VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

Introduction

Comunidad Inti Wara Yassi (CIWY) is a Bolivian non-governmental organization founded in 1992, composed of Bolivian and international professionals and volunteers committed to wildlife conservation. CIWY was a pioneer in Bolivia’s environmental movement and is nationally and internationally recognized for its work in rescuing, rehabilitating, and providing lifelong care to wild animals rescued from illegal trafficking, habitat loss, and environmental disasters.

CIWY currently manages three wildlife sanctuaries in Bolivia: Machía in Cochabamba, Ambue Ari in Santa Cruz, and Jacj Cuisi near Rurrenabaque in the Bolivian Amazon. The organization’s work is grounded in ethical wildlife management, long-term commitment to animal welfare, and strong collaboration with local communities.

Overview of Jacj Cuisi Sanctuary

Jacj Cuisi Sanctuary is located deep in the Amazon rainforest near Rurrenabaque, in northern Bolivia, bordering Madidi National Park, one of the most biodiverse protected areas in the world. The sanctuary specializes in the rescue, care, and rehabilitation of New World primates, with the objective of continuously improving animal welfare and providing conditions as close as possible to their natural habitat.

Currently, Jacj Cuisi is home to approximately 100 New World primates, including capuchin monkeys, squirrel monkeys, spider monkeys, and white-fronted capuchins. These primates are managed under different systems adapted to their species and individual needs, including traditional enclosures with tunnels, runner systems that allow extended movement, and semi-free or controlled-release systems in which primates move through the forest while their health and diet are closely monitored.

The sanctuary operates in a remote environment with limited resources, requiring strong teamwork, adaptability, and a high level of commitment from staff and volunteers.

Job Description

The Volunteer Coordinator plays a key role in the daily functioning of Jacj Cuisi Sanctuary by organizing, supervising, and supporting the volunteer program that sustains much of the sanctuary’s work. This position requires a highly organized, responsible, and people-oriented individual who can manage volunteers in a challenging Amazonian environment while ensuring high standards of animal welfare, safety, and ethical conduct.

The Volunteer Coordinator works closely with the area coordinators, veterinary and biology teams, and administration to ensure that volunteer activities are aligned with primate welfare priorities and sanctuary needs. The role combines leadership, communication, problem-solving, and on-the-ground supervision, and requires flexibility, emotional intelligence, and a strong commitment to conservation ethics.

Key Responsibilities

The Volunteer Coordinator’s main responsibilities include:

• Organizing and leading the arrival of new staff members, volunteers, and interns, as well as their induction and integration, ensuring they understand sanctuary rules, safety protocols, animal welfare standards, and daily routines.
• Planning, assigning, and supervising daily volunteer tasks according to sanctuary priorities, animal care schedules, and volunteer capacities.
• Supervising the work of volunteer’s performance in camp tasks, identifying new needs and activities.
• Monitoring the physical and emotional well-being of volunteers, identifying signs of stress, fatigue, or conflict, and responding appropriately.
• Acting as the primary point of contact for volunteer concerns, questions, or interpersonal issues.
• Coordinating closely with the direction, administration, coordinators, veterinarians, biologists to support primate care, veterinary procedures, special treatments, and emergency situations.
• Maintaining accurate records of volunteer arrivals, departures, schedules, and assigned areas.
• Organizing activities outside of work areas to improve the volunteer experience and strengthen a positive community environment.
• Supporting educational activities when necessary.
• Documenting volunteer activities and community experiences through photos and short videos, either directly or by coordinating volunteers, ensuring that all content follows CIWY’s ethical guidelines and animal welfare standards, and working in coordination with the Communications Direction to support outreach and documentation needs.
• Identifying areas for improvement within the volunteer program and proposing practical solutions to administration.

Accommodation

The position is based at Jacj Cuisi Sanctuary, located in a remote area of the Amazon rainforest, within one of the world’s most biodiverse ecoregions and bordering Madidi National Park. You will live in an international community alongside volunteers and Bolivian staff from around the world, collaborating as a team and sharing daily responsibilities.

Accommodation is basic and shared, with rooms for 2 to 8 people, straw mattresses, and shared bathrooms and cold-water showers. Sheets, a pillow, and a mosquito net are provided, but bringing a sleeping bag, boots, and a personal lock is recommended.

The sanctuary has a dining area and kitchen, primarily used by kitchen staff to prepare three daily vegetarian meals adapted to the Bolivian social and cultural context (mainly carbohydrate-based). Volunteers and staff do not have personal access to the oven or cooking equipment.

Electricity is limited but available for charging devices in rooms and common areas. Wi-Fi is available in the office, and mobile data signal can be accessed in certain areas of the sanctuary.

Volunteers and staff members spend their free time in a hammock lounge where staff and volunteers can rest, or in a river running through the sanctuary, or in “Laguna Verde” (a private laguna near the Sanctuary).

Experience and Skills

The Volunteer Coordinator should demonstrate a strong commitment to wildlife conservation and the ethical management of rescued animals, as well as the capacity to lead and support volunteers in a demanding and remote environment.

Required Experience and Skills

• Proven experience working with volunteers or teams in conservation, environmental, social, or community-based projects.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills, with the ability to plan activities, manage schedules, and supervise teams effectively.
• Excellent communication skills in English and Spanish, both written and spoken, to work with international volunteers and local staff.
• Ability to work independently, take responsibility, and make decisions in a context of limited resources.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, and the ability to foster a positive and respectful community environment.
• Physical and psychological fitness to work long hours in tropical conditions, including heat, humidity, rain, and uneven terrain.
• Clear understanding of and commitment to animal welfare, safety protocols, and ethical conservation practices.

Desirable Experience and Skills

• At least one year of experience working in wildlife sanctuaries, conservation projects, or similar field-based environments.
• Previous experience coordinating volunteer programs in wildlife rescue or primate-focused sanctuaries.
• Experience living and working in remote or rural environments, particularly in tropical or Amazonian regions.
• Basic skills in photography and video recording for documentation and outreach purposes.
• Experience working in multicultural and international team environments.

Work Conditions

The Volunteer Coordinator works in a physically and emotionally demanding environment that requires flexibility, resilience, and adaptability. The position involves outdoor work in tropical conditions, including heat, humidity, rain, and insects.

The regular work schedule is from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with one hour for breakfast and one and a half hours for lunch. Work is 6 days a week, with one day off. However, consider that these schedules can change depending on needs and emergencies.

Financial Agreement

The position is offered under a fixed-term agreement, with conditions aligned to CIWY’s internal policies. The agreement includes accommodation and meals as described above.

The base monthly compensation is USD 200 (approximately 1,400 BOB), which may be adjusted based on the candidate’s experience and qualifications. The position does not include insurance, health coverage, or social benefits. Personal expenses, including travel to and from the sanctuary, visa procedures, and personal items, are the responsibility of the selected candidate. CIWY provides the necessary documentation to support visa applications when required.

Accommodation, meals and training included

Spanish and English at a communicational level