Program Assistant - Remote in Botswana
Cultural Survival
USD 10,500-12,300 / year
Posted on Mar 7, 2026
Job Title: Program Assistant, Africa Region (Botswana)
Position Level: Assistant
Location: Botswana (required)
Department / Program: Interprogrammatic - Africa Regional Team
Reports to: Shaldon Ferris, Team Leader - Africa Region
Schedule Type: Full-Time, 35 Hours/Week
OUR MISSION
Cultural Survival is an Indigenous-led NGO and U.S.-registered nonprofit advocating for Indigenous Peoples' rights and supporting Indigenous communities' self-determination, cultures, and political resilience since 1972. We partner with Indigenous communities to advance their rights and cultures worldwide, guided by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). For 53 years, our mission has focused on supporting, amplifying efforts, and raising awareness of self-determination for Indigenous communities. Our work spans over 70 countries across six continents.
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.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Program Assistant, Africa Region is a member of Cultural Survival’s Africa Regional Team in Botswana and provides structured operational and administrative support across regional capacity-building initiatives, grantmaking processes, and collaboration with advocacy and communications efforts.
This role focuses on coordinating logistics, maintaining documentation and tracking systems, supporting community engagement processes, and assisting collaboration between the Africa Regional Team and Global Teams. The Assistant works under the supervision of the Regional Team Leader and in coordination with the Regional Coordinator to support effective, organized, and culturally grounded regional implementation.
Familiarity with the Botswana context and Indigenous communities in the region is strongly valued.
WHAT SUCCESS IN THIS ROLE LOOKS LIKE
- Regional workshops, gatherings, and capacity-building opportunities are well organized and supported.
- Grantmaking processes run smoothly with clear documentation and communication with applicants.
- Regional program activities are documented and shared effectively with the Global Teams.
- Indigenous community partners experience respectful, organized, and reliable collaboration with Cultural Survival.
STATUS AND LOCATION
Full-time (35 hrs/week), position based in Botswana. The successful candidate must reside in Botswana to ensure alignment with local context and community relationships.
LANGUAGE SKILLS REQUIRED
High proficiency in English, spoken and written, is required. Proficiency in Setswana is preferred. Proficiency in other local Indigenous languages, such as Naro, Juǀʼhoansi, and Khoekhoegowab, is a significant advantage.
Experience in document translation and interpretation is highly valued.
RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE
Capacity Building Support
- Support regional capacity-building initiatives with Indigenous communities and organizations in Botswana and the region.
- Assist in organizing and coordinating workshops, training sessions, community gatherings, and other regional capacity-building opportunities.
- Provide logistical and documentation support for materials developed by program staff.
- Support communication and follow-up with community participants under supervision.
- Assist in tracking implementation activities and maintaining related records.
Regional Grantmaking Support
- Provide administrative and coordination support for regional grantmaking processes.
- Maintain organized grant application records, tracking systems, and related documentation.
- Support communication with applicants under supervision.
- Assist in organizing internal review meetings and preparing requested summaries or materials.
- Ensure grant files and reporting documentation are complete and up to date.
- The Program Assistant does not hold decision-making authority over grant allocations.
Advocacy Support
- Support regional collaboration related to advocacy efforts for Indigenous rights in Botswana and Southern Africa.
- Assist in monitoring policy developments and compiling relevant background information.
- Support coordination of advocacy-related meetings and activities.
- Attend advocacy meetings and events in a support capacity, including note-taking and documentation.
- Assist in preparing draft materials and summaries under supervision.
Communications
- Support the development and dissemination of communications materials, including reports, newsletters, social media content, and regional updates.
- Document regional program activities through photography, video, and written summaries.
- Assist in preparing content for Cultural Survival’s website and social media platforms in coordination with the Global Communications Team.
- Ensure communications materials accurately reflect Indigenous perspectives and regional context under guidance.
Administration, Coordination, and Logistics
- Provide administrative support to regional program activities, including scheduling meetings, taking notes, and managing correspondence.
- Maintain organized records of regional program activities, partnerships, grantmaking processes, and communications.
- Update and maintain databases and contact lists.
