Volunteer Hub
NGO Management Volunteering in Peru (2025)
Organisation Details
EcoSwell
Activity type: Administration, Business Management, Community Work, Finance , Fundraising, International , Marketing, PR and Media, Research
Stellify Award: This opportunity is part of 'Make a Difference'
Organisation Description: EcoSwell is a multiple award winning non-profit located in Lobitos, the surfing paradise of northern Peru. Students who have participated in EcoSwell's volunteering programme have described their experience as life altering and transformational. The organization focuses on helping vulnerable communities in Peru develop sustainably by carrying out infrastructure projects, socio-environmental and educational initiatives, thus implementing the United Nations SDGs.
Students can choose to volunteer at EcoSwell in the following disciplines:
- Renewable Energy
- Public Health
- NGO Management
- Ecosystem restoration & reforestation
- Water and Sanitation
- Research
- Marketing and social media
Through their work EcoSwell have impacted over +35,000 people, working hand in hand with local communities, with local government, private sector entities and with some of the best universities in the world.
Students can choose to volunteer at EcoSwell in the following disciplines:
- Renewable Energy
- Public Health
- NGO Management
- Ecosystem restoration & reforestation
- Water and Sanitation
- Research
- Marketing and social media
Through their work EcoSwell have impacted over +35,000 people, working hand in hand with local communities, with local government, private sector entities and with some of the best universities in the world.
Description of role: EcoSwell is a surfing-inspired and multiple award winning sustainable development non-profit (NGO) driving the development of poor Peruvian coastal communities through a path of sustainability. We develop environmental, educational, infrastructure and socio-economic projects working hand in hand with local communities and international volunteers.
Management serves as the backbone of the organisation which enables us to keep delivering impact in all the fronts we work in. Without management, our work wouldn't be possible.
As an NGO Management Volunteer you’ll be able to support the organisation in a variety of fronts, particularly with what it needs with most urgency in the particular moment in time in which you join us. As such you can expect to get involved in the following capacities with the support and supervision from our team:
- Project Wilipipe – Empowering Local Fishermen: Create and distribute vital tide and swell charts, providing local fishermen with scientific data to enhance productivity and economic well-being.
- Social Media: Capture the heartbeat of EcoSwell by documenting ongoing activities through photos and videos. Contribute to our growing online presence and assist in developing new website sections.
- Data-driven Impact: Assist in monitoring and evaluating ongoing projects. Design and conduct surveys in local communities, analyse data, and contribute to impactful report writing.
- Hands-on Sustainability: Support the maintenance of reforestation sites, permaculture gardens, and more. Apply your knowledge and skills in various aspects of sustainable development alongside fellow volunteers and staff.
- Outreach: Get involved in partnership building and the expansion of our organisation, learn-by-doing how an NGO operates in order to effectively continue having an impact in time.
We need volunteers with a strong interest and/or background knowledge in renewable energy or sustainability to come and support us in these ongoing projects in northern Peru. The benefits of taking part in this volunteer experience include, but are not limited to:
- Enhance your CV and gain professional hands-on experience managing sustainable projects in an international development NGO, having a real positive impact on vulnerable communities.
- Work and learn alongside experienced & passionate people from a range of disciplines & backgrounds.
- Live and work in a surfing paradise in northern Peru, the land of endless summer.
Accommodation & Travel:
It’s easy to get to Lobitos! There are daily flights from Lima to Talara where you will be met at the airport and driven directly to Lobitos.
During your volunteer time with us, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in the EcoSwell House, including all meals (healthy) and airport pickup/dropoff. This is included in your financial contribution. Volunteer interns sleep in shared dorm rooms with shared bathrooms and access to a shared living room, office space, kitchen, internet connection, clean water, and a garden.
Extra Activities:
Interns work between 9 am to 5 pm on weekdays but evenings and weekends are free for you to spend as you wish. The northern coast of Peru has amazing waves, beaches, and towns to go visit, with lots of different activities on offer such as:
- Surf lessons with local instructors in Lobitos. Alternatively, rent one of our EcoSwell surfboards and head out to the waves by yourself.
