Field Assistant - Nosy Be, Madagascar

Assist & contribute to Community Development in Madagascar!

Location: Nosy Be, Madagascar | Start Date: ASAP | Duration: 6 months

🌍 WHERE PURPOSE MEETS ADVENTURE
You’re passionate about people, inspired by culture, and driven to create meaningful impact. You want to do more than simply travel - you want to connect with communities, contribute to long-term development, and make a difference that lasts.

At GVI Nosy Be, you’ll be living on a breathtaking volcanic island just off Madagascar’s northwest coast. Here, you’ll help guide community development projects, support volunteers, and play a vital role in strengthening education, healthcare, and local partnerships.

✨ WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS
As a Community Field Assistant in Madagascar, you will support the GVI team in the day-to-day running of our community programmes – including teaching, healthcare, and development initiatives. You’ll also help coordinate volunteers, ensure programs run smoothly, and maintain high standards of safety and impact.

This is a role for someone who thrives on connection, embraces flexibility, and understands the balance between structured projects, cultural immersion, and the realities of field conditions.

🎯 WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

• Supporting the daily running of projects and logistics at the GVI base
• Assisting with teaching, healthcare, and community development initiatives
• Organising and leading activities for volunteers in the field
• Helping to develop and expand project goals in this growing hub
• Delivering presentations and training sessions for participants
• Acting as a positive role model, offering mentorship and guidance
• Assisting with admin and reporting when needed

🚀 WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM

• Passion for community development, education, and cross-cultural exchange
• Adaptability and enthusiasm for communal living and flexible work hours
• Experience volunteering (preferably in community projects)
• Comfortable presenting and leading group discussions
• Teaching or curriculum development experience
• Ability to live and thrive in a foreign country
• Advantageous:
  • TEFL experience
  • Previous GVI or community development experience
  • Emergency First Response certified/trained

🎉 WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU

• A unique and immersive community development experience
• All meals provided during the week
• Growth opportunities across GVI’s 17 global locations
• A pathway into long-term careers in international development
• Supportive, purpose-driven culture
• Emergency medical and travel insurance
• Beaches, national parks, and vibrant Malagasy culture at your doorstep

🌴 LIVING & WORKING CONDITIONS AT OUR NOSY BE HUB

Click here to see what the team is up to!

Set in Nosy Be, just a short tuk-tuk ride from town and a stone’s throw from the beach, our hub combines meaningful fieldwork with a rich cultural experience. Conditions are basic but rewarding - think solar power, shared living, and meals rooted in the local Malagasy diet.

🏡 Base Life & Facilities

• Dorm-style rooms (up to 6 per room) with bunk beds
• Western-style toilets and cold-water showers
• Solar-powered facilities
• Shared kitchen and communal dining spaces
• Limited Wi-Fi access via local SIM cards

🍽️ Food & Meals

• Breakfast: self-prepared with ingredients provided (bread, jam, fruit, coffee/tea)
• Lunch & Dinner: cooked by a local chef (Sunday evening to Friday lunch)
• Diet: heavily rice and bean-based, with vegetables, meat sauces, and fresh fruit
• Vegetarian and vegan options available
• Baguettes, pastries, and French-inspired foods available in town

🚗 Transport & Access

• 10 minutes to town by tuk-tuk
• Local buses and taxis available for weekend trips
• Remote but well-connected to beaches and cultural sites

🧗 Fitness & Field Conditions

• Daily walks of 10–20 minutes to project sites in hot, humid conditions
• A good level of fitness is recommended to fully engage in activities and side trips
• Expect long days and simple living - but with rich rewards in cultural immersion and impact

📦 What to Pack

• Backpack and daypack, sturdy hiking shoes, sandals, lightweight outdoor clothing, hat, sunglasses, reusable water bottle, sleeping bag, power bank, rain jacket, head torch, insect repellent, high-SPF sunscreen, and an open mind for adapting to new environments.

🌱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 specialised 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 just a job - it’s a chance to pass on your skills, support marine 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. 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!