Career opportunities

SIRGE Coalition  Assistant (100% time)

SIRGE Coalition is a coalition of Indigenous-led and allied organizations and leaders who champion justice in the transition to a low-carbon economy. The primary goal of our work is to elevate Indigenous leadership through the creation of a broad coalition and the promotion of constructive dialogue. As we pursue our climate goals, we must uplift Indigenous Peoples’ right to self-determination and Free, Prior, and Informed Consent to best protect community health, water, soil, human rights, and the environment. 

We call for the full implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, including the right to Free, Prior, and Informed Consent in all endeavors related to the energy transition. 

The SIRGE Coalition was founded by Cultural Survival, Tallgrass Institute, Earthworks, Voices, and Batani Foundation. IWGIA is an affiliate member of the coalition. We are guided by a Steering Committee made up of Indigenous leaders from the seven biocultural regions of the world. For more information, please visit:  www.sirgecoalition.org.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The SIRGE Coalition Assistant is an essential part of the SIRGE Coalition Secretariat. The Assistant is responsible for operational and administrative support to the Secretariat including but not limited to setting up meetings, logistical organizing, note taking, translating written documents, occasionally interpreting for relevant meetings, assisting with travel arrangements and expense reports, facilitating a work and information flow among the secretariat, Executive Committee, Steering Committee, and the SIRGE Coalition work streams (support to communities, policy advocacy, corporate engagement and advocacy, communications, and research priorities). 

This is a new role and exciting opportunity for someone who can work with multiple stakeholders, excels at getting stuff done, and has a passion for ensuring that Indigenous Peoples’ rights are respected by governments and the private sector.  The Assistant opportunity is ideal for someone who wants to start and/or continue in the field of Indigenous Peoples’ rights and grow their knowledge and skills. 

For this position, we are looking for a people-centered, detail-oriented, and self-driven person with demonstrated experience working with diverse groups to advance social change.  We prefer someone who has a background working on Indigenous Peoples’ rights issues.  

STATUS AND LOCATION

Full-time (40 hrs./week), remote/virtual. The position reports to the SIRGE Coalition Executive Director. Preference will be given to candidates based in Latin America or with demonstrated knowledge of the region, in alignment with the Coalition’s focus and time zone needs.

LANGUAGE SKILLS REQUIRED

Fluency in English and Spanish is required. Proficiency in an Indigenous language is preferred, but not required.  

RESPONSIBILITIES

The SIRGE Coalition Assistant supports the ongoing work and ensures the success of the SIRGE Coalition. Essential responsibilities include:

  • Provide operational and administrative support to the SIRGE Executive Director and the secretariat;

  • Facilitate a work and information flow among the SIRGE Executive Director, Executive Committee, Steering Committee, and the SIRGE Coalition work streams (support to communities, policy advocacy, corporate engagement and advocacy, communications, and research priorities);

  • Coordinate among staff from key member organizations involved in the SIRGE Coalition, work in collaboration with the SIRGE Communications Coordinator and co-leads of the SIRGE Coalition work streams;

  • Plan, organize, and arrange logistics for key SIRGE Coalition meetings and convenings, from small virtual meetings to large international gatherings;

  • Take comprehensive minutes at work streams and committee meetings while keeping attendance information current; 

  • Help to write and maintain Coalition notes and documents, producing bi-weekly reports for members. 

  • Coordinate meetings involving internal and external stakeholders including producing, preparing, and editing materials and presentations; 

  • Coordinate calendar of events, reports, and coalition activities to keep members informed and engaged;

  • Coordinate with interpreters to ensure interpretation is available during workstream meetings, webinars, and events, and ensure timely processing of their payments;

  • Assist the Executive Director and Executive Committee with other tasks as needed;

  • Ensure that all support provided is culturally sensitive, relevant, and beneficial to Coalition members and partners within their individual and collective realities. 

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Acts in SIRGE Coalition’s best interests, reflecting the values of teamwork, trust, collaboration, equity, humility, accountability, solidarity, and mutual respect.

  • Attends and participates in SIRGE Coalition meetings, meetings of other coalition member organizations, and external meetings.

  • Availability to travel internationally depending on SIRGE Coalition’s needs.  We estimate the travel requirement to be approximately 10% of the time.

QUALIFICATIONS

For the SIRGE Coalition Assistant position, we are looking for a candidate with proven experience in logistical and organizational support and with a keen interest in working with Indigenous Peoples and nonprofit organizations. In addition, our ideal candidate demonstrates knowledge and interest in Indigenous Peoples’ rights, mining issues, corporate engagement, activism, and Indigenous traditions, cultures, and cosmovisions.

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

  • At least 2-3  years of experience in similar positions, ideally in a non-profit environment.

  • Lived experience and/or proven knowledge and understanding of Indigenous Peoples' diverse realities and needs.

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, especially across distinct cultures and contexts.

  • Complete fluency in English and Spanish with excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

  • Team player capable of setting goals and deadlines and working towards them.

  • Strong writing skills.

  • Highly organized and detail-oriented.

  • Knowledge, or ability to learn, about Indigenous Peoples’ rights in international and national frameworks and familiarity with concepts related to the transition to a green energy economy. 

  • Capable of delivering feedback in a culturally sensitive and constructive manner.

  • High level of motivation and the ability to independently execute work while meeting deadlines.

  • Ability to work independently within a multicultural environment, under limited supervision,  with access to consistent and reliable internet to attend various meetings.

  • Ability and willingness to work across time zones.

  • Willingness to embrace SIRGE Coalition’s mission, goals, principles, and values.

To apply, please send your letter of intent, your resume, and a list of three references to sirgecoalition@gmail.com by June 30, 2025.