Job Description Program Associate, EarthRights School- Mekong

Job Description

Position: Program Associate, EarthRights School- Mekong

Date Prepared: December, 2007

Reports to: Mekong Program Coordinator

Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand

Purpose: The purpose of this position is to provide 1) logistical, 2) administrative and 3) program support to ERI’s Mekong School Program

Duration/Type: Ongoing, immediate start


Job Responsibilities:

Academic Support
- Assist Program Coordinator in reviewing program applications and interviewing applicants
- Provide academic support to students, helping them with homework assignments and reviewing material covered in class
- Teach introductory course on regional human rights/environmental issues with the assistance of the Program Coordinator
- Advise students on the design and implementation of their field work projects
- Work with local and regional NGOs to coordinate field trips to communities adversely affected by large development projects
- Provide translation from Thai to English during field trips and presentations by local activists
- Assist in maintaining a positive learning community (may include evening and weekend duties)

Administrative Support
- Coordinate students’ travel to and from Chiang Mai, purchase airplane tickets
- Assist students with visa arrangements, coordinate with Chiang Mai immigration and Thai embassies in the Mekong region
- Coordinate visits from visiting lecturers, arrange for their travel, accommodation and sightseeing while in Chiang Mai
- Help with student health care needs (visit doctors and clinics)
- Maintain library resources and keep reading areas tidy
- Arrange or buy office supplies when necessary
- Arrange photocopying when necessary
- Collate and distribute classroom materials as necessary
- Assist in arranging social events
- Keep receipts and enter receipts into Excel spreadsheets to be checked by the Program Coordinator before sending to ERI’s accountants in the United States

Maintaining building and grounds (cleanliness, maintenance, safety)
- Arrange for regular cleaning of the grounds, including cutting grass
- Arrange for repairs when necessary, including water, plumbing, painting, etc.
- Arrange for regular computer maintenance and repairs when necessary
- Communicate with landlord, others (plumber, gardener, electricians, etc.)
- Arrange for phones (student phone, staff phone, phone line); keep phone list


Qualifications:
- Knowledge of human rights and environmental issues in the Mekong region
- Fluent in Thai (spoken and written), Northern or North Eastern dialect preferred
- Knowledge of at least one other Mekong region language preferred
- Good spoken and written English
- Experience providing translation from Thai to English and English to Thai
- Experience working with grassroots communities on environmental and human rights issues
- Experience conducting participatory field-based research
- Basic computer and bookkeeping skills
- Excellent time management and ability to prioritize multiple tasks
- Experience working in a multi-cultural environment

About EarthRights International
EarthRights International (ERI) is a non-governmental, non-profit organization (NGO) combining the power of law and the power of people to protect earth rights. Earth rights affirm the strong connection between human well-being and a sound environment, and include the right to a healthy environment, the right to speak out and act to protect the environment, and the right to participate in development decisions. On the grassroots level, ERI focuses on campaigns in Southeast Asia, but also works internationally to expose abuses and devise strategies for their eradication. Specifically, ERI investigates, monitors, and exposes abuses occurring in the name of development; works to increase the transparency and accountability of governments, trans-national corporations, and international institutions; and protects human rights and environmental defenders. ERI does so through a multifaceted program of investigations, publications, litigation and other legal work; grassroots organizing, education, and training; and local, national, regional, and international advocacy. ERI has offices in northern Thailand and Washington, D.C. ERI was incorporated in the U.S. and has non-profit status pursuant to U.S. Tax Code 501(c)(3). The staff is ethnically diverse (evenly divided between people from the Global North and South), and is composed of lawyers, human rights and environmental activists, and experienced NGO workers.



About the Mekong School
The EarthRights School (ERS) - Mekong is a unique training program for activists from the Mekong Region (Yunnan/China, Burma, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam) whose work focuses on environmental issues and human rights. The seven month-long training program uses experiential learning methods to equip participants from the region with skills required to conduct research, gather data, and effectively campaign around environmental issues affecting the region. The program provides students with research, writing, and intercultural skills, and substantive knowledge and experience to voice their individual and collective concerns about large-scale development projects and related transparency and participation issues within the Mekong basin. Graduates of the program will form a strong network of environmental advocates who, acting together, can provide support to affected communities who are currently underrepresented.

Application Guidelines:
EarthRights International offers competitive Thai salaries and benefits. The application deadline is 11th February 2008, but we prefer to receive applications as soon as possible. An application consists of a resume and cover letter that directly addresses the selection criteria detailed above. Please post or e-mail applications (e-mail strongly preferred) to:

Contact: Mekong School Program Coordinator
E-mail: mekong@earthrights.org
Mail: P.O. Box 123
Chiang Mai University
Chiang Mai 50202 THAILAND
EarthRights International is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, political belief, age, gender, or sexual orientation. Applications from women are particularly encouraged. For more information about EarthRights International programs, visit www.earthrights.org