DEPUTY DIRECTOR FOR PROGRAMS

ABOUT GAIA

GAIA is a worldwide alliance of more than 800 grassroots groups, non-governmental organizations, and individuals in over 90 countries whose ultimate vision is a just, zero waste world built on respect for ecological limits and community rights, where people are free from the burden of toxic pollution, and resources are sustainably conserved, not burned or dumped.  We recognize that our planet’s finite resources, fragile biosphere, and the health of people and other living beings are endangered by polluting and inefficient production practices, and health-threatening disposal methods. Because of this, we oppose incinerators, landfills, and other end-of-pipe interventions. Our goal is clean production and the creation of a closed-loop, materials-efficient economy where all products are reused, repaired, or recycled.

OUR VALUES

Community Power. We recognize the knowledge and experiences of local communities and trust in their decisions

Local Solutions. Through the network, we build local-global linkages that are essential to movement-building and enhance our collective impact.

Inclusive, equity and social justice. We believe in collaboration with other movements that advance human rights and social justice globally, and champion holistic solutions that work for all people. 

Accountability. We uphold our commitments and believe in transparency and the sustainable and ethical use of resources.

Independence. Our network is non-partisan.

ABOUT YOU

The Deputy Director for Programs will help to integrate and align programs and campaigns to the Network’s strategic framework and its values. This will include further integration of movement and power-building work. S/He will do this by developing and driving effective team-wide strategies in collaboration with the team and its governance structures. 

This is a senior position that will support and supervise the campaign leads. In addition to managing 3-5 senior staff – the role will have a seat on other leadership bodies of the Network. The Deputy Director for Programs will also undertake special projects as needed and provide support to team members. 

Reporting: Working under the direction of the Regional Coordinator and participating as member of the Management Committee, the Deputy Director for Programs  will partake in  developing and implementing the vision, structures, systems, and culture needed to foster cooperation and collaboration across the programs team  and other units 

Duration: This is a full-time position subject to a probationary period. It is open to individuals based in the Asia Pacific region. The Deputy Director for Programs will be working remotely.

Compensation, and Work Environment: We offer a competitive salary plus benefits,  including healthcare package, paid vacation and sick leaves, and other similar employment protections. We take pride in our ability to support one another’s work in an atmosphere of mutual trust, transparency, and respect, and look forward to introducing the successful candidate to our welcoming and highly motivated team and members.

Responsibilities: The scope of the position includes but is not limited to the following responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership on establishing zero waste systems, reduction of plastic pollution, fighting incineration, and shifting investments for zero waste solutions
• Work with the team and its governance structures in translating and operationalizing GAIA AP’s overall goals and objectives into multi-year or annual program and campaign plans  that are regionally relevant, strategic, builds power and momentum for the Network
• Continually reflect on and improve our advocacy practice and approach to programs and campaigns with a data-informed and participatory approach
• Supervise members of the program team, internal systems, including workflows and processes. Communicate key shifts and changes in responsibilities during implementation
• Co-create  team’s annual plan and budget with impact and financial responsibility as key priorities.
• Signs off on relevant concept notes, budgets, proposals and statements
• Participate in all relevant aspects of GAIA AP  management committee planning, review, proposal  development and reporting including at the regional and global structures. 
• Uphold GAIA AP’s  values and contribute to the GAIA AP team and supporting the Network.

Required Qualifications:

• With at least eight years experience in leading progressive and consultative work environment and networks, in a senior management position;
• Experience working on implementation, policy and movement-building as strategies at the national or global levels
• Deep and demonstrated commitment to working with other social movements or development actors
• Experience developing and operationalizing strategies with clear and measurable benchmarks; ability to utilize data-driven decision-making to iterate during strategy implementation. 
• Excellent people management skills with ability to coach and develop high-performing teams; experience managing remote teams a plus.
• Track record of overseeing annual plans, including budgets and reporting. 
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, including across lines of difference;
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work with grassroots organizations, and a variety of stakeholders and across cultures;

Desirable 

•  Experience and knowledge of waste management, social justice, and climate issues 
• Understanding program and project management, advocacy, movement building, community organizing, and/or experience in a global organization is preferred;

• Fluent in verbal and written English and able to use online platforms and quickly learn new digital tools; and
• Willing to travel with frequency, including internationally

• Strong writing and presentation skills
• Experience with Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning systems design and

development is a plus

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

We are committed to equal employment opportunity principles and to provide all employees with a safe work environment free from discrimination and harassment. We welcome you regardless of your gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, faith, age, physical ability, or any other status unrelated to the performance of the job. People from historically marginalized groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates should: 

1. Send an updated resume and cover letter with your salary requirements and at least two professional references (one supervisor and one co-worker) 
2. Attach 2 samples of project proposals you have written
3. Email the required documents  to jobs@no-burn.org with the subject line “Deputy Director for Programs – YOUR NAME.” no later than June 15, 2023. 

The position will be open until filled; the first round of interviews will commence immediately. Only candidates continuing on to the first round of interviews will be contacted. The successful candidate is expected to start work by July  2023,