Senior Program Coordinator – Chiang Mai, Thailand

Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand

Reporting to: Program Manager

Start Date: ASAP

About GVI

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At GVI, we’re driven by the desire to make a positive impact on our planet and its people. Our dedicated teams are actively working to address global challenges and together, we leverage a diverse set of specialised skills to pursue a shared vision: fostering a brighter and more sustainable future for all.

We offer award-winning conservation and community development programs in 13 countries, all aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and led by our teams and experts from the communities we operate in.

We value passion, authenticity and innovation, and we treat each other with respect. But we can do better than words to show you who we are! To see what it’s really like to work for GVI: 

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About the role 

The GVI Chiang Mai Base is one of our key operations, where volunteers and staff work together on projects that support local communities, wildlife, and the environment in northern Thailand. We work closely with a pakinyaw/Karen Village that has had a long lasting relationship with asian elephants. Our program has 3 main focus areas, collecting conservation data on semi wild asian elephants, surveying and producing studies on the wild lar gibbon population surrounding Huay Pakkoot along with other biodiversity survey aspects, and running a sustainable English teaching and community development program in the village.

The Senior Program Coordinator at GVI Chiang Mai will be responsible for supporting the day-to-day operations of the base, ensuring that our projects run smoothly, and that volunteers and staff have a positive and enriching experience and  progressing the program in all areas. This role requires a highly organized, proactive, and dynamic individual who is passionate about making a difference, supporting a small team, and stepping up as acting program manager in the event of the PMs absence.

Role and responsibilities:

• Team Management & Staff Support
  • Assist in the supervision and training of base staff and volunteers.
  • Being the authoritative team member during the Program Managers absence.
  • Support the Program Manager in ensuring all staff roles and responsibilities are clear and well-executed.
  • Ensure that communication within the team is effective, and that issues or concerns are addressed in a timely manner.
  • Promote a positive, inclusive, and supportive work environment.
• Volunteer Coordination & Support
  • Oversee the daily operations of volunteer programs.
  • Assist with the orientation, training, and ongoing development of volunteers and interns.
  • Monitor and assess volunteers and interns throughout their program duration having the highest duty of care.
  • Organise and lead both conservation and community activities.
  • Provide first aid in emergency situations
  • Advise and lead individuals or groups of volunteers on safety and emergency measures and techniques.
• Project Aspects
  • Ensure the successful implementation and delivery of the gibbon and biodiversity conservation program.
  • Manage databases, ensure a high standard of data collection, and expand the impact of project databases.
  • Take on english teaching responsibilities with the local community program ensuring the activities are all carried out.
  • Help maintain high standards of safety, sustainability, and ethical practices in all project activities.
• Operational Management
  • Assist the Program Manager with logistical planning, including accommodation, transportation, and supplies in a proactive manner.
  • Finding solutions to project barriers.
  • Ensure the base structure is maintained with DIY solutions if necessary.
  • Sharing financial management of the base’s budget with the Program Manager, ensuring efficient use of funding.
  • Ensure compliance with local laws, GVI policies, and health and safety regulations.
  • Assist with the management of communications with GVI head office and partner organisations.
• Guest and Stakeholder Relations
  • Build and maintain positive relationships with the local community and partners.
  • Represent GVI at external events and in interactions with local authorities or collaborators.
  • Ensure that the base maintains a good reputation in the local community.

Requirements

• Essential
  • Previous experience in a management or supervisory role, preferably in a volunteer, NGO, or field-based setting.
  • Strong leadership, team-building, and communication skills.
  • Highly organized with the ability to multitask and prioritize tasks in a dynamic environment.
  • Proven ability to work effectively in a non english speaking environment and to be adaptable in changing circumstances.
  • Strong problem-solving abilities and a proactive attitude.
  • Passion for community development, conservation, and making a positive impact.
  • Fluency in English (both written and spoken).
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a diverse team.
  • High physical capacity and ability to lead or participate in hikes, camping, and other physical activities on a daily basis.
• Desirable
  • Experience working with volunteers or in a project management capacity.
  • Knowledge of sustainability practices and ethical tourism.
  • First Aid and/or safety training certification.
  • Experience working in field research or preparing field data.

Working & Living Conditions 

• The Senior Program Coordinator will be based in the village of Huay Pakkoot which is located 3-4 hours away from Chiang Mai city. The village is based in the northern mountains of Thailand and has a population of around 350 people.
• The role will involve irregular working hours, including weekends and evenings.
• A local homestay and meals are provided on-site with the option for self-catering available.
• No hot water is available and power cuts can occur from time to time.

Benefits

Here’s what our global team enjoys:

• Collaborative, flexible culture
• Transparency – hear directly from the CEO consistently
• Leadership development
• In-house counselling support
• Growth opportunities across our 17 locations!

Package includes:

• Monthly salary
• Accommodation
• Food
• Visa costs (if applicable)
• Emergency medical and travel insurance

To apply

Please send your CV along with a cover letter stating why you feel you would be best suited to this position at GVI.

Not quite ticking all the boxes for our current vacancies just yet? Explore our internship openings here for the perfect stepping stone toward a career in sustainable development.

Please note: We will do our utmost to respond to all applicants, however, given the large volume of applications we receive, this isn’t always possible. If you do not hear back from us within three to four weeks, please take it that on this occasion your application was unsuccessful.