- Support budget tracking and expense documentation under supervision.
- Assist with translation, editing, and proofreading of documents.
- Support planning and coordination of regional events, workshops, site visits, and meetings.
- Arrange travel logistics for regional staff and community partners as needed.
- Provide logistical support to ensure the organized and timely execution of activities.
Community Engagement Support
- Support the Regional Team in maintaining communication with Indigenous communities and partners.
- Assist in organizing community consultations and gatherings.
- Maintain records of outreach and engagement activities.
Other General Responsibilities
- Attend team and organizational meetings in a support capacity.
- Collaborate with regional and global team members on shared tasks.
- Reflect and promote the organization’s values, including teamwork, trust, collaboration, equity, humility, accountability, solidarity, and mutual respect.
- Perform other related tasks as assigned in alignment with the Assistant-level scope of responsibility.
- Ensure that all work is culturally respectful and relevant to the communities served.
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience and Knowledge
- 1–3 years of experience in an administrative, program support, or community-based role within an NGO, community organization, or similar setting.
- Familiarity with the social, cultural, and political context affecting Indigenous Peoples in Botswana and a commitment to learning from and working respectfully with Indigenous communities.
- Experience supporting events, workshops, community engagement activities, or grant-related processes is an asset.
- Understanding of Indigenous rights, human rights, or social justice principles is preferred.
- Experience with documentation, record keeping, or database management is an advantage.
- Lived experience within Indigenous communities, traditional knowledge, or community leadership experience may be considered valuable qualifications alongside formal professional experience.
Skills and Competencies:
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Clear and respectful written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Proficiency in Setswana and/or Naro, Khoekhoegowab, Juǀʼhoansi, or other Indigenous languages is highly valued.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural and community-centered environment.
- Ability to follow established processes and complete tasks with reliability and accuracy.
- Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines under supervision.
- Commitment to culturally respectful engagement and confidentiality when handling sensitive information.
- Ability to work effectively in a remote or distributed team environment.
Technical and Operational Requirements:
- Access to a suitable and private home office environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
- Familiarity with virtual meeting platforms such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
- Basic familiarity with social media or content preparation tools is an asset.
- Ability to work independently within assigned tasks and seek guidance when needed.
- Ability to travel domestically within Botswana and occasionally regionally as required.
WHAT WE OFFER
- Competitive salary based on other local nonprofit organizations in Botswana.
- Although this position is primarily office-based, it may require travel within Botswana and the region with prior notice throughout the year.
- 15 paid vacation days, 14 paid holidays, 12 paid sick days, and 3 personal days per year.
- Health insurance covered 90% by Cultural Survival.
- Participation in the Cultural Survival Employee Wellness Program.
- Life insurance.
- Retirement benefits (up to 6%), parental and family leave, an excellent collaborative work environment, meaningful work, and professional development opportunities.
SALARY
Cultural Survival’s competitive compensation is adjusted to the cost of living in the applicant’s country of residence. Below is the annual salary range for an Assistant-level position in Botswana:
Botswana: $10,500 – $12,300 USD per year
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates should apply via the link on the CS website, under the "Careers" section, and not via email. Applications sent via email will not be considered. The following items are required for the application:
- A cover letter in English addressed to Shaldon Ferris, Team Leader - Africa Region: Detail why you are interested in the position of Program Assistant, Africa Region, and explain how you meet the posted requirements for this role. The letter will be evaluated as your writing sample.
- Curriculum vitae (CV) or resume.
Position open until filled.
Candidates from Indigenous communities and those with lived experience working alongside Indigenous Peoples in Botswana and Southern Africa are strongly encouraged to apply.
Cultural Survival is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to developing and keeping a culture where employees feel valued and appreciated. Our diverse team represents an array of cultures and ways of understanding the world in line with our organizational values of Equity, Solidarity, Respect, and Interculturalism. We welcome a team that brings a diversity of nations, geography, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, ability, language, religion, spirituality, age, experiences, viewpoints, and cosmovision. If you require a reasonable accommodation request to apply, please send an email to: hr@culturalsurvival.org