Within minutes of opening his State of the Union Address last night, President Obama’s speech focused on the economy and job creation.  He mentioned the economy is growing again but that recovery can not only be measured by the profits corporations make.  Progress must also be measured by the quality of life new jobs bring to people.

“We measure progress by the success of our people. By the jobs they can find and the quality of life those jobs offer.”

While President Obama was not specifically referring to Fair Trade, these ideas are what Fair Trade businesses seek to achieve both at home and abroad.  Investing in people is the core of the Fair Trade movement; by ensuring a living wage, safe working conditions and gender equality (among others) Fair Trade businesses demonstrate their commitment to people.

If you share these values, and are currently looking for a job, here are a few sites you might want to check out.

Notable Fair Trade Organizations that keep job boards:

• Fair Trade Federation (FTF member business listings only)
• Fair Trade Resource Network (FT organizational listings)
• Catholic Relief Services
• Equal Exchange
• Fair Trade USA
• Global Crafts
• Peace Coffee
• SERRV International
• Ten Thousand Villages

Notable Fair Trade career opportunities currently available:

• Fair Trade Federation: Executive Director Position

• Global Exchange Fair Trade Sales Associate and Senior Technology Manager

• Ten Thousand Villages has 4 Assistant Manager and 1 Manager positions within their Company Stores located in: Bethesda, MD, Charlottesville, VA (Manager and Assistant Manager), Red Bank, NJ, South Windsor, CT and 2 Positions available at their headquarters in Akron, PA: Marketing Manager: Retail and Brand Strategy and Sales Trainer

• Got a knack for Sales?  Check out these Sales Rep opportunities: Global Crafts, Imani Workshops, WorldFinds, World Shoppe.

It is also worth pointing out that there are many other unique jobs available, such as: English Language Instructors, Bike Delivery People, Baristas, Card Designers, and WordPress Web Developers.

Whether you are seeking employment, or looking to gain experience volunteering, working with a Fair Trade organization can enrich your life, as well as the lives of those who produce our goods.

Best of luck to all job-seekers!

Know of any other Fair Trade jobs?  Do share.