VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: Eco-Label Smartphone App Developer

My Sustainable Canada is a not-for-profit environmental organization dedicated to increasing the sustainable consciousness of Canadian consumers and purchasers. One way in which consumers can identify environmentally preferable products or services is by looking for an ‘eco-label’ (a.k.a. environmental or sustainability label/certification) on product labels or packaging. Eco-labels are numerous, and their differentiating attributes can be confusing to understand. Popular examples include ENERGY STAR, Canada Organic, and Fairtrade Certified.

We are seeking a Volunteer Smartphone App Developer to help us create an eco-label search database to help consumers quickly and easily learn about eco-labels and make better informed purchasing decisions. The app will be provided free-of-charge to as wide a user-base as possible. The successful applicant will be an individual or small team desiring to promote environmentally preferable purchasing practices, with the knowledge and ability to create a user-friendly smartphone application that succeeds in this purpose. The developer will be relied on to communicate and collaborate with My Sustainable Canada, provide timely status updates, and proactively identify challenges or opportunities. Time requirements can be flexible and will be discussed with My Sustainable Canada during an interview.

My Sustainable Canada operates out of Kitchener. For more information on the work we do, please visit our (work-in-progress) website at www.MySustainableCanada.org.

Volunteer Benefits:

• Your name(s) on a nationally disseminated smartphone application
• Knowledge that you are helping to promote better purchasing practices and reduce negative environmental impacts
• Experience applying your skills towards a ‘real-world’ project with measurable results
• Development of leadership skills
• Reference(s) for future employment opportunities

My Sustainable Canada Benefits:

• Our organization promoted directly to consumers across Canada and potentially abroad
• Potential future business leads and partnerships through generated interest in the app
• Contributes to fulfilling our mission and purpose as an environmental not-for-profit organization

Skills:

• Proven ability to develop smartphone applications for Android and/or iOS; ability to program for additional platforms (i.e. Blackberry OS, Windows) is an asset.
• Intermediate knowledge of programming fundamentals; skilled in areas relating to databases, search functions, user interfaces.
• Comfortable discussing progress and project requirements with non-tech-savvy clients
• Leadership skills; ability to take the initiative and work independently
• Time management skills necessary for balancing volunteer work with school/employment
• Knowledge of the process involved in disseminating/marketing smartphone apps is an asset