Project Coordinator at Voices for Animal Welfare

Voices for Animal Welfare (VFAW) is an international NGO bridging Europe and Africa to give a voice to animals and empower communities. Through legal advocacy, education, veterinary support, and the arts, we work with communities, professionals, volunteers, and partners to create sustainable and culturally inclusive change in animal welfare

About the Opportunity

Position: Project Coordinator – Paid Freelance / Independent Contractor

Location: Arusha, Tanzania

Initial contract: 3 months

Initial assessment period: 1 month

Commitment: Part-time/project-based, with agreed full-time availability during specific project periods

Work arrangement: Remote, field-based, and from VfAW's office in Ilboru, Arusha, when required

Start date: ASAP

Languages: Excellent Swahili and English required

Application deadline: 5 September 2026

Compensation: Based on experience, relevant skills, and scope of assignment

We are looking for a reliable, proactive, enthusiastic, and highly organized freelance Project Coordinator based in Arusha to support VfAW's projects and partnerships in Tanzania.

Our first major upcoming project is the Animal Photojournalism Program in October 2026, bringing together animal welfare, photography, journalism, community engagement, and international participants.

We need someone who can take genuine ownership of their work: understand an assignment, organize the necessary steps, meet deadlines, communicate progress, solve problems, and follow through without requiring constant supervision or reminders.

A genuine interest in and knowledge of animals and animal welfare is essential. Experience in photography, photojournalism, or journalism is strongly preferred.What You'll DoProject Coordination

• Coordinate assigned VfAW projects and activities in Arusha and other project locations
• Take ownership of tasks and deliverables and complete them accurately and on time
• Organize priorities, deadlines, and follow-ups independently
• Maintain regular communication with the VfAW Director and relevant team members
• Prepare and support field activities
• Coordinate schedules, meetings, participants, local contacts, communities, partners, and locations
• Accompany participants and team members during field activities when required
• Support communication between international participants and local stakeholders
• Respond effectively to logistical changes and unexpected situations
• Identify potential problems early and propose practical solutions
• Maintain accurate project records and track contacts, meetings, commitments, and follow-ups
• Provide clear updates on completed tasks, pending actions, and challenges
• Handle project information accurately and confidentially

Animal Photojournalism Program

The Project Coordinator will play an important operational role during VfAW's Animal Photojournalism Program in October 2026.

Responsibilities will include:

• Coordinating participants, mentors, team members, partners, communities, and project locations
• Accompanying participants during field work
• Facilitating communication in Swahili and English
• Helping international participants navigate local environments and cultural contexts appropriately
• Coordinating daily schedules, transportation, meetings, and field activities
• Responding to logistical changes and practical problems
• Checking in with participants and providing practical support and information
• Acting as a key local point of contact throughout the project
• Supporting photography and journalism activities where relevant to the Coordinator's skills

The freelancer must commit to agreed periods of full-time availability during the program and other intensive field activities.Partnerships & Local Network

Developing and maintaining VfAW's network in Tanzania will be an important part of the assignment.

The Project Coordinator will:

• Maintain relationships with existing VfAW partners and contacts
• Follow up on collaborations and agreed actions
• Research and identify potential partners, professionals, organizations, institutions, and communities
• Conduct outreach and follow-up with potential partners
• Identify opportunities for future collaboration
• Maintain organized records of contacts, communications, meetings, and follow-ups
• Represent VfAW professionally with external stakeholders

We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic, approachable, resourceful, and confident communicating with people from different professional, cultural, and social backgrounds.Essential Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be based in Arusha, Tanzania
• Be available to work from the VfAW office in Ilboru, Arusha when required
• Be comfortable working remotely, from the office, and in the field
• Have excellent spoken and written Swahili and English
• Have a genuine passion for animals and animal welfare
• Have good knowledge of animals and be comfortable in environments where animals are present
• Be highly reliable and able to follow through on commitments
• Work independently without constant supervision
• Manage multiple tasks, deadlines, and follow-ups
• Be comfortable working with international participants, volunteers, professionals, and team members
• Be comfortable travelling and conducting field work
• Be flexible when schedules, priorities, or project circumstances change
• Be available full-time during specifically agreed intensive project periods
• Hold a valid government-issued photo ID or passport
• Have their own reliable laptop and reliable internet access

Applicants must disclose any current employment, freelance work, business activities, studies, or other regular professional commitments that could affect their availability, including approximate time commitments and fixed working hours. Other professional activities are permitted provided they do not conflict with agreed VfAW assignments, deadlines, field periods, or availability requirements.Preferred Skills & Experience

We particularly welcome candidates with experience or skills in:

• Photography or photojournalism
• Journalism or storytelling
• Animal welfare or animal-related work
• Project coordination
• Community engagement
• Partnership development
• NGO or international development work
• Communications
• Working with international teams, volunteers, or visitors

Knowledge of additional Tanzanian or local languages is an advantage.

Access to a personal vehicle and the ability to drive independently is strongly preferred due to the field-based nature of some assignments.Freelance Working Arrangement

This is a paid freelance / independent contractor opportunity offered initially through a three-month project-based contract.

The assignment will normally be part-time, based on agreed tasks, deliverables, meetings, and project requirements. During specific field projects, particularly the Animal Photojournalism Program, the freelancer will need to commit to agreed periods of full-time availability.

This is not a fully remote assignment. Work may be carried out remotely, from VfAW's office in Ilboru, Arusha, at partner or community locations, or in the field.

The freelancer will organize their work independently while coordinating with the VfAW Director and relevant team members regarding objectives, deadlines, meetings, field activities, and deliverables.

As an independent contractor, the freelancer is responsible for their own taxes and other applicable statutory or fiscal obligations.Initial Assessment Period

The three-month contract will begin with a one-month initial assessment period.

VfAW will evaluate:

• Reliability and follow-through
• Quality and accuracy of work
• Ability to complete tasks independently
• Organization and time management
• Initiative and problem-solving
• Communication and reporting
• Availability and professionalism
• Ability to work effectively with local and international stakeholders
• Respect for confidentiality
• Overall suitability for the assignment

Continuation after the assessment period will depend on satisfactory performance and project requirements.

Successful completion of the initial contract may lead to additional freelance assignments offered on a project-by-project basis and are not guaranteed.Confidentiality & Professional Standards

The Project Coordinator may have access to confidential or sensitive information concerning participants, volunteers, communities, partners, projects, and VfAW's internal activities.

The selected freelancer will be expected to maintain confidentiality, protect personal and organizational information, respect professional boundaries and safeguarding requirements, handle sensitive information responsibly, communicate honestly, and represent VfAW professionally.Identity, Background & Reference Checks

Candidates progressing to the final stage will be asked to complete identity verification, professional reference checks, and appropriate background checks.

Candidates may be asked to provide a valid government-issued photo ID or passport, professional references, and information or documentation reasonably necessary for verification.

Applicants must provide accurate and verifiable information throughout the recruitment process. False or deliberately misleading information may result in rejection or termination of the freelance contract.How to Apply

Application deadline: 5 September 2026

Application form:

• https://forms.gle/j4FZAMyE45rqaRuU6