- Yoga classes
- Swimming with turtles
- Fishing, sea-lion, and whale watching trips with local fishermen
- Trekking and birdwatching in the native Dry Forest ecosystem
- Eat traditional Peruvian food at local restaurants
- Visits to other nearby beaches and towns within hours of Lobitos to explore more Peruvian landscapes, culture & history.
Please note that these activities are separate and are not included in the financial contribution you make as part of your volunteering experience, they are highly accessible nonetheless.
Management serves as the backbone of the organisation which enables us to keep delivering impact in all the fronts we work in. Without management, our work wouldn't be possible.
As an NGO Management Volunteer you’ll be able to support the organisation in a variety of fronts, particularly with what it needs with most urgency in the particular moment in time in which you join us. As such you can expect to get involved in the following capacities with the support and supervision from our team:
- Project Wilipipe – Empowering Local Fishermen: Create and distribute vital tide and swell charts, providing local fishermen with scientific data to enhance productivity and economic well-being.
- Social Media: Capture the heartbeat of EcoSwell by documenting ongoing activities through photos and videos. Contribute to our growing online presence and assist in developing new website sections.
- Data-driven Impact: Assist in monitoring and evaluating ongoing projects. Design and conduct surveys in local communities, analyse data, and contribute to impactful report writing.
- Hands-on Sustainability: Support the maintenance of reforestation sites, permaculture gardens, and more. Apply your knowledge and skills in various aspects of sustainable development alongside fellow volunteers and staff.
- Outreach: Get involved in partnership building and the expansion of our organisation, learn-by-doing how an NGO operates in order to effectively continue having an impact in time.
We need volunteers with a strong interest and/or background knowledge in renewable energy or sustainability to come and support us in these ongoing projects in northern Peru. The benefits of taking part in this volunteer experience include, but are not limited to:
- Enhance your CV and gain professional hands-on experience managing sustainable projects in an international development NGO, having a real positive impact on vulnerable communities.
- Work and learn alongside experienced & passionate people from a range of disciplines & backgrounds.
- Live and work in a surfing paradise in northern Peru, the land of endless summer.
Accommodation & Travel:
It’s easy to get to Lobitos! There are daily flights from Lima to Talara where you will be met at the airport and driven directly to Lobitos.
During your volunteer time with us, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in the EcoSwell House, including all meals (healthy) and airport pickup/dropoff. This is included in your financial contribution. Volunteer interns sleep in shared dorm rooms with shared bathrooms and access to a shared living room, office space, kitchen, internet connection, clean water, and a garden.
Extra Activities:
Interns work between 9 am to 5 pm on weekdays but evenings and weekends are free for you to spend as you wish. The northern coast of Peru has amazing waves, beaches, and towns to go visit, with lots of different activities on offer such as:
- Surf lessons with local instructors in Lobitos. Alternatively, rent one of our EcoSwell surfboards and head out to the waves by yourself.
- Yoga classes
- Swimming with turtles
- Fishing, sea-lion, and whale watching trips with local fishermen
- Trekking and birdwatching in the native Dry Forest ecosystem
- Eat traditional Peruvian food at local restaurants
- Visits to other nearby beaches and towns within hours of Lobitos to explore more Peruvian landscapes, culture & history.
Please note that these activities are separate and are not included in the financial contribution you make as part of your volunteering experience, they are highly accessible nonetheless.
Skills / qualities associated with the role: Creative Skills, Administration, Commercial Awareness, Fundraising, Leadership, Marketing and PR, Practical Skills, Project Management, Research, Team Working, Written Communication Skills
Are volunteer expenses available?: Yes
Duration of role: Ongoing / Long term
Opportunity times: Monday AM, Monday PM, Tuesday AM, Tuesday PM, Wednesday AM, Wednesday PM, Thursday AM, Thursday PM, Friday AM, Friday PM
DBS required: Off
Can reasonable adjustments be made regarding additional needs?: Yes
Is this organisation part of the Sports Volunteering Scheme (SVS)?: No
Minimum hours commitment: +30 hours per week
Location: