Executive Director
Other Suggested Readings
RE-ADVERTISING
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Job Title: Executive Director
Location: Based in Bangkok, Thailand
Level: Organisation head, reporting to the Board
Salary: Up to Thai Baht 110,000 a month depending on skills and experience; with relocation allowance, partial housing subsidy and other benefits
Appointment: Two years (renewable); six month probation
Closing Date: 11 February 2012
Interview Dates: Between 23-29 February 2012 (final dates to be decided subject to candidate’s availability)
About Focus on the Global SouthFocus 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 staff 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.
Focus is currently going through a process of transition, to renew and re-contextualise its work and analysis in a changing world that is confronting new and complex challenges on every front: ecological, economic, social and political.
Focus engages in progressive research and analysis in a number of areas, but illuminating trends in global trade, finance and development has been its principal concern and strength. It will continue to place these issues at the centre of its research and analytical concerns, and it will approach these concerns with recognition of the deepening crisis of the global ecosystem that is accelerating marginalization and exclusion. It will also work towards articulating and deepening alternatives to the neoliberal system.
As part of its restructuring process, Focus is looking for a dynamic and inspirational Executive Director, to play a leading role working with the Focus Team to build on collective experiences and take Focus forward to the next phase.
What the job entails
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.
Person Specification
Essential
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;
Desirable
- proven long distance management skills;
- experience and/or enthusiasm for working with new technologies;
- speaking and writing skills in one or more Asian languages; and,
- involvement in the World Social Forum process.
Focus would prefer a candidate who can take up the role as early as possible.
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.
If you submitted an application when the post was first advertised, you need not re-apply.
Only short-listed applicants will be notified.
Registered Address: Focus on the Global South, C/o CUSRI, Wisit Prachuabmoh Building, Chulalongkorn University, Phayathai Road, Bangkok 10330, Thailand. Phone: (+66-2) 218 7363/4/5. Fax: (+66-2) 255 9976. Website: www.focusweb.org
