Keepers of the Earth Program Coordinator - Preferred countries: Namibia, South Africa and Botswana
Cultural Survival
Operations
USD 14,500-25k / year
Posted on Jun 3, 2025
Job Title: Keepers of the Earth Program Coordinator
Position Level: Coordinator
Program:
Keepers of the Earth Program (KOEF)
Reports to: Keepers of the Earth Program Manager
Work Schedule: Full-time, 35 hours/week
Location: Higly preferably based in Namibia, Botswana, or South Africa
Languages Required: Full fluency in English and French, both written and spoken
OUR MISSION
Cultural Survival is an Indigenous-led NGO and U.S.-registered nonprofit that advocates for Indigenous Peoples' rights and has supported Indigenous communities' self-determination, cultures, and political resilience since 1972. For 53 years, Cultural Survival has partnered with Indigenous communities to advance Indigenous Peoples' rights and cultures worldwide. The core of our efforts rests on supporting, amplifying, and raising awareness of self-determination for Indigenous communities. Cultural Survival has curated a robust network of partnerships with Indigenous communities spanning over 70 countries on six continents. Our work is predicated on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
The qualifications listed below describe our ideal candidate; however, the best candidate might sometimes only fulfill some of the listed criteria. Frequently cited statistics show that women and members of structurally marginalized and underrepresented groups apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. Cultural Survival encourages you to submit your application, even if you don't meet all the qualifications for the position.
We look forward to hearing about your interest in our work.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Keepers of the Earth Program Coordinator is a key team member who supports the strategic implementation and management of grants and youth fellowships aimed at strengthening Indigenous Communities. This person will serve as a liaison between partner organizations and both the Advocacy and Communications teams at Cultural Survival. They will also support partners by accompanying them to international events such as COPs, the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), and regional Indigenous summits. Additionally, this role involves translating documents and facilitating multilingual communication.
The Coordinator works closely with the Keepers of the Earth Program Manager, the team, and the Youth Fellowships team to ensure that program objectives are met and coordinates the selection, implementation, and monitoring of grantees and fellowship projects. This includes reviewing financial and narrative reports, organizing community visits, leading post-visit analysis, and maintaining strong, culturally relevant support for partners.
The Coordinator will help manage the grants database, analyze trends, and share insights with the team and external stakeholders. They will represent Cultural Survival in national and international spaces and coordinate logistical aspects of the program’s travel needs for the region.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Program Support and Partner Coordination
- Coordinate and support the selection and monitoring processes for grantees and fellows, ensuring efficient implementation and accurate documentation at every stage.
- Manage email communication with partners and fellows, providing timely updates and relevant information to the Program Manager.
- Support the facilitation of strategic follow-up meetings with partners and fellows and help assess areas where further assistance may be needed.
- Assist in the design and implementation of community visits and contribute to the preparation of analytic reports.
- Ensure partner and fellows' communication and support are culturally appropriate and sensitive to the local context.
- Serve as a liaison between partners and the Advocacy and Communications teams to support the sharing of information and activities as applicable.
Grants Management
- Support the review and analysis of narrative and financial reports submitted by grantees and fellows, ensuring alignment with program goals and compliance requirements.
- Monitor grant timelines, deliverables, and milestones, and proactively identify any issues or needs that require follow-up or in-person attention.
- Provide guidance and mentorship to partners and fellows during project design and implementation, promoting effective planning and execution.
- Assist in maintaining, updating, and analyzing data within the grants database, contributing to accurate tracking and reporting.
- Collaborate with the Finance team to help ensure compliance with financial and accounting procedures.
Document Management and Translation
- Translate program documents and partner materials between English, French, and Spanish, as applicable, ensuring accuracy and cultural relevance.
- Support the drafting and review of internal and external communications related to grantees and fellows, ensuring clarity, consistency, and alignment with program messaging.
- Prepare written reports based on site visits, events, and activities involving partners or fellow organizations, highlighting key outcomes, observations, and recommendations.
Events and Representation
- Support the logistical coordination and accompany partners and fellows attending international forums, ensuring smooth participation and engagement.
