International Rivers is seeking qualified candidates to join our SE Asia program as a Mekong Campaigner. Interested candidates need to submit their applications to jobpost@internationalrivers.org by June 15th, 2011, with subject line “Mekong Campaigner”.
International Rivers supports communities around the world in protecting their rivers, watersheds and human rights. We work to halt destructive dams and encourage better methods of meeting needs for water, energy and protection from floods. International Rivers is looking for a full-time campaigner to work in our Bangkok office. The Mekong Campaigner will help support the regional campaign against dams on the mainstream
Mekong River. S/he will work closely with the Save the Mekong coalition and other local, regional and international organizations working to protect the Mekong River Basin. The campaigner will be expected to travel within the Mekong region and occasionally to other parts of the world. The Mekong Campaigner reports to the Southeast Asia Program Director.
Primary responsibilities
Networking, Outreach and Capacity-Building
Work with the Southeast Asia Campaigns Team to support a regional network of affected people, NGOs and individuals committed to protecting the Mekong River from mainstream dams. Tasks include organizing and attending local and regional meetings, answering emails and information requests, public speaking, managing small grants applications, active outreach to groups in the region, and coordination with international support groups. Support the activities of the Save the Mekong coalition through writing various materials for the coalition, providing input into strategy development, joining coalition meetings and activities, and maintaining www.savethemekong.org.
Information Dissemination, Research and Writing
Coordinate dissemination of information to key decision-makers, bilateral donors, other NGOs, and the general public. This includes writing of action alerts, press releases, blogs, articles for publication in International Rivers’ magazine World Rivers Review, fact sheets, briefing papers, trip reports, campaign updates and other materials where necessary. Update and maintain relevant sections of the International Rivers website. Conduct research into priority projects if needed. Write content for grant proposals and reports. When Environmental Impact Assessments and other technical documents are released, work with experts to prepare critical reviews.
Media, Communications and Outreach
Implement International Rivers’ communications strategies at the national, regional and international level for drawing public attention to the potential impacts of dams on the Mekong mainstream. Communicate with the foreign press corps in Thailand and regional journalists, and act as media spokesperson on occasion.
Lobbying and Advocacy
Together with the Southeast Asia Campaigns Team and regional and international partners, implement a medium-term strategy for stopping the development of dams on the Mekong mainstream, initially focused on the Xayaburi Dam in Laos. This will include helping to execute targeted strategies to dissuade project developers, governments and financiers from building Mekong mainstream dams, while persuading the Mekong River Commission (MRC) and its bilateral donors to take a clear position against dams on the Mekong River’s mainstream. When necessary, challenge the MRC’s processes including the Basin Development Plan and the Procedures for Notification and Prior Consultation and Agreement (PNPCA).
Skills and Experience Required
– Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
– At least three years experience conducting advocacy campaigns, preferably at the international level.
– Knowledge of Mekong region politics, developments and issues, including some knowledge of hydropower issues.
– Excellent organizational, planning and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work both independently and within a team
– Commitment to environmental integrity, social justice and the mission of International Rivers
– Excellent computer skills
– Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
Desired Qualifications
– Ability to speak, read and write one regional language (Thai, Khmer, Lao or Vietnamese) preferred
– Experience with campaigning to influence financial institutions
Salary and Benefits
Competitive salary and benefits package includes health insurance and excellent vacation and sick leave. Salary dependent on experience.
Application Procedures
Please send an application letter in English with resume, English writing sample and expected salary to jobpost@internationalrivers.org by June 15th, 2011, with subject line “Mekong Campaigner”.
International Rivers is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, class, disability status, ethnicity, gender, race and sexual orientation.
International Rivers offers a stimulating, casual and flexible work environment.
