Burma (Myanmar): Country Director - Internews

Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand

Description
GENERAL FUNCTION:

The Burma Country Director (CD) manages and oversees the Internews Burma media development project for the advancement of independent media in Burma. The CD ensures that all programs are properly executed and reported, and has responsibility for all aspects of management and oversight of Internews Burma field operation.

The Country Director manages multiple grants and oversees multiple strands of activity that comprise the Internews Burma project in several locations in Burma and on the Thai-Burma border. The CD provides management and financial oversight of 20-50 staff, a team of 5 regular consultants across several locations, as well as ad hoc consultants providing training, research and technical support skills.
 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following; other duties may be assigned:

Program Management and Planning

• Direct project activities and play key leadership and management role in Internews Media Development Programs for Burma, operating out of Yangon, Burma.
• Lead the development and implementation of a broad set of media and ICT-related activities including trainings, research, co-production, small grants programming and other initiatives
• Manage and coordinate the Training Department, Operations Department, Grants Department, Finance and Accounting Department including direct oversight of staff who lead those departments and who supervise other employees in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.
• Oversee Interviewing, hiring, and training of new employees and consultants.
• Plan, assign, and direct departmental work plans; overseeing the annual performance appraisal process; address complaints and resolve problems.
• Manage and oversee the documentation, development and maintenance of office Policy and Procedures by the Finance and Administration Dept.
• Ensure compliance with grantors’ rules and regulations (e.g. buy-America, fly-America)
• Work with US and field teams on financial planning and tracking
• Develop and maintain a thorough knowledge of independent media in the region of responsibility, presentation of information to donors, partners, Burma-watchers, etc.
• Visit local media outlets both in Burma and with exile Burmese media to conduct research and maintain contact and develop new project
• Encourage news media organizations to: do more news programming, adopt ethical journalism practices and revamp management techniques for business advancement.
• Encourage safe use of IT by journalists and media organizations
• Maintain close contact with other Internews managers in the region
• Manage and oversee the maintenance and regular updating of information security for program including backing up program information for entire office and ensuring that copies of information are stored off-site.
• Ensure compliance with safety and security procedures by staff and beneficiaries of the Internews office; maintain regular contact with local authorities overseeing the security of the office.
• Participate in project weekly management calls to coordinate with Internews regional and international headquarters
• Liaise with local counterparts, leaders in the field, donors

Development, Networking and Representation

• Represent the program before donors, government officials, partner NGOs, to Burmese media community, at conferences, presentations, briefings.
• Strategize on program expansion with US, regional and field teams
• Network with key individuals and institutions on issues related to future funding (donors, partners, researchers, etc)
• Plan and contribute to concept papers and positioning documents
• Liaison with representatives of sources of funding for Internews’ work
• Maintain strong relations and regularly communicate programmatic outcomes with USAID key staff in Bangkok and US Embassy officials in Yangon
• Fulfill all reporting requirements for a diverse set of US, European and private donors
• Strategize new projects and initiatives for Internews to help independent media serving the Burmese community   

Reporting

• Oversee the development of all annual and quarterly reports
• Maintain oversight of financial, logistics and reporting

 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience managing a complex and sensitive international development program with multiple funders and high level of complexity
• Advance degree and/or relevant knowledge of media development, journalism, and international development
• Previous experience directing USAID programs
• Strong interpersonal skills to develop and maintain a broad network of relationships in a multi-cultural and politically sensitive environment
• High computer and internet literacy (early adopter of new open source productivity software and applications)
• Familiarity and compliance with use of secure IT practices
• Fluent English
• Excellent writing skills and experience writing & reporting for grants
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Training experience preferred
• Financial management experience
• Burmese Language skills a plus

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