Coordinator-Bangkok, Thailand

Mekong Energy and Ecology Network (MEE Net) addresses the emerging nexus of social and environmental problems arising from the rapid growth of the electricity sector in the Mekong region. Our regional network includes over 44 organizations and group spanning the countries of Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.

MEE Net is searching for a self-motivated, independent individual to join our team in the position of Coordinator. We are looking for someone who combines the roles of researcher and activist. As part of the MEE Net Coordinating Team, you will participate fully in all aspects of the organization, including events and workshops organizing, partners outreach, research and project planning.

Position: Coordinator

Deadline: 11 March 2014 – applications are considered in the order they are submitted.

Location: Bangkok, Thailand

Travel: The position may involve travel within Thailand and the other Mekong countries.

Responsibilities

• Based on MEE Net’s three regional themes, research and monitor issues on the electricity sector in the Mekong region.
• Conduct research on a topic of interest/experience on a particular aspect of the electricity sector (e.g. renewable energy, energy efficiency, governance, economic issues), regional energy policy (for example the GMS and ASEAN power grids, gas and nuclear developments) or a specific country’s electricity sector.
• Work as part of the Coordinating Team to implement a range of varied activities, including organizing research programs, events and workshops.
• Develop communication and information-sharing processes with partner organizations and individuals.
• Coordinate and network with partners from across the region.
• Draft reports on project progress and activities for donors and annual reports.
• Provide logistical support for programs and events, including budgeting and travel planning.
• Administrative tasks, including light phone duties.
• Update the MEE Net website with news and publications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a field related to energy, development studies, or the environment, or relevant work experience in a similar field.
• At least two years’ experience in international development work, the NGO sector, an energy-related field or research in the Mekong region.
• Fluency in English is required, both spoken and written.
• Given a willingness to learn, technical knowledge of or background in electricity is not strictly required.
• Strong interest, understanding and passion for social justice and environmental issues are required. We are looking for someone who is able to be part researcher, part activist.
• Research background and knowledge of research methodology.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and high pressure, as needed.
• Highly self-motivated and independent worker in a loosely structured environment.
• Proven ability to work effectively on a team.
• Flexibility and willingness to take on whatever tasks are needed on hand.
• Excellent intercultural communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferences

• Thai fluency, spoken and written.
• Research interests in FDI, export industry, regional investments (especially from China and Japan), IFIs and multilateral finance institutions.

MEE Net Background

We are committed to the long-term process of fostering structural change in the region’s power sector development. Our mission and approaches lie in the areas of capacity-building, participatory and democratic processes, alternative technology and systems, and policy advocacy. We support people-centered processes that empower local groups, rather than top-down approaches to development. Ultimately, MEE Net seeks the environmentally sustainable, socially just and economically rational development of the power sector in the Mekong.

Recognizing the complex forces behind power sector development, MEE Net’s work is structured into three regional, overarching themes:

• Know Your Power aims to empower local communities to actively participate in the development of the power sector and its planning processes.
• The Transboundary Issues theme addresses the cross-border impacts of all electricity sector developments, including hydropower projects and coal-fired and nuclear power plants.
• The Follow the Money Trail theme traces the flow of capital and investments across borders and around the region.

For more information on MEE Net, please visitwww.meenet.org and our Youtube channel athttp://www.youtube.com/user/TheMEENet.

Please send your cover letter, CV/resume and other supporting documents (research articles and publications, etc.) to [email protected] with the heading “Job Application: Coordinator.”

We are looking for someone to start as soon as possible, though the starting date will be considered on an individual basis – please inform us of your availability in your cover letter.

All information collected for recruitment purpose only. Only short-listed candidates will be notified for further interview. We welcome international applicants as well as applicants from Thailand.