Mekong Regional Director

Position Title: Mekong Regional Director

Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand

Reports To: Executive Director and the Deputy Director (Washington, DC)

Travel: Regional and International travel will be required

Application Deadline: Accepting applications on a rolling basis.

Early applications encouraged. EarthRights International will continue accepting applications past the deadline if the position is not filled.

Summary Description

EarthRights is seeking a Regional Director to develop and implement its regional strategy by providing vision and strategic direction to all of EarthRights’s Mekong programs, management, and operations. The director will be responsible and accountable for the strategic direction and effective management of the regional program ensuring development, continued improvement in quality and impact of program and program support in line with EarthRights Policies and strategic plan. The Regional Director will also facilitate the US head office program support to the Thailand office.

Roles and Responsibilities

● Lead the management of the Campaign, Legal and Training directors and ensure compliance with EarthRights policies and procedures.

● Provide strategic leadership and management of EarthRights’s regional programs (campaigns, legal advocacy, and training).

● Facilitate the development of regional program and management plans in collaboration with the Mekong management team, ensuring program integration at all levels.

● Work closely with Program Directors to develop and deliver EarthRights programs.

● Represent EarthRights regional programs nationally and regionally. Build and foster influential relationships and support networks to shift power to project affected communities.

● Develop appropriate strategies to seek out and maintain funding sources. Accountable for all donor relations in the region. Approve all grant reports and proposal/fundraising materials for the Mekong program.

● Ensure that appropriate systems are in place to allow a strong flow of positive and consistent program content to influence and communicate with internal audiences and external stakeholders, including but not limited to project affected communities, NGO partners, government, media, donors, and supporters.

● Create and support an environment that enhances the strength of diverse cultural backgrounds and skills, and integrates gender mainstreaming practices.

● Stay informed of relevant geographic, thematic and political developments for the successful execution of duties and responsibilities of the position.

● Contribute to further strengthening of operational policies and practices.

● Oversee integration of program support from the US Office.

● Oversee compliance with local laws across the region.

Qualifications & Experience

● Education: Advanced Degree or Equivalent Experience

● Five years of senior management experience at a progressive organization with 10 or more employees

● Experience working with high-level government and institutional donors

● Experience leading the implementation of operational improvements and the persistence to achieve change in a challenging environment

● Leadership qualities and people management expertise to provide direction and effective support to a multidisciplinary and multicultural team

● Basic knowledge of human resource management strategies and tools

● Good understanding of information systems and information technology

● Ability to gain and apply knowledge of the statutory requirements of countries in the region and of the impact of local culture and tradition

● Effective verbal and written communication skills, including high-level interpersonal and representational capabilities; fluency in written and spoken English essential

● Ability to operate and think strategically, coupled with proven analytical skills and the use of these to problem solve and make firm decisions

● An understanding of gender and cultural diversity considerations within key areas of responsibility and commitment to addressing inequalities in the workplace and the program

● A strong commitment to EarthRights’s mission and vision, a broad understanding of the work culture in the NGO sector

Desired Experience

● Working in the Global South or small political spaces

● Working knowledge of Thai or Burmese