International Rivers Seeking Lao Program Coordinator

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Position Available

Lao Program Coordinator

Bangkok, Thailand

 

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 an experienced campaigner to work in our Southeast Asia Program. The position will be a permanent, full-time position based in Bangkok, Thailand. The Lao Program Coordinator will monitor the implementation of mitigation and compensation measures for existing dams in Laos, advocate for compensation for dam-affected communities, research and highlight the impacts of new hydropower projects planned for Laos, and push for the implementation of the Lao National Hydropower Policy and other relevant laws. S/he will also help build the capacity of local and regional organizations working to protect the rivers of Laos.

 

The campaigner will be expected to travel within the Mekong region and occasionally to other parts of the world. The Lao Program Coordinator reports to the Southeast Asia Program Director.

 

Primary responsibilities

 

1. Campaigns and Advocacy

Conduct field research into the impacts of existing dams such as Nam Theun 2 and Theun-Hinboun and use this research to develop campaign strategies aimed at pressing project funders and owners to implement better compensation and mitigation measures for affected communities. Produce field reports, write letters, and conduct media and other communications activities aimed at key decision-makers and opinion-formers. Conduct field research into priority proposed hydropower projects and use this research to develop targeted strategies to persuade project developers and their financiers from building destructive dams in Laos.

 

2. 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’ newsletter World Rivers Review, fact sheets, briefing papers, campaign updates and other materials where necessary. Update and maintain relevant sections of the International Rivers website. When Environmental Impact Assessments and other technical documents are released, work with experts to prepare critical reviews.

 

3. Policy Analysis

Monitor implementation of Lao policies and laws governing hydropower development, and maintain a watching brief on World Bank, Asian Development Bank and bilateral technical assistance and capacity building projects for Laos in the hydropower sector with an eye to strengthening Lao government policies and implementation of those policies.

 

4. Networking, Outreach and Capacity-Building

Work to support the nascent movement of civil society organizations in Laos concerned about hydropower development in the country, including through developing outreach and popular education materials, organizing and attending local and regional meetings, answering emails and information requests, public speaking, managing small grants applications, and active outreach to groups in the country and regionally.

 

5. Media, Communications and Outreach

Devise and implement communications strategies at the regional and international level for drawing public attention to the impacts of Lao dams. Maintain active and regular contact with the foreign press corps based in Thailand, and with Thai media. Conduct regular briefings with journalists, promote International Rivers’ messages and campaigns, and conduct media interviews.

 

6. Supervision

Supervise a consultant based in Pakse, Laos, whose primary responsibility is to conduct field research on hydropower projects under consideration or under development in Laos.

 

Skills and Experience Required

·      Strong written and verbal communication skills in English. Research and writing is a primary component of the job and strong written communication skills in English are essential.

·      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 Lao language preferred

·      Knowledge of Lao politics, developments and issues

·      Experience with campaigning to influence financial institutions such as private banks, export credit agencies and international 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 jobpostreg@internationalrivers.org by February 20, 2012, with subject line “Lao Program Coordinator.”

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.

--  ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Aviva Imhof Campaigns Director International Rivers tel: +1 510 848 1155, ext. 312 skype name: avivaimhof aviva@internationalrivers.org www.internationalrivers.org  :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::