The Tandana Foundation is looking for a Program Coordinator to lead and facilitate our group volunteer programs in Ecuador. This job involves leading volunteer programs and coordinating service projects for people from North America who travel to Ecuador to learn about the local culture, make friends, and contribute to community well-being. The main function of this position is working as a group leader to a group of tourists and the most competitive candidates already have substancial group leading experience with other organizations. We are looking for an outgoing leader who is able to command the attention of the group while being on top of all logistics. The minimum time commitment is six months, though longer may be possible. The preferred start date is January 5th, 2026 (negotiable). Please apply by October 13th, 2025.


Responsibilities:


  • Lead the programs on a daily basis and facilitate all aspects of the group’s stay in Ecuador
  • Take responsibility for program preparation, debriefing after the program, and leading the volunteers in all aspects of the program in a safe and engaging manner
  • Arrange logistics of the program, take responsibility for handling money, and keeping accurate records

  • Work with community leaders and other local contacts to coordinate volunteer work and cultural activities

  • Set a positive tone for the group and create opportunities for reflection and improvement of group dynamics
  • Represent Tandana in a positive manner to all community members and volunteers
  • Solve problems and handle emergency situations in a professional manner
  • Opportunity to design special projects utilizing your expertise and special academic knowledge between programs
  • Understand and implement Tandana values
  • Some administrative tasks

 

Requirements:

  • Minimum of conversational Spanish and English; fluency in both languages preferred
  • Experience leading groups in service projects or other experiential education programs
  • Experience living in cross-cultural situations, preferably in Latin America
  • Experience working with North Americans
  • Ability to work cooperatively with a diverse array of people, to solve problems creatively, and to promote a positive experience for all involved
  • Self-motivation, responsibility, and an ability to work independently
  • WFA certification or greater first aid training and CPR certification; WFR preferred


Benefits:

• Salary commensurate with experience and length of commitment ($850-1,000 per month).

• Health & Dental Insurance as provided by our current insurance carrier

• Round-trip transportation to Ecuador from the United States

• Two weeks of paid vacation for a 6 month contract

• Room and board with a local family (homestay) if desired.

• Work expenses including local transportation, cell phone, meals while on a program, and consular fees.


How to apply:

Interested parties should send a resume and a cover letter addressing each of the following questions to Aaron DiMartino, Senior Operations Director, (aaron [at] tandanafoundation.org). Please write "Program Coordinator" in the subject line of the email.


  1. Please describe any experience you have living in Ecuador or in another cross-cultural situation.
  2. What are your strengths and weaknesses as a leader?
  3. Describe an experience that was very challenging for you. How did you deal with the difficulties, and what did you learn from the experience?
  4. What are you passionate about, and how do you express that passion?
  5. What do you think will be most exciting about this job?
  6. What do you think will be most difficult about this job?
  7. What are your personal and professional goals for this job and how can we help you accomplish them?
  8. Are you available for six months? Longer? Please explain.
  9. How would you rate your Spanish and English speaking ability? Beginner, intermediate, advanced, native speaker?