Location: Kekoldi, Costa Rica
Reporting to: Program Manager
Start Date: ASAP (Ideal start date 1 January 2025)
Duration of contract: 6-month contract (with possibility of extension)



About GVI
GVI Planet | GVI People


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.


Working at GVI is fast-paced and fun. 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, click here .


About the role
As a Field Assistant in Kekoldi, Costa Rica you will support the rest of the GVI team in the day-to-day running of the programs, and specifically assist with managing the participants and students who form part of our groups. The main goal of the Field Assistant is to ensure our groups have the most fantastic experience during their time with GVI.


Role and responsibilities:

• Support field staff, volunteers, and interns to deliver fieldwork and project activities safely and successfully.
• Serve as a role model by demonstrating a strong work ethic and respect for different perspectives and cultures.
• Responsible for organizing fun and engaging activities or games that promote team bonding and enjoyment while aligning with conservation goals.
• The Field Assistants will be fully trained on the required fieldwork and the science it is based on, and report to the Senior Program Coordinator and Program Manager on ideas, challenges, needs, or tasks.
• Deliver participant training workshops when needed.
Create weekly content for the GVI Kéköldi Instagram account. Encourage participants to create or compile video testimonials and day-in-the-life videos content.

About you
If you are ambitious, purpose-driven, and have a great sense of humor, we want to meet you. We believe in the power of diverse perspectives and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued. This position is ideal for individuals who have excelled as GVI participants and are ready to begin their careers in conservation. It’s also perfect for those with the right academic background and motivation who may not yet have fieldwork experience but are eager to make an impact.


Personal attributes:

• Passion for Conservation: A deep commitment to environmental issues and a genuine desire to make a positive impact.
• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to build rapport and connect with diverse groups, making participants feel welcome and engaged.
• Creativity: The ability to come up with fun and engaging activities or games that promote team bonding and enjoyment while aligning with conservation goals.
• Communication Skills: Clearly articulating ideas, instructions, and feedback to participants, ensuring everyone understands the objectives of activities and feels included.
• Empathy: Understanding and responding to participants’ needs and preferences, helping to create a positive and inclusive environment.
• Adaptability: Being flexible and open to changes, whether in plans or participant dynamics, to ensure that everyone has a good experience. Ability to thrive in remote environments and adjust to varying cultural contexts.
• Positive Attitude: Maintaining enthusiasm and a friendly demeanor, which can be infectious and contribute to a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
• Physical Stamina: Capability to handle the physical demands of fieldwork, including hiking, lifting equipment, and working in various weather conditions.
  

Professional skills and experience:

• Passion for wildlife conservation and a science-led approach.
  
• Degree or relevant experience working in the conservation or environmental sector.
  
• Experience with data collection and entry.
  
• Experience living in remote and difficult conditions.
  
• People-centric mindset - comfortable with being ‘on’ 24/7
  
• Experience managing groups/participants/students (we will provide all project-specific training in-country).
  
• Fluency in English.

Advantageous

• Emergency First Response certified/trained
  
• Previous GVI experience
  
Spanish speaking (not essential)

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:

• 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-four weeks, please take it that on this occasion your application was unsuccessful.