Senior Program Coordinator

Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand | Start Date: ASAP | Duration: 1 year +

🌿 Lead Conservation & Community Impact in Northern Thailand

🌎 BRING YOUR LEADERSHIP TO LIFE WHERE IT MATTERS MOST

You’re passionate about community development and wildlife conservation, thrive in immersive, remote environments, and want to contribute to meaningful, real-world impact. You’re ready to step into a role where your operational skills and leadership can help drive outcomes that matter.

At GVI, we’re looking for someone like you to join our team. This isn’t just a job - it’s an opportunity to contribute to something bigger, while growing both professionally and personally.

✨ WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS

In this role, you are the bridge between strategy and execution. Based at our key Chiang Mai operation, you will work closely with a traditional Pakinyaw (Karen) village that holds a long-lasting relationship with Asian elephants.

Your work ensures that our three core program areas run smoothly: collecting conservation data on semi-wild Asian elephants, surveying and studying the wild Lar gibbon population and biodiversity surrounding Huay Pakkoot, and running a sustainable English teaching and community development program. You will play a key role in supporting a small team, delivering high-quality volunteer experiences, and stepping up as acting Program Manager during the PM's absence.

🎯 WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

Team Management & Staff Support

• Assist in the supervision, training, and development of base staff, volunteers, and interns.
• Act as the authoritative team member and lead base operations during the Program Manager's absence.
• Ensure clear communication within the team, resolve concerns timely, and foster a positive, inclusive work environment.

Volunteer Coordination & Highest Duty of Care

• Oversee daily volunteer program operations, orientations, and ongoing training.
• Organize and lead both conservation hikes and community activities.
• Advise on safety measures and handle emergency situations, providing first aid when required.

Project & Data Management

• Ensure the successful delivery of the gibbon and biodiversity conservation program.
• Manage project databases, maintaining a high standard of field data collection and expanding its long-term impact.
• Take on English teaching responsibilities within the local community development program.

Operational Logistics & Relations

• Proactively manage base logistics, including accommodation, transportation, supplies, and DIY base maintenance.
• Share the financial management of the base budget with the Program Manager.
• Build and maintain positive, respectful relationships with the local village community, partners, and authorities.

🚀 WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM

• Proven experience in a management or supervisory role (preferably in an NGO, volunteer, or field-based setting).
• Strong leadership, team-building, and operational skills.
• Ability to work in a remote, dynamic, and non-English speaking environment.
• High physical capacity and readiness to participate in daily hikes, camping, and strenuous field activities.
• Excellent communication skills (Fluency in English is required) and a proactive, solutions-focused mindset.
• A genuine passion for community development and wildlife conservation.

Bonus if you also have:

• First Aid and/or safety training certification.
• Experience in field research, preparing data, or working with volunteers.
• Knowledge of sustainability practices and ethical tourism.
• Previous experience with GVI.

🎉 WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU

• Monthly stipend
• Accommodation and meals provided
• Visa support and costs covered (where applicable)
• Emergency medical and travel insurance
• Access to training and leadership development opportunities
• In-house counseling support
• Opportunities for progression across our global locations

🌴 LIVING & WORKING CONDITIONS

Our locations are often dynamic, hands-on, and immersive environments. Working with us means:

• Our Hub: Located in the stunning mountain village of Huay Pakkoot (home to around 350 people), located 3–4 hours away from Chiang Mai city.
• 🏠 Living Conditions: Staying in a local homestay within a close-knit team and community. There is no hot water available, and power cuts can occur from time to time.
• 🍽️ Food: Local meals are provided on-site, with options for self-catering available.
• 🧗 Fitness & Conditions: High physical fitness is required to navigate mountainous terrain daily. Expect irregular working hours, including evenings and weekends, to support project needs.
  

Click here to see what the team is up to!

WORKING AT GVI

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 specialized skills to pursue a shared vision: cultivating a brighter and more sustainable future for all.

Working at GVI is fast-paced and fun. You will join a community that values passion, authenticity, and innovation, and where 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:

• 🎥 Watch Here
  
• 📰 Read Here
• 👥 Meet the Team
  

✅ YOUR NEXT STEP

This is more than a field job - it’s a chance to pass on your skills, support vital conservation, and become part of something bigger than yourself.

Please send us your CV and a short Cover Letter sharing why this role is the right fit for you.

Kindly note: We genuinely appreciate every application we receive. Given the large volume of applications, if you haven’t heard from us within 3–4 weeks, it likely means we’ve moved forward with other candidates this time. That said, we’d love for you to stay connected and consider applying again in the future!