and aligning the existing Construction Training Program curriculum, building out the curriculum to 4 years or more with all annual requirements and electives established for each Program Path. Work closely with the current curriculum writer to develop a strategy toward this end. Engage other curriculum writers as necessary. Develop and maintain each course syllabus. Determine graduation requirements, certifications, and systems of rewards and certificates.
3. Classroom Teachers and Field Internship Instructors – Oversee the development of course schedules and class scheduling for each semester. Establish all class schedules with qualified teachers and field instructors for evaluating field activities. Evaluate and monitor teacher and instructor performance. Ensure instructors provide quality career technical training and transitional support that leads to student placement. Implement a career partner system.
4. Volunteer Instructors – Strategically and systematically channel the willingness and availability of volunteer instructors from the US. Coordinate all hospitality for these guests as they travel to Haiti, including on-boarding and introduction to The Lakou, developing trip itineraries, and debriefing. Work in close collaboration with the US Executive Director to incorporate these individuals and their contacts into the development program, as donors of both time and resources. Implement all emergency and safety plans/protocols.
5. Assessment - Track and monitor program outcomes to ensure its goals are met. Monitor, analyze, and implement data-driven improvements to the Construction Training Program systems for improved service to students.
6. Accreditation - Continue moving the Construction Training Program toward accreditation with the Haiti INFP. Work toward affiliation, accreditation, or other kinds of reciprocities with other organizations, schools, or the governmental department of education. Represent Lakou in collaborating with internal and external departments and agencies in matters of curriculum, instruction, enrollment, and assessment.
II. Other Program Development
1. Create, develop, implement other programs that reduce the barriers for our participants, their families, and communities who are in need of equitable opportunities for a better life by securing resources, social supports, and educational/career opportunities.
2. Develop grassroots programs for literacy using existing resources and/or creating newer more successful models. Implement libraries in each of the communities serviced by our program, or work with existing resources to make reading material available, including through digital libraries.
3. Maintain a schedule of seminars and guest speakers of high caliber to supplement the Construction Training Program’s requirements and development.
4. Work directly with IGSA and develop a system of employer partners for Program participants, including in fields other than construction.
5. Assists The Lakou’s Founding Directors on special projects. Represent The Lakou at meetings or events.
6. Hire a Community Program director and build a staff to ensure impact at the anticipated level. Hire and train Haitian leaders who are solution-oriented and data-driven.
III. Finance and Administration
1. Budget - Set the annual budget for the Construction Training Program through coordination with the US Executive Director and Board Finance Committee.
2. Accounting - Continue developing the current accounting system through coordination with the Board Finance Committee and creating accounting strategy to incorporate a program in growth mode. Coordinate all monthly reporting.
3. Human Resources - Maintain and create as necessary all human resources systems, procedures, policies, and evaluations for all instructors, teachers, employees, and participants of The Lakou Construction Training Program. Maintain hiring procedures and job descriptions.
4. Operations - Oversee daily operations of The Lakou instructional programs, leading the current operations staff and strategically growing its number. Maintain an organizational chart and identify the best next hire as the timing becomes correct.
IV. Development and Communications
1. Work in direct collaboration with the US Executive Director, Founding Directors, and the Board. Assist in planning and executing a fundraising development strategy, incorporating all applicable resources: foundations, grants, individuals, major donors, events, and corporate sponsorships. Provide all measurables and necessary data from program outcomes necessary for successful development asks.
2. Engage in and support all of The Lakou’s communications efforts by providing stories, data, and support to the development team. Continue to align and hone The Lakou’s story with the organization’s values, building a clearer and more impactful message.
V. Campus Development
1. Working in direct collaboration with the US Executive Director, Founding Directors, and the Board to develop a strategy for engaging The Lakou’s long-term campus development goals. Engage support, stakeholders, and resources to progress toward The Lakou’s first building on its own land.
QUALIFICATIONS
3-5 years experience in a non-profit setting
Current Teacher Certification and/or Haitian Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training (DET)/Certificate of Education
Type 75 School Administrator Certificate and/or equivalent for Direkte Lekol in Haiti
Preferred Experience
Bilingual in English/Haitian Creole
Willingness to travel to Haiti if not already a resident of Haiti
Work Location: Hybrid - U.S. (virtual) & in Haiti
Estimated Hours: 20- 40 hours weekly
To apply, please submit a cover letter and a resume to:
Jude Laude - Jude@lakou.org