Volunteer Coordinator, Chimpanzee Sanctuary

The Great Projects has developed a variety of wildlife conservation initiatives around the world, aiming to preserve endangered wildlife through responsible tourism.

We are currently seeking a Volunteer Coordinator to manage our volunteer program at the Jane Goodall Institute’s Chimp Eden in South Africa. This sanctuary is situated close to Kruger National Park and is home to 33 rescued chimpanzees.

The role involves managing a group of up to 8 paying volunteers and providing them with an incredible volunteer holiday experience, whilst also maintaining a working ethical volunteer program where the animals are the primary concern.

The successful candidate will have experience managing a volunteer project or have volunteered with animals at a conservation project. They will be approachable and friendly, passionate about chimpanzee conservation and have excellent organisational skills. Work at the sanctuary can change in an instant, and so they must also be able to think on their feet and adapt where necessary.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to

• Liaising with the sanctuary staff to establish what work is needed that will be most beneficial to the chimps
• Following, and adapting where necessary, an itinerary for the volunteers
• Purchasing and preparing enrichment items for the volunteer program
• Giving a health and safety orientation to each group

Required skills/attributes

• Passion for conservation
• Physically fit
• Quick learner
• Patient working with people
• Able to spend long periods of time away from family and friends
• Organised and able to manage a budget

Desirable attributes

• Hands-on experience in animal husbandry with great apes
• Degree in primatology or a conservation-related field
• Experience living in a developing country

Additional Information

This position is offered on an initial contract term of March 1st – August 31st, 2026. During this time, you will be accommodated at the sanctuary and will work with the local team to run the volunteer project with new volunteers arriving every 2-4 weeks. All travel, accommodation and meals are included.

(Individuals and couples can apply.)