JOBS: Focus on the Global South

Focus on the Global South is an Asia-based policy research think tank, with headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand, and country presence in the Philippines and India. For more than fifteen years, Focus has been one of the leading critical voices on globalisation, governance and development, grounded in its commitment to social, ecological and gender justice, peoples’ democracy and plurality. Focus is a team of committed activists working with social movements and other organisations in their common quest for ecological, social and economic justice. Working locally, nationally, regionally and internationally, the Focus team has a wealth of experience and skills, as well as diverse cultural perspectives, educational and work backgrounds, languages and ways of working. The organisational structure reflects Focus’ commitment to horizontality and democracy and aims to maximise inter-connections between issues, level of analysis and geographic locations.
Executive Director
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Deadline: 15th November 2011
| The Executive Director (ED) of Focus will: |
* play a strategic leadership role;
* create an environment where the development of ideas and activist engagement flourishes;
* be a good team player and inspirational team builder, with a commitment to a participatory style of management;
* provide overall coordination for and oversee the financial, fundraising, organisational and human resource affairs of the organisation;
* ensure the efficient and effective implementation of the Focus programme;
* report regularly to the Focus International Board for all Focus’ activities and programmes; and,
* employ a management style that is egalitarian, open, fair and non-bureaucratic.
| The Executive Director will have: |
* a strong background and a proven track record in progressive, critical analysis and strategy in the areas of development, including trade and/or finance and/or the commons;
* a good understanding of political economy and regional dynamics of East, South East and South Asia;
* a history of activism and a strong political commitment to social justice, the interests of impoverished and marginalised people and to building alternatives to the current system;
* experience working in networks and with social movements, and interacting with diverse political actors;
* strong background in advocacy and popular campaigning;
* at least 10 years of work experience with a minimum of 5 years in policy work at senior management level;
* proven capacity for out-of-the-box innovative and visionary thinking;
* excellent writing skills in English;
* experience and skills in public speaking;
* demonstrated skill in strategic planning;
* experience of managing finances and personnel;
* a good understanding and experience of institutional fundraising;
* a consultative style combined with decisiveness and an ability to deliver;
* teambuilding and mentoring skills;
* the capacity for empathy and the ability to resolve differences;
* good communication and motivational skills;
* the ability to work effectively across different cultural contexts;
Focus would prefer a candidate who can take up the role in early January 2012 if possible.
Interview for shortlisted candidates will be held in Bangkok, Thailand on November 24th, with a possible final round on November 26th 2011.
To apply, please send the following:
* brief curriculum vitae;
* published article/paper on an issue of relevance to Focus’ areas of work;
* covering letter which includes: the reasons why you want to join Focus; a summary of the skills and experience you will bring to the post; the names and contact details of two referees indicating the capacity in which they know you; and,
* an indication of when you would be free to take up the post.
Applications should be addressed to: The Focus Selection Panel, and sent by email to: Ms. Jenina Joy Chavez, ( jchavez.focusjobs@gmail.com). On the subject line, please put: Executive Director.
Operations Manager
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Deadline: 15th November 2011
| The Operations Manager of Focus will: |
Working closely with the Executive Director, the Operations Manager is responsible for setting up and implementing systems for fundraising, budgets, administration, personnel management and organisational coordination. S/he will:
• fundraise for the institution, packaging Focus work plans into fundable projects and grant proposals;
• monitor budget allocations and expenditures;
• implement a system for monitoring and evaluation;
• take responsibility for personnel and staff development matters;
• be a good team player and team builder, able to work in a participatory fashion while still ensuring accountability and effective performance; and,
• employ a management style that is egalitarian, open, fair and non-bureaucratic.
| The ideal candidate will have: |
* at least 7 years work experience including 3-5 years of relevant experience in managing tasks or teams;
* proven experience and a thorough knowledge of fundraising processes with a demonstrated track record in successful fundraising; familiarity with international donors would be an advantage;
* proven experience of financial and personnel management; experience of long-distance management would be an advantage;
* familiarity with budgeting and financial reporting;
* experience in monitoring and evaluation and the ability to develop organisational systems and tools for this;
* a history of activism with a strong commitment to social justice would be an advantage;
* good communication and motivational skills; and good people skills;
* an ability to combine a consultative style with decisiveness and an ability to deliver;
* a capacity for listening, empathy, patience, fairness, and objectivity in interpersonal relations; and,
* an ability to work effectively across different cultural contexts.
Interview for shortlisted candidates will be held in Bangkok, Thailand on November 25th, with a possible final round on November 26th 2011.
To apply, please send the following:
* brief curriculum vitae;
* covering letter which includes the following: the reasons why you want to join Focus; a summary of the skills and experience you will bring to the post; the names and contact details of two referees indicating the capacity in which they know you; and,
* an indication of when you can join Focus if offered the post.
Applications should be addressed to: The Focus Selection Panel, and sent by email to: Ms. Jenina Joy Chavez, ( jchavez.focusjobs@gmail.com). On the subject line, please put: Operations Manager.
