Keepers of the Earth Program Assistant— Preferred countries: Brazil, Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe, Equatorial Guinea
Cultural Survival
USD 12,500-15k / year
Posted on Jul 15, 2025
Job Title: Keepers of the Earth Program Assistant
Position Level: Assistant
Location: Remote— with preference in Brazil, Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe, Equatorial Guinea
Department / Program: Keepers of the Earth Fund (KOEF)
Reports to: Keepers of the Earth Program Manager
Schedule Type: Full-Time, 35 Hours/Week
OUR MISSION
Cultural Survival is an Indigenous-led, U.S.-registered nonprofit organization that advocates for the rights of Indigenous Peoples and has supported the self-determination, cultures, and political resilience of Indigenous communities since 1972. For 53 years, Cultural Survival has partnered with Indigenous communities to advance the rights and cultures of Indigenous Peoples 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).
We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous individuals and members of structurally marginalized groups. Studies show that candidates from underrepresented backgrounds often hesitate to apply unless they meet all the requirements. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t match every listed qualification, we still want to hear from you.
POSITION SUMMARY
We’re looking for a detail-oriented, systems-minded Keepers of the Earth Program Assistant to join our team. In this role, you’ll support our grantmaking and program implementation processes across Indigenous communities worldwide—working hand-in-hand with staff, grantee partners, and allies.
Your contributions will strengthen grassroots Indigenous leadership and help ensure communities have the tools, resources, and autonomy to advance their self-determined goals. You’ll assist with contract processing, travel logistics, database management, meeting scheduling, and cross-team coordination. You’ll also play a key role in grant tracking, documentation, and communications. This is an opportunity to grow within a values-driven, multicultural team that centers care, trust, and collective learning.
STATUS AND LOCATION
Full-time (35 hours per week), remote position primarily targeting Brazil, Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Equatorial Guinea.
LANGUAGE SKILLS REQUIRED
Strong spoken and written English skills are required. Proficiency in either French or Portuguese is also required. Fluency in an Indigenous language is a strong asset, though not mandatory.
Experience in document translation and interpretation is a valuable asset.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Administrative & Program Support
- Assist in preparing and processing contracts, grant agreements, and amendments in coordination with program and finance teams.
- Conduct due diligence on grantee partners, including checks against the sanctions list.
- Coordinate calendars, meetings, and agendas across multiple time zones to ensure seamless scheduling.
- Take clear, action-focused notes during program meetings and help track follow-up items to ensure adequate progress.
- Maintain organized and confidential files for grant documentation, reports, and records.
- Coordinate travel and logistics for site visits and events.
Inter-Program Grantmaking Support
- Support the grant lifecycle: from intake and review to follow-up and final reporting.
- Maintain communication with applicants and grantees via email, WhatsApp, or phone.
- Track and follow up on narrative and financial report submissions.
- Assist in internal grant review processes (sorting, scoring, summarizing).
- Review grantee reports and collaborate with program and finance teams to clarify gaps.
Data & Information Management
- Maintain and update the Keepers of the Earth Fund (KOEF) grant database and other program databases, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
- Tag and track thematic, geographic, and timeline data for internal reporting.
- Support the generation of program dashboards and reports for strategic planning.
Cross-Team Collaboration
- Provide logistical and administrative support to other program teams as needed.
- Support the preparation of communications materials, such as newsletters and presentations.
- Help ensure respectful and inclusive communication across languages and cultures.
Organizational Participation
- Participate in team meetings, cross-program working groups, and organizational retreats.
- Contribute to process improvements that reflect Indigenous values and promote self-determination.
- Demonstrate Cultural Survival’s values—equity, humility, solidarity, and mutual respect.
- Attend and represent Cultural Survival in team and organization-wide meetings.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
- At least 2 years of experience in a nonprofit or administrative support role.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Proficiency in English or Spanish and either Portuguese or French.
- Comfortable with remote work and international coordination.
- Experience with databases, spreadsheets, and digital file management.
- Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to draft clear, structured documents.
- Experience coordinating international travel and providing logistical support.
- Willingness and ability to travel to rural or remote communities as part of program activities.
Preferred
- Previous experience in grantmaking or contract processing.
- Experience supporting Indigenous-led initiatives or working in cross-cultural teams.
- Strong understanding of the issues, contexts, and lived experiences affecting Indigenous Peoples across different regions.
- Familiarity with fieldwork logistics or supporting grassroots organizations.
- Demonstrated ability to give and receive feedback constructively and with cultural awareness.
- Confident public speaker with the ability to support or lead presentations.
- Basic document translation skills (English ↔ Spanish, Portuguese, or French).
- Fluency in an Indigenous language is a strong plus.
Technical Requirements
- A reliable internet connection and a home office setup.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
- Comfortable using Zoom, Google Meet, and other virtual tools.
- Willingness to learn new digital systems and platforms as needed.
Additional Attributes
- Self-motivated with a proactive approach to work; able to take initiative on tasks and suggest improvements to systems or workflows.
WHAT WE OFFER
We offer a remote-first work environment grounded in care, flexibility, and balance. Our team operates across borders and time zones, and we’re committed to supporting one another while staying rooted in shared purpose.
In addition to competitive, locally aligned salaries, we provide:
- Generous paid time off: 15 vacation days, 14 holidays, 12 sick days, and 3 personal days per year.
- Health insurance coverage (90% covered by Cultural Survival).
- Additional benefits include life insurance, family and parental leave, retirement matching up to 6%, participation in our staff wellness program, and professional development opportunities.
- Occasional in-person meetings or retreats, with advance notice.
SALARY
Cultural Survival’s salary offer 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 in USD for an Assistant-level position in various countries:
Brazil: $12,500 – $15,000
Angola: $10,000 – $12,000
Cape Verde: $10,400 – $12,400
Guinea-Bissau: $8,500 – $10,500
Mozambique: $10,400 – $12,400
São Tomé and Príncipe: $8,800 – $10,500
Equatorial Guinea: $10,400 – $12,400
Final salary will be commensurate with experience and adapted to local living costs.
We believe in work grounded in care, reciprocity, and long-term relationships. If this role resonates with your background and values, we’d love to hear from you.
HOW TO APPLY
We invite interested candidates to apply through the link available on our website under the “Jobs” section. Please note that we are only able to consider applications submitted through the online portal; applications sent by email will not be reviewed.
To apply, please submit the following:
- A cover letter in English or Spanish, addressed to Avexnim Cojtí, Interim Keepers of the Earth Program Manager. Your letter should share why you are interested in the Keepers of the Earth Program Assistant role and how your experience aligns with the requirements. This letter will serve as your writing sample.
- Your curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé.
We anticipate keeping this position open through August 15, 2025; however, the posting may close earlier if a sufficient number of qualified applications is received. We encourage interested applicants to submit their materials as soon as possible for full consideration.
🌍 Our Commitment to Inclusion
Cultural Survival is an Indigenous-led global organization grounded in respect, intercultural dialogue, and collective care. We’re committed to building a team that reflects the diversity, wisdom, and worldviews of the communities we walk alongside. We welcome applications from individuals of all nations, identities, spiritual traditions, languages, ages, and life journeys. If you require support or accommodations at any stage of the process, please contact us at hr@culturalsurvival.org. We’re here to support you.