Position title:                         Mekong Legal Director

Location:                                Chiang Mai, Thailand

Travel:                                    Frequent travel in Thailand and the Mekong region required

Reports to:                             Mekong Regional Director

Application deadline:            24th September 2023

Organizational summary

EarthRights International 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 Legal Director is responsible for directing and implementing EarthRights International's legal and policy related initiatives in the Mekong Region. These include law and policy research and analysis, capacity building through legal training, networking, advocacy, and campaigning support. This role also supports partners, allies, and affiliates in the preparation and execution of national, regional, and international advocacy and campaigning initiatives, integrating legal strategies when necessary. A legal degree is required for this position.

Key Responsibilities

• Directly supervise the legal team, including legal coordinators, legal fellows, volunteers, and consultants.
• Research, assess, and recommend campaign options and strategies to advance EarthRights' Strategic Plan.
• Establish and maintain links with like-minded organizations and stakeholders for coordinated advocacy and campaign initiatives.
• Support program objectives including media relations, research initiatives, academic and public publications, and presentations.
• Analyze laws and policies related to environmental and human rights in Mekong countries; create easy-to-understand briefing materials.
• When necessary, coordinate with and support the Global campaign and advocacy team to implement EarthRights International’s strategic objectives in the Mekong Region.
• Prepare law and/or policy briefs on topics relevant to EarthRights' advocacy and campaign initiatives.
• Facilitate networking and collaboration with regional and international stakeholders working on the intersection of environmental and human rights in the Mekong region.
• Lead EarthRights' legal team on legal and policy analysis related to campaign and advocacy activities.
• Represent EarthRights to governments, relevant professional, academic, bilateral actors, media, and the general public.
• Facilitate law and policy related training, workshops, and outreach events.
• Draft curriculum materials and teach classes for EarthRights School and other teaching opportunities.
• Write regular reports and updates, and support donor reporting.
• Conduct outreach with donors, foundation staff, and other prospective EarthRights supporters.

Accountability

The Mekong Legal Director is directly accountable for the following:

• Effective implementation of legal and policy related initiatives aligned with EarthRights' program interventions.
• Successful collaboration and coordination with like-minded organizations and stakeholders for impactful legal and policy related initiatives.
• Timely creation of policy analysis and briefing materials on relevant topics.
• Positive representation of EarthRights to external stakeholders and the public.
• Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of EarthRights' legal and policy related efforts in the region.
• Providing support, advice, and direction to EarthRights programs on campaign and advocacy activities.
• Ensuring high-quality legal and policy related training, workshops, and outreach events.
• Timely and accurate reporting to donors and other stakeholders.

Competencies and Qualifications

• Advanced legal degree requiring postgraduate study and minimum five years of experience designing and implementing law and policy initiatives related to strengthening environmental and human rights.
• Excellent English communication skills (written and spoken); knowledge of other Mekong languages highly desirable.
• Experience in business and human rights, environmental law and policy, and/or international development.
• Ability to synthesize complex information for multiple audiences, including local communities, business, and government stakeholders.
• Experience engaging with and influencing government and corporate actors.
• Understanding of the political, social, economic, and cultural contexts in the Mekong region and ability to apply this knowledge.
• Experience preparing, monitoring, and managing budgets.
• Experience managing and developing staff.
• Strong understanding of gender issues and incorporation into advocacy and campaigning initiatives.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a track record of building strong relationships with local and international partners.
• Ability to work independently, guide staff.

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.

How To Apply

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