Director
The International Network for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ESCR-Net) is seeking a Director to serve the Network at an exciting and pivotal stage in its development. ESCR-Net is a collaborative initiative of groups and individuals from around the world working together to secure economic and social justice through human rights, which over the past three years, has evolved as a primary channel for groups working on economic, social and cultural rights to share information and strategies.
The Director of ESCR-Net has primary responsibility for developing the Network in line with the policies and programmatic direction set by the ESCR-Net Board and the issue agenda determined by Members. The Director is responsible for running the ESCR-Net Secretariat, located in New York, and managing the staff.
Specific responsibilities of the Director include the following:
Develop strategy and programmatic direction for the Network, in consultation with the Board and in response to Members interests and needs
Coordinate day-to-day activities, programs and administration of the Network, including managing the Secretariat staff and overseeing the administration of funds and financial planning
Raise funds for the operation of the Network and report to funders
Work with program staff to facilitate the thematic working groups, support ongoing projects and develop new activities
Organize meetings, conferences and other events aimed at developing the Network and providing a framework for joint advocacy activities
Represent the Network at international conferences, meetings and strategy sessions, and conduct ongoing outreach for the Network
Follow developments in the field of economic, social and cultural rights (ESCR) with an aim toward identifying strategic opportunities for the Network
Facilitate governance of the Network by working closely with the Board on setting policies and directions and working with Membership
Maintain lines of communication between the different Network structures: Board, Working Groups, Secretariat and General Assembly (Membership)
Oversee the website development as well as other information sharing mechanisms
Qualifications
The ideal candidate is someone who has excellent coordination, management and negotiation skills; substantive knowledge of the field of ESCR; a proven track record or demonstrated capacity to raise funds; and the strategic thinking and organizational skills to build a strong, decentralized, international network that is membership-driven.
Candidates should have the following qualifications (required):
In-depth knowledge of economic, social and cultural rights, and a minimum of 7 years experience in the field of human rights, with progressively greater responsibility, including a minimum of 3 years of management experience
Strong leadership capacity, strategic vision and creativity to guide the development of the network and its project and advocacy work
Strong management, coordination and interpersonal skills to run the operations of the network and to catalyze collaborative work amongst its members
Excellent political judgment and facilitation skills to work with a wide range of civil society groups and interests as well as help position the network on advocacy issues
Capacity to plan and prioritize well and to juggle multiple demands, and to work comfortably in a small, collegial office environment
Proven ability to work effectively in coalitions and partnerships with other organizations
Fluency in oral and written English, with excellent writing and effective public speaking skills
A record of successful fundraising or demonstrated capacity from foundations and other donors
In addition to the qualifications noted above, the following skills and experiences are desirable:
Fluency in either Spanish or French is highly desirable; fluency in other languages, including Arabic, Hindi or Thai is also desirable
A Masters level degree in law, politics, public policy, international development or related field
Salary and Benefits
ESCR-Net, a project of the Tides Center, offers competitive compensation and generous employer-paid benefits including medical, dental and vision, and generous vacation and paid leave. The position is based in New York City and includes international travel. ESCR-Net will assist employees in obtaining necessary work authorization.
How to Apply:
Please send a curriculum vitae, contact information for 3 references, and a letter of interest by May 8th, 2006 to ESCR-Net by email ( info@escr-net.org) using Director Search as the subject of your email. It is preferred that all materials be submitted by email, but if that is not possible then please send your application by fax to +1 (212) 681-1241.
Due to the high volume of responses we have received in the past, we will not be able to confirm receipt of applications or answer queries. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Thank you for your understanding during this process.
ESCR-Net, a Project of the Tides Center, is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage and seek applications from people outside of the US, women, and people of color, including bilingual and bicultural individuals, as well as members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender communities. Applicants shall not be discriminated against because of race, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, marital status, medical condition (cancer-related) or the conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and AIDS Related Conditions (ARC). Applicants with Disabilities: Reasonable accommodation will be made so that qualified disabled applicants may participate in the application process. Please advise in writing of special needs at the time of application.
Please see full description of Job Requirements at:
http://www.escr-net.org/EngGeneral/dispbreakingnews.asp?tbnid=21