Mekong Regional Director

EarthRights International (ERI) is a non-governmental, non-profit 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 demanding corporate accountability, and campaigns to promote systemic governmental and corporate policy change. Our work focuses on climate justice and accountability, earth rights defenders, and corporate accountability.

Position Overview

The Mekong Regional Director, a senior executive position, is responsible for implementing ERI's regional strategy by providing vision, direction, and management oversight for all Mekong programs, ensuring their development, continuous improvement, and effectiveness in alignment with ERI policies. S/he fosters a positive, cohesive working environment for multidisciplinary and cross-cultural team members, and facilitates coordination and program support among the US, Amazon, and Mekong Offices.

The Mekong Regional Director collaborates closely with Program Directors, Operations Director and other senior management to integrate training, legal, and campaign efforts while ensuring appropriate support systems are in place. S/he is responsible for decisions made by senior management, and is expected to report to the Executive Director any decisions made that affect ERI strategy or operations in the region, as well as maintain discretion and confidentiality.

• Travel: Frequent regional and international travel required
• Reports to: Executive Director

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and management oversight for training, litigation, and campaign programs across the Mekong Region.
• Collaborate with the Mekong Management Team to develop regional program and management plans, ensuring integration at all levels.
• Directly supervise and work closely with all Program Directors (Legal, Campaign and Training Directors) and the Operations Director to develop and deliver ERI's programs and operations.
• Strengthen operational policies and practices, oversee integration of program support from the US office.
• Develop strategies to seek out and maintain funding sources.
• Supervise regional Program Directors to implement the ERI Strategic Plan.
• Coordinate with the US office to ensure compliance with ERI's policies and procedures.
• Create and support an environment that values diverse cultural backgrounds and skills, and integrates gender mainstreaming practices.
• Lead public representation of ERI's regional program, building influential relationships and supporting networks to empower project-affected communities.
• Ensure consistent communication with internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage relationships with and provide regular reporting to key donors.
• Represent ERI with international representatives, such as UN agencies, other INGOs, government representatives, and current and prospective funders.

Accountability - The Mekong Regional Director is directly accountable for the following:

• The delivery and effective management of regional programs and budgets, ensuring alignment with the organization's mission and vision.
• Donor compliance for grants supporting regional and national programs.
• Relationships with key stakeholders, including project-affected communities, NGO partners, government, media, donors, and supporters.
• Compliance with the laws and regulations in countries where ERI operates.
• Fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, promoting gender and cultural equality within the organization.

Other expectations:

The Mekong Regional Director works across time zones, including travel, calls, and correspondence outside conventional working hours. S/he may travel both regionally and internationally up to 40%, with up to two trips annually to ERI’s US office in Washington D.C.

Competencies and Qualifications

• Advanced degree or equivalent experience required
• Minimum of 8-10 years of relevant experience, with at least 5 years of progressive experience in managing an organization with 15 or more employees
• Demonstrated success in having created change in policy, operations, technology and/or culture in service of measurable outcomes
• Demonstrated experience engaging with current and potential funders
• Demonstrated experience building and maintaining strategic relationships with external stakeholders
• Strong commitment to ERI's mission and vision, along with a broad understanding of NGO sector work culture
• Leadership qualities and people management expertise for directing and supporting a multidisciplinary and multicultural team
• Ability to think strategically and analytically, using these skills for problem-solving and making informed decisions
• Understanding of gender and cultural diversity considerations within key responsibilities, with a commitment to addressing inequalities in the workplace and programs.
• Ability to maintain a high standard of professionalism while fostering a casual, fun work environment
• Good knowledge of human resource management strategies and tools
• Good understanding of information systems and technology
• Ability to gain and apply knowledge of statutory requirements in regional countries, considering local culture and traditions
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including high-level interpersonal and representational capabilities; fluency in written and spoken English is essential

Desired (but not required):

• Experience working in the Global South or small political spaces
• Working knowledge of Mekong countries

How To Apply

Please click "Apply on Company Website" below to visit our website to apply. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis until positions are filled.

Equal Opportunity Statement

EarthRights International is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate in its hiring practices, and actively encourages people of or, women, people with disabilities, and LGBTQI people to apply.