EarthRights School Director

EarthRights International is seeking a Director for its EarthRights School, an intensive training course in human rights and the environment for Southeast Asian activists.

About EarthRights International (ERI)

EarthRights International (ERI) is a nongovernmental, nonprofit 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, transnational corporations, and international institutions; and protects human rights and environmental defenders. ERI does so through a multifaceted program of investigations and publications, litigation and other legal work; grassroots organizing, education, and training; and local, national, regional, and international advocacy.

ERI has offices in Thailand, Washington, D.C. and Seattle, Washington. (ERI was incorporated in the U.S. and has nonprofit 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. The EarthRights School is located in Thailand.

About the EarthRights School

The EarthRights School is an innovative year-long program in Southeast Asia that trains ethnically diverse indigenous people in environmental and human rights monitoring and advocacy techniques. The School has been in operation for two years, and is entering its second phase, in which we expect to perfect the curriculum and expand support for alumnae. The unique combination of classroom instruction and fieldwork trains effective monitors who are equipped to build community networks in Southeast Asia for documenting and exposing human rights and environmental abuses. By returning graduates to their home regions to actively engage local citizens, the program has a widespread, ongoing impact and provides crucial information for international advocacy efforts.

The School Director will manage all aspects of the program, and will specifically:

• Report directly to the ERI Directors
• Develop curricula and accompanying materials
• Help teach the course
• Hire and supervise staff, as needed
• Recruit students
• Supervise assistant teachers/trainers
• Identify and recruit guest teachers
• Manage administrative aspects of the program, including overseeing the program site and ensuring communications with other ERI programs
• Maintain financial accounts
• Raise funds for the program (in conjunction with ERI Directors)

• An advanced degree is highly preferred, with the ideal candidate possessing an advanced degree in education, conflict resolution, or peace studies; however, candidates with degrees in other related areas will be considered.
• Work experience and/or cross-cultural educational background on a variety of subjects, including human rights, conflict resolution, the environment, law, government, women's rights, corporate accountability, and the international political system is preferred. The ideal candidate will have extensive teaching experience, and at least some knowledge of several of these subjects.
• Teaching experience, especially of non-native English speakers, is highly recommended. Experience teaching trainees with a wide-range of skills and abilities is also helpful.
• Dedication to providing integrated learning experiences, experiential learning opportunities, tutoring assistance and responding to individual student needs is required. The ability to manage personal time while delivering the highest possible quality and intensive educational experience is essential.
• Two-years project management experience is highly recommended.
• Fundraising experience is preferred.
• Experience with the political and cultural background of Burma is preferred.
• Fluent English is necessary, and knowledge of Thai, Burmese or ethnic languages from Burma would be helpful but not essential. Additionally, a demonstrated proficiency and interest in learning languages highly preferred.
• Experience living in the developing world is highly preferred.
• Independence, motivation, resourcefulness, and creativity required.
• Candidates who are willing to make a two-to-three year commitment to the position will be given preference.
• Flexibility/Experience working/managing a live-in educational environment.

EarthRights International offers competitive salaries and benefits. The application deadline is February 15, 2001, but we prefer to receive applications as soon as possible. An application consists of a resume and cover letter.

Please send, e-mail, or fax applications (e-mail strongly preferred) to:

Contact Person: Tyler Giannini, Director
E-mail: infoasia@earthrights.org
Fax: +1-810-314-8285 (U.S.A. number)
Mail: EarthRights International
P.O. Box 12
Lard Phrao Junction
Lard Phrao, Bangkok 10901
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.

For more information EarthRights International, visit www.earthrights.org.