Deadline: 31 July 2025
Cultural Survival is an Indigenous-led NGO and U.S.-registered nonprofit that advocates for Indigenous Peoples’ rights and has supported Indigenous communities’ self-determination, cultures, and political resilience since 1972. For 53 years, Cultural Survival has partnered with Indigenous communities to advance Indigenous Peoples’ rights and cultures worldwide. The core of our efforts rests on supporting, amplifying efforts, and raising awareness of self-determination for Indigenous communities. Cultural Survival has curated a robust network of partnerships with Indigenous communities spanning over 70 countries on six continents. Our work is predicated on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
- Position Title: Research Consultant
- Location / Country: Remote – Based in Namibia, Botswana, or South Africa
- Program: Keepers of the Earth
- Reports to: Keepers of the Earth Program Interim Manager— Avexnim Cojtí
- Schedule Type: Full-time, 40 hours/week for 10 months
- Type: 10 Months External Consultancy
POSITION OVERVIEW
Cultural Survival is seeking an External Research Consultant for a 10-month engagement.
We are seeking a qualified individual consultant based in Namibia, Botswana, or South Africa to support research and engagement efforts focused on the rights and vulnerabilities of Indigenous Peoples in Africa. The consultant will play a key role in deepening our understanding of the current realities of Indigenous communities in Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa, as well as providing broader insights on Indigenous issues in up to seven additional countries across the continent.
Key responsibilities include conducting research and analysis to inform Cultural Survival’s programming and advocacy, and facilitating connections with Indigenous communities and organizations in Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa. The consultant will also organize and lead virtual presentations to share local contexts and lived experiences with Cultural Survival staff, helping to foster stronger relationships and mutual learning.
The findings and insights will be used internally by Cultural Survival staff, and the consultant is expected to carry out this assignment remotely (home-based).
LANGUAGE SKILLS REQUIRED
- Fluency in English is required. Proficiency in French is preferred but not mandatory. Knowledge of an Indigenous language is also considered an asset.
RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE
Working in close coordination with key program staff, the consultant will be responsible for planning and implementing a research plan jointly developed with Cultural Survival.
The consultant will present the draft report to the Cultural Survival staff, review it, and incorporate feedback and inputs during three rounds of reviews. Then, the consultant will produce a final draft of the report. The complete set of reporting documents produced by the consultant will adhere to Cultural Survival writing standards and be developed and submitted on time.
Key Deliverables
- A comprehensive research plan developed in collaboration with Cultural Survival staff
- Written reports covering the situation of Indigenous Peoples in 10 African countries
- Executive summaries for each of the 10 country reports
- Five virtual presentations for Cultural Survival staff, providing key insights on selected countries
- Six virtual presentations facilitated with representatives from Indigenous communities or organizations in Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience
- Minimum of five (5) years of experience conducting research or programmatic reviews, ideally focused on Indigenous Peoples or related topics in African contexts.
- Demonstrated experience producing high-quality technical reports, research materials, and articles, particularly on topics related to Indigenous Peoples.
- Proven ability to conduct comparative analysis across countries, regions, or communities.
- Prior experience working directly with Indigenous Peoples is strongly preferred; alternatively, substantial experience in Human Rights, advocacy, or related sectors is considered an asset.
Education and Skills
- Excellent writing and analytical skills, with the ability to present information clearly.
- Proven capacity to synthesize complex or technical content into accessible language and actionable recommendations.
- Strong organizational and project management skills, with a demonstrated ability to manage tasks and timelines effectively.
- Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills, with the ability to engage respectfully and effectively across diverse contexts and cultures.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, while proactively contributing ideas that support the organization’s goals.
- Ability to work autonomously with minimal supervision, while proactively contributing to the achievement of project goals.
- Familiarity with data visualization tools (e.g., charts, maps) is an asset.
- Reliable access to a home-based workspace with stable internet connectivity.
COMPENSATION
The total compensation for this temporary consultancy is $10,000 USD. In addition, $1,500 USD will be provided to cover travel-related expenses for field assessments in Namibia and Botswana.
HOW TO APPLY
To be considered for this Research Consultancy opportunity, interested candidates should apply through the link on the CS website, under the “Careers” section, and not via email. The following items are required for the application:
- A cover letter in English addressed to Avex Cojtí, Director of Programs: Detail why you are interested in the position of Research Consultancy and explain how you meet the posted requirements for this role.
- Curriculum vitae (CV) or resume, primarily highlighting your experience with Indigenous Communities and community work.
- A sample of written research in PDF format.
The deadline to apply is July 31st, 2025. We will notify qualified applicants for an interview and non-qualified applicants once we have selected a candidate.
If you require reasonable accommodations to participate in the application or contracting process, please contact: mariana.rodriguez@culturalsurvival.org.
Cultural Survival is an equal opportunity organization that values inclusive collaboration with consultants and partners. We are committed to fostering a culture where all individuals feel respected, valued, and welcomed. Our team reflects a rich diversity of cultures, perspectives, and worldviews, aligned with our core values of equity, solidarity, mutual respect, and interculturalism. We welcome consultants from all backgrounds, including diverse nations, geographies, races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities, abilities, languages, religions, spiritual traditions, ages, lived experiences, and cosmovisions.