Africa Program Director
International Rivers supports civil society groups and communities around the world which seek to stop destructive dams and promote better methods of meeting energy and water needs. We are looking for an experienced, skilled, dynamic director of our Africa Program. The position will be based at our main office in Berkeley or at a strategic location in Africa (such as Nairobi, Johannesburg, or Accra).
Africa Program Director
International Rivers supports civil society groups and communities around the world which seek to stop destructive dams and promote better methods of meeting energy and water needs. We are looking for an experienced, skilled, dynamic director of our Africa Program. The position will be based at our main office in Berkeley or at a strategic location in Africa (such as Nairobi, Johannesburg, or Accra).
The Program Director will work with partner organisations in Africa, with colleagues in our Berkeley headquarters and our satellite offices around the world. The position requires several international trips per year. The Program Director oversees consultants, interns and volunteers, and reports to our Policy Director.
The duties and responsibilities of the Program Director are:
1. Program coordination: Coordinate International Rivers� Africa Program to challenge destructive dam projects, advocate for better solutions and strengthen the capacity of our local partners. Develop effective strategies, prepare work plans and carry out program activities. Supervise consultants, interns and volunteers. In conjunction with the policy director, do extensive fundraising and coordinate budgeting and financial oversight for the Africa Program
2. Monitoring and research: Conduct campaign-related research on river ecosystems, the African energy and water sectors, dam building plans and better solutions to meet water and energy needs in Africa. Monitor specific destructive dam projects, assess their impacts, and analyze cross-cutting issues such as the impacts of climate change on Africa�s rivers and dams.
3. Capacity building: Strengthen the capacity and the networking efforts of civil society groups working on rivers and dams in Africa. Share information with our partners, carry out site visits, organize trainings and other workshops, extend small grants, and give direct advice.
4. Media work and other communications: Devise strategies to create awareness about the threats facing African rivers. Produce reports, fact-sheets and audio-visual materials. Nurture relations with interested journalists and carry out media work primarily in Africa and on the international level. Contribute articles to our magazine, World Rivers Review, and maintain the Africa Program�s web pages.
5. Advocacy work: Help create pressure on African and international dam builders and financiers to stop the development of destructive projects and promote better solutions in the water and energy sectors.
Requirements:
- Excellent research, writing and verbal communication skills in English; fluency in French highly desired;
- Demonstrated ability to think strategically and develop effective campaign strategies;
- Diligence, ability to handle multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment;
- Independence, ability to work alone while maintaining constant communication with the main office in Berkeley if working from Africa;
- Knowledge and understanding of Africa's environment and development issues and NGO community;
- At least five years of experience in social or environmental advocacy work;
- Ability to work well in a team and within an international network;
- Commitment to environmental integrity, social justice and the mission of International Rivers;
- Strong computer skills (ability to post simple online content highly desired);
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience required; Master�s degree a plus;
- Authorization to work in the United States or at an office location to be determined in Africa.
International Rivers offers a stimulating, casual and flexible work environment. Our competitive salary and benefits package includes health insurance and excellent vacation and sick leave. Salary commensurate with experience.
To apply, send a cover letter, resume and writing sample to [email][email protected] or to International Rivers, 2150 Allston Way, Berkeley, CA 94704, USA; fax +1 510 848 1008. Please mention 'Africa Program' in the address or subject line and indicate your preferred location of work. Deadline for applications: March 23, 2011.
International Rivers is an Equal Opportunity Employer and First Source Berkeley employer. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, class, disability status, ethnicity, gender, race and sexual orientation.