Position Title: Earth Rights Defenders Program Coordinator
Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand (occasional travel in the region)
Reports To: Earth Rights Defenders Program Manager
Application Deadline: 4 August, 2021
EarthRights International is a non-governmental, nonprofit organization that combines the power of law and the power of people in defense of human rights and the environment, which we define as “earth rights.” A key part of who we are organizationally is our three-pronged approach to making change: training of community and legal activists, strategic legal work in defense of human rights and corporate accountability, and campaigns to promote systemic governmental and corporate policy change. We also work to improve the situations of those defending human rights and the environment whom we call earth rights defenders. We hope to contribute to a context where Earth Rights Defenders are able to carry out their work safely and effectively due to increased knowledge, skills, networks, support, and an enabling environment.
Summary Description
The Earth Rights Defenders (ERD) Program Coordinator is a newly created position that will report to the ERD Program Manager. The Program Coordinator will support efforts to develop, enhance, and implement systems, trainings and policies to address the physical, digital and legal security and wellbeing needs of EarthRights’ staff, students, alumni, networks, and allies, particularly in the Mekong Region of Southeast Asia. The successful candidate will assist with timely and effective responses to urgent security situations.
Roles and Responsibilities
● Support the implementation of EarthRights International’s ERD program in Southeast Asia and across the organization.
● Provide assistance as required to the ERD Program Manager including analyzing political contexts, identifying emerging trends, monitoring security situations and providing security-related advice to EarthRights staff, alumni, and partners.
● Coordinate initiatives to train, coach, mentor and advise on wellbeing and physical, legal and digital security to staff, alumni, and partners.
● Assist with the development of publications and research reports, risk assessment papers, briefing papers, and other written materials that contribute to EarthRights mission and strategic plan and the progression of program goals.
● Conduct desk research and monitoring of situations affecting the enjoyment of human rights in the region.
● Support the engagement and coordination of advocacy efforts with relevant stakeholders at the local, regional and international levels.
● Act as a point of contact for security incidents for staff, alumni, and partners.
● Maintain good relationships with external service providers including consultants and partner organizations that EarthRights collaborates with.
● Take minutes at meetings and provide assistance to other staff members with grant proposals and reporting.
● Other duties as required.
Qualifications and Experience
● 5 years of experience coordinating programs related to human rights and working directly with human rights defenders and activists
● A sound understanding of the sociopolitical and economic contexts, risks and mitigation options in Southeast Asia
● Experience supporting and coordinating capacity-building initiatives with human rights defenders
● Knowledge of human rights protection mechanisms including at the international level
● Knowledge and good understanding of the challenges and obstacles that those defending human rights in the Mekong region encounter
● Strong research and analytical skills and a demonstrated ability to analyze policies, laws etc
● Excellent interpersonal skills with a positive and professional attitude and a track record of building strong relationships with a wide range of local and international partners
● Understanding of gender and social inclusion issues and a commitment to integrating these essential principles throughout EarthRights’ programming
● Sound understanding and competency with Information Technology (IT) – particularly in regard to security
● Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English (written and spoken) and fluency in at least one other Mekong language desired
● Experience working in culturally diverse settings and willingness to travel in the region
● Understanding and experience of working on grant proposals and report writing
● Good knowledge of monitoring, evaluation and learning
This vacancy is archived.