- Represent Cultural Survival at national and international events as needed.
- Contribute ideas and strategies that reflect Indigenous philanthropy and principles of self-determination.
Additional Tasks
- Attend team and organizational meetings, actively contributing to discussions and aligning efforts with program objectives.
- Carry out additional duties as needed to ensure the successful achievement of program goals and objectives.
- Support the Capacity Building program by assisting with the coordination of fellowship projects and related activities.
- Collaborate with other programs on events, material distribution, and related regional activities as needed.
QUALIFICATIONS
Cultural Survival is seeking an organized and proactive individual to join as the Program Coordinator for the Keepers of the Earth Program. The ideal candidate has experience working with Indigenous communities or on community-based initiatives, with a focus on grantmaking, program coordination, or grassroots advocacy. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential, along with the ability to manage multiple tasks and work effectively in a remote environment. Fluency in English and French is required, and proficiency in Spanish or an Indigenous language is a plus. The candidate must be self-motivated, adaptable, and committed to supporting the rights and cultural integrity of Indigenous Peoples.
Required:
- Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience working directly with Indigenous communities or on collaborative community-based initiatives. Experience in grantmaking, program coordination, or grassroots advocacy is strongly preferred.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to manage partner relations, facilitate meetings, and communicate clearly across diverse cultural and linguistic contexts.
- Excellent time management and organizational skills, with the ability to handle multiple projects, prioritize tasks effectively, and meet deadlines in a dynamic, remote work environment.
- Complete fluency in English and French (written and spoken) is required. Proficiency in Spanish or an Indigenous language is a strong asset.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within diverse, cross-functional, and often remote teams. Self-motivation and adaptability are essential.
- Experience with international travel and work in rural or remote settings, ideally in partnership with Indigenous-led initiatives or community-based organizations.
- Reliable home office setup, including consistent internet and access to necessary communication tools, to ensure full participation in virtual meetings and program activities.
- Strong writing and documentation skills, including the ability to draft analytic reports, translate documents, and prepare program updates for internal and external audiences.
- Commitment to Indigenous Peoples’ rights, self-determination, and cultural integrity, demonstrated through prior work, activism, or academic engagement.
WHAT WE OFFER
Cultural Survival provides a competitive compensation package, including:
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance (90% employer-covered for individuals, partners, and families).
- Generous leave policies: 15 vacation days, 14 holidays, 12 sick days, and 3 personal days annually.
- Paid family and parental leave (up to 6 weeks), with additional unpaid leave options.
- Employer-paid life insurance and disability coverage.
- 6% employer match for retirement contributions.
- Partial reimbursement for home internet costs.
- Professional development opportunities, including language courses.
- Participation in our Employee Wellness Program.
SALARY
Cultural Survival’s competitive compensation is adjusted to the cost of living in the applicant’s country of residence. To provide a reference for our compensation model, below is the annual salary range for a Coordinator-level position:
Botswana: USD $14,500 - $17,500
Namibia: USD $14,500 - $17,500
South Africa: $20,000 - $25,000
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates should apply through the link on the CS website, under the "Careers" section, and not via email. The following items are required for the application:
- Cover letter in English addressed to Avex Cojtí, Director of Programs. Please detail how you specifically meet the qualifications for this role and why you are interested in this position. The letter will be evaluated as your writing sample.
- Curriculum vitae (CV) or resume, primarily highlighting your experience with Indigenous communities and community work, and secondarily, academic achievements.
Indigenous candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Cultural Survival is an equal opportunity organization that values inclusive collaboration with consultants and partners. We are committed to fostering a culture where all individuals feel respected, valued, and welcomed. Our team reflects a rich diversity of cultures, perspectives, and worldviews, aligned with our core values of equity, solidarity, mutual respect, and interculturalism. We welcome consultants from all backgrounds, including diverse nations, geographies, races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities, abilities, languages, religions, spiritual traditions, ages, lived experiences, and cosmovisions. If you require reasonable accommodations to participate in the application or contracting process, please contact: hr@culturalsurvival.org.