Position title: EarthRights School Trainer & Mentor

Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand

Travel: Regional travel required

Reports to: Mekong Training Director

Application Deadline: March 31st, 2024

Organizational summary

EarthRights International is a non-governmental, non-profit organization that combines the power of law and the power of people in defense of human rights and the environment, which we define as “earth rights.” A key part of who we are organizationally is our three-pronged approach to making change: training of community and legal activists, strategic legal work in defense of human rights and demanding corporate accountability, and campaigns to promote systemic governmental and corporate policy change. Our work focuses on climate justice and accountability, earth rights defenders, and corporate accountability.

The Training Team implements one of the 3 thematic areas of the strategy of EarthRights (training, legal, campaign) by implementing EarthRights School (ERS), a variety of training programs and the alumni program. The Training Team collaborates across the organization contributing to the creation and implementation of the training elements in the activities of the other teams when necessary.

Established in 1999, EarthRights School is a unique, long-term residential program that unites a diverse group of individuals from across the Mekong region who return to their communities to lead, inspire, and train others. The core focus of the program is leadership. The program is designed to put campaign and legal tools into the hands of front-line activists and NGOs, and help communities protect their rights and the environment. The curriculum covers topics such as globalization, human rights, social activism, environmental protection, corporate social responsibility, and sustainable development. Additionally, skills-building courses in public speaking, presentation, communication, research, project cycle management are offered. The alumni program offers a wide range of activities to continuously engage and support alumni. It provides further training opportunities in the form of long- and short-term, in-person, online and hybrid courses, online and in-person networking and learning events on country- and the regional levels, the development of an online engagement platform, maintaining diverse communication channels with alumni, maintaining and updating databases of alumni, donors, and resources and implements the small grants program and supports alumni in accessing funds from diverse donors.

Position Overview

The EarthRights School Trainer & Mentor reports to the Senior Training Manager and works closely with the EarthRights School Coordinator and the members of the Training Team. This role involves contribution to the development of curricula, facilitation of day-to-day school activities, coordinating class content and lesson delivery, aligning guest teacher expertise with school needs, and supporting guest teachers. The EarthRights School Trainer & Mentor utilizes their expertise in instructional design, pedagogy, and adult learning methodologies to deliver interactive, engaging, and thought-provoking content that fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They ensure that teaching methods align with EarthRights’ values and best education practices. The EarthRights School Trainer & Mentor guides and advises students in their daily studies, on field research and field learning experiences. This position requires occasional travel in the region and to remote locations within the region and is based in Chiang Mai.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and teach EarthRights School and alumni courses using an experiential education model, including syllabus, lesson sessions, assignments, and student workflows.
• Participate in curriculum development and support the Senior Training Manager in revising and implementing curricula.
• Research for new materials, methods, learning activities and tools.
• Support the annual EarthRights School recruitment process, including candidate selection and interviews.
• Plan and implement workflows for students, including giving feedback on homework, writing assignments, readings, and student presentations.
• Provides needs-based English language, digital literacy/skills, and study skills support through written and verbal feedback, outside teaching hours.
• Coach, mentor, advise, counsel students during their studies, fieldwork, professional and personal development, available for students outside teaching hours.
• Co-facilitates and supports the delivery of different training courses for alumni.
• Collaborates with the ERS Coordinator and the Senior Training Manager in the design and implementation of the internal MEL processes of the Training Team.
• Support and accompany students on field trips.
• Coordinates extracurricular activities. Support and accompany students on occasional extracurricular activities (recreation, cultural and educational events in Chiang Mai)
• Supports the recruitment of new students.
• Assist the Senior Training Manager and the Mekong Training Director with reporting and administrative tasks.
• Perform other duties/tasks as assigned.

Accountability

The EarthRights School Trainer & Mentor is directly accountable for the following:

• Creating an engaging and interactive learning environment that encourages student involvement and participation.
• Incorporating gender and social inclusion in all lessons.
• Conducting successful field trips that prompt students to reflect critically on their learning experiences.
• Providing effective, differentiated advisory support for students during fieldwork and research projects on the group and individual levels.
• Effectively developing and implementing new and revised curricula for the EarthRights School program.
• Timely and accurate communication and reporting.
• Active participation and contribution in meetings.

Competencies and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or at least 5-10 years of active, field-based experience in teaching, training, mentoring, or capacity-building roles within human rights or environmental rights organizations.
• Strong background in non-formal learning approaches and methodologies, inclusive education, adult education and experiential learning.
• Proven experience in lesson planning and a deep understanding of creative and impactful learning approaches for diverse adult learners.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Southeast Asia context.
• Experience collaborating with grassroots community movements, organizations, and international NGOs in the development sector, especially in campaign, advocacy and community organizing in the Mekong Region or South-East Asia.
• Proven ability to integrate gender and social inclusion in development and education programs.
• Background in environmental and human rights and/or Southeast Asian community work.
• Excellent cross-cultural communication skills and experience working with diverse groups, especially from across Southeast Asia.
• Strong computer and digital skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with new learning technologies and digital learning initiatives.
• Ability to work independently and in a team, managing multiple tasks simultaneously to meet tight deadlines while maintaining a high level of attention to detail and quality of work.
• Professional-level English skills are required.

Equal Opportunity Statement

EarthRights International is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate in its hiring practices, and actively encourages people of different ethnicities and religions, people with disabilities, women and LGBTQI people to apply.