Director of Jacj Cuisi Wildlife Sanctuary

Director of Jacj Cuisi Wildlife Sanctuary

Rurrenabaque, La Paz Department, Bolivia

Are you passionate about wildlife and experienced in leading teams and managing animals? This is an opportunity to put your knowledge and experience to work in support of wildlife rescued from illegal trafficking and other threats.

Comunidad Inti Wara Yassi (CIWY) is looking for a highly motivated and experienced person to take on the role of Director of Jacj Cuisi Wildlife Sanctuary, with availability to join our team as soon as possible. We are looking for someone with experience in wildlife management and team coordination, strong leadership skills, and a willingness and ability to live and work in a remote area of Bolivia.

Introduction

Comunidad Inti Wara Yassi (CIWY) is a Bolivian NGO made up of Bolivian professionals and national and international volunteers. Founded in 1992, CIWY pioneered the environmental movement in Bolivia and is nationally and internationally recognised for its work in wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and protection.

CIWY currently manages two Wildlife Sanctuaries: Jacj Cuisi, in Rurrenabaque, northern La Paz, and Ambue Ari, in Santa Cruz.

Both sanctuaries provide refuge to animals rescued from illegal wildlife trafficking, deforestation, fires, and other threats, working to provide them with appropriate conditions for their welfare and quality of life.

Position Overview

We are looking for a person to take on the Directorship of Jacj Cuisi Wildlife Sanctuary.

The main objective of this role is to ensure the sustainable operation of the sanctuary and contribute to achieving CIWY’s objectives, mission, and vision. The person appointed to the position should demonstrate leadership, initiative, and a strong commitment to wildlife conservation and animal welfare.

The Director will be responsible for coordinating multidisciplinary teams, managing daily operations in a remote environment, overseeing animal welfare, and representing the sanctuary with partners, authorities, and local communities.

The role also requires strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, adaptability, and the ability to foster a working culture based on collaboration, respect, empathy, and commitment to conservation.

Responsibilities

I. Leadership and Strategic Vision

• Communicate CIWY’s and the Sanctuary’s mission, vision, and values to staff, volunteers, donors, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Develop and implement short-, medium-, and long-term strategic plans for the sustainable development and impact of the Sanctuary, in coordination with the President.
• Make informed and timely decisions that contribute to animal welfare, responsible resource management, and the effective operation of the Sanctuary.
• Act as the Sanctuary’s main representative with the media, local authorities, communities, and other relevant stakeholders when appropriate.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and ethical working environment that promotes respect for animals and commitment to CIWY’s mission.

II. Operational Management

• Organise and coordinate Sanctuary staff to ensure that responsibilities are fulfilled, assigning tasks according to operational needs and in coordination with Administration and Area Coordinators.
• Oversee the efficient and safe operation of the different areas of the Sanctuary, in coordination with Administration, Area Coordinators, veterinarians, biologists, construction and maintenance staff, and animal care teams.
• Support the development of a Management Plan for Jacj Cuisi Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Coordinate the acquisition of equipment, materials, tools, and supplies required for the operation of the Sanctuary, in coordination with the President.
• Ensure compliance with the Sanctuary’s internal protocols and regulations and propose updates when necessary to safeguard animal welfare and human safety.
• Participate in the preparation and management of the annual budget, monitor income and expenditure, and contribute to ensuring financial transparency and accountability in coordination with Administration and the President.
• Ensure that Sanctuary facilities are maintained in appropriate and safe conditions for both people and animals. This includes planning repairs, improvements, and new construction in coordination with the relevant staff and Area Coordinators.
• Maintain a good understanding of emergency procedures related to fires, hunters, accidents, animal attacks, escapes, and other potential risks.
• Coordinate with the President and Communications Department regarding ongoing projects at the Sanctuary and communicate potential initiatives that could contribute to its sustainability.
• Coordinate with the President, Finance Department, and/or Communications Department on the preparation and submission of project reports, updates, photographic documentation, and other required materials.
• Organise regular staff meetings to follow up on the different areas and needs of the Sanctuary.
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with local communities and authorities.
• Oversee the management of material resources, ensuring the appropriate use, maintenance, and availability of equipment, tools, vehicles, and supplies, as well as their proper storage, regular inspection, and timely repair.

