Looking for a summer role in Latin America? Find out more about joining AMIGOS project staff!
AMIGOS project staff are the young professionals who lead our programming in the countries where we operate. In 2026, we are operating open-enrollment projects in Panama, Costa Rica, Paraguay, and the Dominican Republic.
This is more than a job; it is a leadership experience that tests you both personally and professionally. It will make you grow in ways you did not even think possible. AMIGOS project staff roles prepare you for a future in any career field, equipped with soft and hard skills. We hope that you accept the challenge to step out of your comfort zone and join the AMIGOS family.
All of the roles on our project staff teams are critical to the success of the projects. Each role serves a specific purpose. See the Job Descriptions for more information.
Project Staff Team (PST)
The Project Director, Associate Project Director, and Project Supervisors all form part of the project staff team. They work closely together to facilitate an enriching program for the volunteers. Project Supervisors are not part of the senior staff team. All PST members are part of the broader AMIGOS summer teams. While members are assigned to a certain project, they may be moved to a different project at any point during the cycle. We look at our team holistically and arrange the teams in a way that all teams are set up for success.
Senior Staff Team (SST)
The senior staff team is comprised of two roles: Project Director and Associate Project Director. These two team members work really closely together to lead the team of supervisors. They both arrive to the project site on the same day. See below for the differences in the roles.
The PD leads the show. They work closely with their direct supervisor (DS) to implement and evaluate a meaningful project for our youth participants and local partners. The PD manages the team, mentors fellow staff members, and provides general oversight of the project. They ensure day-to-day tasks are complete and that students and staff are safe and healthy. They also manage the use of funds and ensure ethical spending. They form part of senior staff.
The PD and APD will arrive on site the same day, one week in advance of project supervisor arrival. Together they will spend some in person time with their direct supervisor (DS) doing in person training and a handoff of the project information. They will then spend a few days traveling to the project areas to meet our partners in person and conduct host family visits and training.
Logistics: The PD start dates vary based on the project. Make sure to review the chart of dates for the projects. Prior to arrival in-country the PD will complete asynchronous training, live virtual trainings, meetings with DS, local partners, team members, and independent work time. See more in the training section for details. They arrive to the project site 12-28 days before volunteer arrival. From start to finish of the contract period all lodging, food, and transport for project purposes are covered by AMIGOS.
The APD is part of senior staff along with the PD. They share the responsibility of leading the team alongside the PD. On some projects, the APD will also directly mentor volunteers. This is a great entry role to serving on AMIGOS senior staff. The APD will be responsible for the overall budget reporting: ethically spending money and tracking funds, coordinating with partners and service providers, and facilitating activities.
Logistics: The APD will complete online training, both asynchronous and live sessions and attend a few meetings prior to arrival. Depending on the project modality, they will support with initial planning. They arrive to the project site 12-28 days before volunteer arrival. Their lodging and food are covered for the entirety of their contract period with AMIGOS.
This PSup position is focused on two main things: mentoring/supporting volunteers and facilitating program activities. They will assist with health and safety monitoring and will directly support volunteers. Their full focus is the volunteers and ensuring they have a safe and enjoyable learning experience. They also collaborate on project evaluation and ongoing paperwork. Depending on the project structure, they may support with some logistics, planning, and facilitating training activities.
Logistics: The Psups will complete online training. They arrive to the project 6-16 days before volunteer arrival. Their lodging and food are covered for the entirety of their contract period with AMIGOS.
Traditional Programs: On a traditional model program (DR 4-week and Paraguay 6-week), the psups will be spending 4 nights a week in rural communities with a host family and 3 nights a week in the staff house in the staff city. It is a role that requires a love of nature, hiking, and adventure since you will be traveling from one community to another every weekday. There may be more limited access to running water, electricity, and other amenities.
Group Travel Programs: On group travel programs, staff will be with the group at all times. They will be sleeping in the same lodging site as volunteers or staying with a host family. It is a role that requires a love of group activities, nature, and socializing.
You are part of a team as a member of project staff. You have your individual project team, the country team, and the broader AMIGOS team. Everyone should be working towards the success of all projects. This means that you may need to take on new or different responsibilities at different points in the summer.
Some things all project staff should be prepared for:
The AMIGOS Standards of Conduct are an integral part of building and growing leadership skills. Their primary purpose is to help keep volunteers and project staff safe. The project staff’s adherence to the Standards of Conduct is the primary way that AMIGOS works towards ensuring their health and well-being during the program and positive interactions with partners. The Standards of Conduct come from many years of experience and recommendations.
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At AMIGOS, we do our best to be professional, culturally appropriate, and respectful. As such, we follow a professional code of conduct and dress code for volunteers and Project Staff.
During your time as a staff member or as a volunteer, you are representing yourself, the values and mission of AMIGOS, our partner organizations, and your country. It is necessary to present yourself appropriately and professionally throughout your participation with AMIGOS. The way you present yourself is a crucial part of collaborating cross-culturally in local communities and with partner agencies, as such please follow the guidelines below that apply to all genders.
Consider the versatility of your clothing choices as packing space is limited. There is a specific packing list in the Project Information Packet (PIP). As a project staff member, you are a role model for the volunteers, you will not be allowed to wear clothing that does not meet the guidelines above.
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At AMIGOS, we do our best to be professional, culturally appropriate, and respectful. As such, we follow a professional code of conduct and dress code for volunteers and Project Staff.
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Being a member of Project Staff is immensely rewarding and it is a challenging experience. It is important for you to take the following into consideration:
* Please note that non-U.S. citizens or non-U.S residents project staff may not be paid to a U.S. bank account.
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If you want to make a lot of money this summer, this is not the job for you. However, serving on AMIGOS project staff provides skill-building and professional development opportunities that are unparalleled in addition to some perks!
* Exceptions apply.
Soft skills are non-technical skills that relate to how you work. They include how you interact with colleagues, how you solve problems, and how you manage your work. (1) These are not only job skills but life skills that will help you succeed both personally and professionally.
(1) https://www.thebalancemoney.com/what-are-soft-skills-2060852
Hard skills are objective, quantifiable skills gained through training, school, or work experiences. Hard skills are often usually something that can be taught or learned.
While being on project staff may not be your typical job, it will provide you with lifelong skills, an amazing community of people, and the chance to visit new places.
We are hiring on a rolling basis this year. All dates are tentative and subject to slightly change. The earlier you apply the better—spots will fill up! We are hiring for all roles. The early you apply to be a Project Supervisor, the more likely you will get a role.
All positions are posted on our website! Click here.
