Program Associate Positions Available at the Arava Institute
April 29, 2007
Shalom, Salam,
We are seeking to fill two Arava Program Associate positions for the 2007-2008 academic year. Described below are the skills and qualities that we are seeking. AIES alumni are especially encouraged to apply.
A Program Associate should be personable, charismatic and sensitive to a broad range of personality types, ethnicities and nationalities. The Program Associate is frequently the “face” of the Institute: representing AIES by making announcements and leading student activities. Both Program Associates will periodically be asked to host guests and appear on panels. Program Associates may be asked to represent AIES at recruitment fairs in various areas of the country or accompany groups that are traveling to the Institute.
Both Program Associates are part of the team of the Peace Building and Environmental Leadership course. As part of the PELS course, the Program Associates, in addition to the students, will be asked to challenge themselves as part of the learning process. The Program Associates will be our partners in our endeavor to analyze and identify the needs and goals of the students. They will be instrumental in helping us promote an environment that is growth-oriented and satisfying.
Program Associates must be individuals who are willing to experiment and look for means that encourage student initiative and involvement. The Program Associate should have an understanding and sensitivity to some of the challenges and limitations of working within a kibbutz framework.
Program Associates work hard; and therefore, must have a strong work ethic. Night hours are frequently required and, in general, the hours deviate from a standard nine to five positions. Because of the intensity and the flexible nature of the program, Program Associates are not allowed to engage in additional employment outside of their AIES Program Associate position.
The two Program Associates differ somewhat in content. There is a Student Life Program Associate and an Academic Program Associate. Their responsibilities overlap but each also has areas of primary responsibility. Generally, the Student Life PA’s responsibilities include residential life and field guide responsibilities. The Academic PA’s special responsibilities are in the areas of course assistance, tutoring and administrative work. Student Life Program Associate Special Responsibilties
Assist Student Life Director
Organize and publicize extracurricular events, parties, trips. Act as photographer for activities and trips
Organize and maintain bicycles, sports equipment and check-out items,
Update the Student Life portion of the web site.
Organize AIES night (together with Academic PA).
Edit the “yallah” internal newsletter.
Tutor – under guidance of Academic PA.
Supervise work/study scholarship students
Assist students with personal and medical issues as they arise.
Academic Program Associate Special Responsibilities
Assist Academic Program Director.
Act as Teaching assistant for Interdisciplinary Course or other course as needed.
Maintain AIES library.
Prepare trips and reading packets (together with the student life PA)
Support and guide students through academic registration and course evaluation process.
Provide logistical assistance in course-related areas: classroom readiness, photocopying, syllabi, readers, teaching equipment, and student and faculty packets
Organize English support system and lead group reading program
Organize AIES night (together with the Student Life PA).
There may at times be additional responsibilities including: assisting with grant proposals, researching grant sources, coordinating recruiting trips for AIES, proofreading a variety of materials, substituting for staff members, preparing materials for web site, and life-guarding at the pool (if qualified) for AIES events. Fellows are required to have a valid driver’s license. They will be asked to drive to Eilat occasionally to help with student or staff needs. Fellows participate fully with the staff in various AIES obligations: from attending full staff meetings to toranut (rotating cleaning obligations) and general campus cleanups.
We encourage Program Associates to pursue interests or connections that are not limited to their role with the Institute. Each Program Associate has the option to take a course, conduct an individual research project or volunteer for a project for ½ day a week. This ½ day is scheduled early in the semester. Arava Program Associates are expected to adjust their schedule as needed so as to accommodate Arava field trips and special projects.
Working for AIES is an intense but extremely rewarding experience. There will be long workdays and irregular hours but you will be surrounded by other hardworking and committed individuals. We are confident that as an Arava Program Associate you will develop a greater understanding of yourself, and of the issues we are involved with at AIES: environment, peace, intercultural relations, and community life. If you are looking for a challenging and fulfilling year to learn and work hard - and make a difference in people’s lives - please apply.
To apply: Please send a letter of interest by email info@arava.org or fax (972-8-635-6634) with your CV/resume.