III. Animal, Staff, and Volunteer Welfare

• Ensure that the physical and psychological welfare of all resident animals remains a fundamental priority in Sanctuary decisions and operations.
• Oversee animal care and management practices to ensure that they are appropriate and consistent with established protocols.
• Work with Administration and Area Coordinators to assess activities, mechanisms, and strategies that contribute to the wellbeing and living conditions of staff and volunteers.
• Promote a respectful, safe, and collaborative working environment for everyone involved in the Sanctuary.

IV. Education and Awareness

• Organise and/or supervise workshops, educational activities, and other outreach initiatives aimed at educating the public and raising awareness about wildlife conservation.
• Strengthen partnerships with schools, universities, and other local educational institutions to promote environmental education and conservation.

Requirements

The successful applicant should have:

• Demonstrated experience in personnel management and solid knowledge of wildlife.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and leadership skills.
• Ideally, previous experience managing wildlife rescue centres, sanctuaries, or other wildlife-related projects.
• Experience working or volunteering with people from different cultural backgrounds and in remote environments; experience in rainforest environments is particularly valued.
• The ability to work under pressure and in difficult, physically demanding conditions with limited resources.
• The ability to improvise, solve problems, and develop new ideas that contribute to the organisation’s operations and objectives.
• Advanced spoken and written Spanish and at least an intermediate level of English.
• The ability to manage, communicate, and work effectively with people of different ages, nationalities, and cultural backgrounds.
• Willingness to adapt to and respect Bolivian laws, regulations, and culture.
• A strong commitment to animal welfare, conservation, and CIWY’s principles and values.

Conditions

Jacj Cuisi Wildlife Sanctuary is located in a remote area of the Bolivian Amazon, in the municipality of San Buenaventura, northern La Paz Department, near Rurrenabaque.

Living conditions are basic, as most available resources are directed towards animal care and Sanctuary operations.

The person appointed to this role will live within the Sanctuary and become part of an international community made up of staff and volunteers from Bolivia and different parts of the world.

The position requires commitment, initiative, adaptability, and the ability to work in an environment with limited financial and material resources. The work can be physically demanding and requires the ability to make decisions, solve problems, and respond effectively to unexpected situations.

In return, this is an opportunity to become directly involved in wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and protection, contributing to improving the lives of animals that have been victims of illegal wildlife trafficking and other threats.

Daily activities will focus on ensuring the effective operation of the Sanctuary, coordinating the team, and maintaining and improving the welfare and quality of life of the animals under our care.

Commitment and Working Hours

The person appointed to this position must commit to a minimum two-year period.

The following leave is provided:

• Two weeks of paid vacation per year.
• One day off per week.
• One additional day off every two months.

The Director is expected to have a high level of availability and responsibility to ensure the proper functioning of the Sanctuary. Working hours may vary from day to day depending on operational needs, emergencies, and Sanctuary activities.

In general, working hours may begin at approximately 7:00 a.m. and continue until 6:00 p.m., including approximately two hours of break time during the day.

The Director must be available to respond to situations requiring their involvement outside regular working hours, including emergencies and other operational needs of the Sanctuary.

Accommodation

The person appointed to this position will live within Jacj Cuisi Wildlife Sanctuary.

Living conditions are basic, as most of CIWY’s resources are directed towards animal care and Sanctuary operations.

Jacj Cuisi has:

• Limited electricity, available mainly in common areas and the clinic.
• Flush toilets.
• Running and filtered water.
• Showers without hot water.
• Limited mobile phone reception, available only at specific points within the Sanctuary.
• Wi-Fi available only in the office area.
• Shared accommodation for volunteers and staff, with bunk beds and basic facilities.

This position includes shared accommodation, with the possibility of having a private room when available. Bathrooms and other common areas are shared.

Bed linen, pillows, and mosquito nets are provided. As temperatures can drop at night, especially during colder periods, bringing a sleeping bag or additional blanket is recommended.

Compensation

CIWY is a non-profit organisation that does not receive government funding. Its activities depend primarily on volunteer contributions and donations.

For this reason, we currently do not have sufficient resources to offer competitive salaries. The successful applicant will receive:

• A monthly stipend of Bs 3,000 (approximately USD 435).
• Accommodation.
• Full meals during their stay at the Sanctuary.

Applicants should also consider additional costs related to:

• Travel to Bolivia and onward travel to the Sanctuary.
• Visa procedures and related costs, where applicable.
• Personal expenses.
• Personal insurance.

Spanish and English