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Coordinator, Alumni Program Myanmar EarthRights International Yangon, Myanmar

The primary purpose of this position is to lead coordination and development of EarthRights International's alumni program inside Myanmar, with oversight and support by the Deputy Office Director, SEA Office.

EarthRights International (ERI) combines the power of law and the power of people in defense of human rights and the environment. We specialize in fact-finding, legal actions against perpetrators of earth rights abuses, training for grassroots and community leaders and advocacy campaigns. Through these strategies, ERI seeks to provide real solutions for communities to promote and protect human rights and the environment.

ERI’s EarthRights School is a training program for civil society actors and activists from Burma, working on community development and human rights and environmental issues. EarthRights School Burma Alumni form a cohesive group of civil society actors and leaders from diverse regions and ethnic groups inside Burma and the refugee and migrant communities in the border regions. Alumni are trained and supported in the intercultural skills, substantive knowledge and experience to voice their individual and collective concerns about human rights, environmental, development and participation issues affecting their communities.

Position Responsibilities:

• With oversight by the Deputy Office Director, SEA Office, coordinate and lead the day to day development and implementation of ERI’s alumni program inside Myanmar, including setting direction and priorities for support and capacity–building provided by the program to alumni and alumni organizations.
• Where required, manage recruitment and selection of additional staff and volunteers to support program activities, in conjunction with Deputy Office Director, SEA Office and ERI management.
• Develop and manage mechanisms to deliver and facilitate capacity-building support to alumni and alumni organizations.
• Design and implement training activities and curricula on selected topics for alumni and alumni organizations.
• Source internal and external trainers and deliver training on relevant topics to alumni as required.
• Design and organise alumni events, including information sharing or thematic workshops on current issues.
• Administer twice yearly alumni small grants program for alumni and their organizations inside Myanmar.
• Monitor and oversee reporting on alumni small grants activities.
• Provide expert advice and assist with project planning and development for alumni projects and activities.
• Provide technical assistance in building alumni organizational capacity.
• Advise alumni on grants and donors and assist in matching them with relevant funding opportunities.
• Develop and oversee communication tools to facilitate regular information sharing about opportunities, resources and issues to alumni.
• Develop and maintain an alumni resource centre.
• Supervise Alumni Program Myanmar staff and volunteers.
• Liaise with donors supporting alumni program and outreach to new prospective donors to solicit support for alumni organizations.
• Network with relevant local organizations and stakeholders, facilitate opportunities and potential partnerships for alumni and their organizations.
• Undertake coordination and ad hoc support for other ERI programs, as needed.

Selection criteria:

Essential:
• Highly organised, a strong communicator, and competent in the use of common software packages such as Word, Excel, and Outlook Express or similar.
• Strong plain English report writing and research skills (ability to present complex information in a manner that is clear and easy to understand.)
• Experience with developing and managing community based civil society organizations.
• Knowledge of relevant concepts and substantial experience in project management and implementation.
• Familiarity with subjects including human rights, conflict resolution, environment, international law, women’s rights, corporate accountability, and the international political system.
• Experience of finding, monitoring and reporting on funding.
• Knowledge of the political situation in Burma.
• Fluent in English and competent in Burmese (preferred).
• Ability to work with and understand ‘grassroots activists’.
• Ability to respect and maintain security precautions.
• Ability to travel (in possession of travelling documents).
• Commitment to the expressed goals and ideals of EarthRights International.

Preferred:
• University degree in political science, social sciences, law or related areas;
• Experience of managing or participating in a network of local and/or regional NGOs working on issues relating to Burma, sustainable development, human rights, and the environment.
• Experience of delivering training to non-native English speakers, and organising such training.
• Experience in working as part of a close-knit team.
• Proficiency in at least one ethnic language of Burma.

To apply:

Interested candidates should email the following to maureen@earthrights.org:
• A cover letter
• A CV or resume
• A list of 3-5 references with phone numbers and email addresses

For more information, please contact maureen@earthrights.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, with the role expected to commence in August or September 2012.

EarthRights International is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate in its hiring practices.