Project Coordinator (Belize and Guatemala Travel Programs)

WHO WE ARE

Global Public Service Academy (GPSA) for Health is an educational organization that works in collaboration with local health authorities in West Virginia, USA, Belize, Guatemala, and Thailand. GPSA was founded with an understanding that young adults can make a difference in the world.

GPSA has two main goals: to collaborate with local clinics and community health workers to determine the health resources and needs of each area; and to provide young adults with a hands-on experience that addresses those needs. To achieve those goals, GPSA offers short-term (1-4 weeks) travel volunteering programs. Our Travel Programs are designed in collaboration with local health authorities. All GPSA staff and volunteers receive healthcare training, work alongside local health workers, and support the health system of underserved areas in a cross-cultural engagement.

THE POSITION

Energetic, on‑site leader needed for the Belize & Guatemala Travel Program. This role is ideal for an independent, mission‑driven professional, BASED IN GUATEMALA OR BELIZE, passionate about health and education, ready to collaborate with local partners and strengthen services in underserved rural communities.

The chosen candidate will be needed for the following:

• • Contract start date: Oct.12, 2026
  • Onboarding: Oct.12-16th, 2026 (half days, virtual, flexible schedule)
  • Logistics planning support: Oct.17 2026 - April.30 2027 (5-10 hours per month, virtual and/or in person, flexible schedule)
  • Travel dates Program 1: Jan.15 2027 - Jan.24th, 2027 in Belize (in person, full time)
  • Travel dates Program 2: March 6-14 in Belize (in person, full time) or March.13 - 20 in Guatemala (in person, full time)
  • Travel dates Program 3 (to be confirmed): March 28-April4 in Belize (in person, full time)
  • Travel dates Program 4: April 10-17 in Guatemala (in person, full time)
  • Contract end date: April.30th, 2027

OVERVIEW

Under the responsibility of the Global Program Manager (GPM), the PC will provide pre-program planning support and on-site leadership for GPSA travel programs in Belize and Guatemala. The GPM oversees strategic planning, partnerships, systems, and escalation management. Conversely, the Project Coordinator (PC) emphasizes the volunteer experience, local logistics, and daily program execution. This encompasses organizing program operations, supporting participants and Project Assistant (PA), interfacing with local community partners, resolving issues on the ground, and promoting safety, high quality, and continuous improvement across GPSA initiatives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Pre-Program Planning: Collaborate with the GPM on program logistics, including scheduling, stakeholder coordination, and risk management, ensuring all materials and emergency protocols are in place.
2. Training & Support: Lead on-site orientations, communicate expectations and safety procedures, and provide ongoing guidance to ensure a respectful, inclusive participant experience.
3. On-Site Coordination: Oversee day-to-day operations, including managing schedules, coordinating with local providers, working with Project Assistant (PA), and troubleshooting logistical or operational issues.
4. Participant Wellbeing: Monitor participant health and safety, address interpersonal conflicts, and manage emergencies in compliance with GPSA policies.
5. Community Engagement: Build and maintain professional relationships with local stakeholders, identify community needs, and support GPSA's commitment to sustainable engagement.
6. Administration & Reporting: Maintain accurate program records, track data and expenses, ensure privacy compliance, and provide timely updates to the GPM.
7. Quality Assurance: Assess program effectiveness, recommend operational improvements, and contribute to post-program reviews to enhance future initiatives.

Performance Expectations

• • Demonstrate strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
  • Communicate proactively and professionally with GPSA staff and local stakeholders.
  • Maintain a high level of professionalism and cultural sensitivity.
  • Respond effectively to changing circumstances and field-based challenges.
  • Prioritize participant safety and wellbeing.
  • Maintain confidentiality and comply with GPSA policies and procedures.
  • Complete deliverables accurately and within agreed timelines.
  • Demonstrate initiative and independence while maintaining regular communication with the GPM.
  • Contribute constructively to the ongoing quality improvement and development of GPSA programs.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

Education and Experience

• • 2+ years of work experience in tourism, education, study abroad programs, health, community service development, international relations or a related field;
  • A university degree in tourism, education, psychology, health, social work or a related field is preferred;
  • Must have a valid national ID and passport (12 months prior to expiration date);
  • Must provide an invoice with national tax ID;
  • Must live in Guatemala or Belize.

Essential Skills

• • Working proficiency in English and Spanish (C level);
  • Ability to work independently, with limited supervision, in a home-based setting;
  • Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills;
  • Excellent communication and reporting skills to effectively communicate/exchange information, discuss issues, gain support and liaise with stakeholders and the team;
  • Ability to integrate the local culture, values, traditions and teachings into the programming;
  • Excellent critical thinking and decision-making skills;
  • Must be flexible;
  • Demonstrated interest in education, tourism, and health.

Desirable Skills

• • Experience managing and leading teams
  • Demonstrated experience working with high school or college students
  • Experience working internationally in health or community development;
  • Demonstrated skills in training;
  • highly responsible
  • Proactive
  • culturally sensitive
  • energetic
  • organized

CONDITIONS:

• • Payment:
  • Logistics planning: 1500-2000 GTQ/month
  • Programs: 500-700 GTQ/day
  • Paid holiday: none
  • All traveling, accommodation and meal expenses are covered while traveling for business purposes.

The contract does not include labor benefits or any other benefits under the Guatemalan

Paid holiday: none

All traveling, accommodation and meal expenses are covered while traveling for business purposes.

The contract does not include labor benefits or any other benefits under the Guatemalan labor code.

Working proficiency (C) in both Spanish and English is a requirement.