This is a general work description outlining service possibilities for a group of four to six people in a program for young single adults and/or married couples without children (between the ages of 20 and 30). This program will have its third cycle in Guatemala and El Salvador beginning in February 2026. These participants will serve with the Q’eqchi’ Mennonite Conference and MCC partners in the Guatemalan highlands. At the same time, the Semilla program will address topics of study and discussion relevant to their context and work, considering the three general focuses: Reflection, Service, and Peacebuilding.
Qualifications:
- A flexible attitude toward possible changes and/or unstructured work that may arise during your time in service.
- Be between 20 and 30 years old; singles or married couples without children are welcome.
- Proficiency in Spanish or English with a willingness to learn a Mayan language.
- Have a commitment to be involved in the life of a church of your preferred denomination (preferably Anabaptist when applicable) and local community.
- The ability to understand, adapt, work, and interact with diverse teams, cultural differences, learning models, ecclesial theological perspectives, and communication styles.
- The ability to take initiative and generate new ideas (be proactive) for unstructured community processes.
- Willingness to live and work in Mayan communities and hard-to-reach places, in rural areas affected by violence. For example, those without infrastructure such as clean water, energy, good communications, and/or transportation.
- An attitude of studying and analyzing the realities of the community, regions, and country during one’s time in service, which encourages reflection.
- Interest in the topics of: (a) Role of the church in the transformation of society, (b) positive development and social organization of youth, (c) construction of peace and justice (d) incidence (e) life in rural vs urban (f) Mayan culture, traditions, customs, (g) migration, (h) care of the earth, (i) gender.
- Have a university education level and/or experience and interest in learning about community processes.
- The attitude of perseverance (not giving up easily) in the face of different forms of communication, work rhythms, theological perspective, and challenges of everyday life (such as having to wash clothes by hand, walk on dirt roads, etc.).
- Have an open mind and a willingness to actively participate in community, church, and cultural processes from a supportive perspective.
Due to potential visa restrictions, we will only accept candidates from the Americas (South, Central, and North America).
Key Responsibilities
- Participate in the spaces of daily and formal community life at your place of service.
- Support the peace and development efforts underway by the partner/church in their place of service.
- Actively participate in a local congregation (not everywhere is an Anabaptist church).
- Actively participate in Semilla’s training/visit spaces.
- Comply with the ethical standards of the local community and partners.
- Promote and maintain fluid communication with the coordinator and associates.
- Deliver and comply with the administrative requirements of CCM Guatemala-El Salvador and the partner within the established timeframes.
- Be proactive in seeking creative strategies for self-care and comprehensive well-being.
- Actively participate in Semilla’s reflection spaces (Curriculum, writings, etc.).
- Be proactive in language learning (Spanish and indigenous Mayan language).
- Attend and support other CCM-related activities (learning tours, communications, team meetings), as needed.
How to apply
To apply, click here: https://mccglobal.my.site.com/MCCJobs/s/vacancy-details?vacancyId=a2SIV0000012awT2AQ