Mekong Communications Manager

📌 Core Information 🔹 Job Title: Mekong Communications Manager 🔹 Company: EarthRights International 🔹 Location: Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, Thailand 🔹 Job Type: On-site 🔹 Category: Communications 🔹 Date Posted: April 28, 2025 🔹 Experience Level: Mid-level (5-10 years) 🔹 Remote Status: On-site (with frequent travel in the region) 🔹 Work Arrangement: Full-time (Open-ended) 🔹 Grade: Level 6 🚀 Job Overview 🔹 Key Aspects: - Develop and drive internal and external communications strategies for Mekong programs - Collaborate with global communications team and program teams to create high-quality communications materials - Oversee the production of electronic/print-based communications materials and project briefs - Train, mentor, and build the capacity of staff on communications tools such as digital and social media - Supervise the Mekong Human Rights Storyteller and Design and Publications Associate - Develop and implement communications materials and strategies that are inclusive, culturally sensitive, and empower underrepresented communities 🔹 Assumption: This role requires strong cross-cultural communication skills and a deep understanding of political and cultural dynamics in the Mekong region. 📋 Key Responsibilities 🔹 Strategic Communications: - Develop and implement a coherent, balanced, and integrated communications strategy for EarthRights’ Mekong programs and projects - Collaborate with program teams and the global communications team to create high-quality and timely communications materials 🔹 Media Relations: - Act as the primary liaison between the Mekong Regional Office and the global communications team - Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with media outlets, partner organizations, and internal teams - Respond to media inquiries in a prompt and professional manner 🔹 Project Management: - Oversee the production of communications materials and project briefs, ensuring adherence to branding guidelines - Monitor the impact of communication initiatives and identify ways to add value 🔹 Team Leadership: - Supervise the Mekong Human Rights Storyteller and Design and Publications Associate - Provide clear direction and continuous support to direct reports, fostering a culture of accountability, professional growth, and effective conflict resolution 🔹 Assumption: The successful candidate will have strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. 🎯 Required Qualifications 🔹 Education: - B.A. in Communication, marketing, journalism, or related field 🔹 Experience: - Minimum of five years of experience working in communications-related roles, with three years in the development sector 🔹 Skills: - Sound understanding, skills, and experience with social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok - Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English - Ability to work within tight deadlines and balance often conflicting demands - Flexibility, adaptability, creativity, and effectiveness in working collaboratively in a multicultural team - High analytical skills and ability to represent the views and values of EarthRights - Excellent cross-cultural communication skills, including experience working with colleagues from across Southeast Asia and Western countries - A deep understanding of political and cultural dynamics and sensitivities in the Mekong region, particularly as they pertain to public-facing communication 🔹 Preferred Skills: - Proficiency in graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva) - Experience with content management systems (CMS) and/or project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello) - Familiarity with SEO best practices 💰 Compensation & Benefits 🔹 Salary Range: The salary range for this role is THB 800,000 - 1,200,000 per year (approximately USD 24,000 - 36,000 per year), depending on experience and qualifications. This estimate is based on industry standards for similar roles in the development sector and the cost of living in Chiang Mai. 🔹 Benefits: - Comprehensive health insurance - Retirement plan contributions - Generous vacation and leave policies - Professional development opportunities - A dynamic and supportive work environment 🔹 Working Hours: Full-time position with flexible working hours to accommodate regional time zones and frequent travel. 📌 Applicant Insights 🔍 Company Context 🔹 Industry: EarthRights International operates in the civic and social organizations sector, focusing on human rights and environmental defense. 🔹 Company Size: With 11-50 employees, EarthRights International offers a mid-sized organization structure, providing opportunities for collaboration and growth. 🔹 Founded: Established in 1995, EarthRights International has a rich history of defending earth rights and promoting human rights and environmental protection. 🔹 Company Description: EarthRights International combines the power of law and the power of people in defense of human rights and the environment. The organization specializes in fact-finding, legal actions, training of grassroots and community leaders, and advocacy campaigns. 🔹 Company Specialties: - Fact-finding - Legal actions against perpetrators of earth rights abuses - Training grassroots and community leaders - Advocacy campaigns 🔹 Company Website: www.earthrights.org 📊 Role Analysis 🔹 Career Level: This role is at the mid-career level, requiring a minimum of five years of experience in communications-related roles, with three years in the development sector. 🔹 Reporting Structure: The Mekong Communications Manager reports directly to the Global Communications Director and the Mekong Regional Director, ensuring close collaboration and alignment with both global and regional communications strategies. 🔹 Work Arrangement: This role requires frequent travel in the region, with a significant portion of work conducted remotely. The successful candidate must be comfortable working independently and managing their time effectively across different time zones. 🔹 Growth Opportunities: As EarthRights International continues to expand its regional presence, there are opportunities for the Mekong Communications Manager to grow within the organization, potentially taking on additional responsibilities or moving into a more senior role. 🌍 Location & Work Environment 🔹 Office Type: EarthRights International’s Chiang Mai office is a collaborative and multicultural workspace, fostering a dynamic and supportive work environment. 🔹 Office Location(s): The main office is located in Muang Chiang Mai, with additional offices in Lima, Peru, and Washington, D.C. 🔹 Geographic Context: - Chiang Mai, Thailand: A vibrant city in the northern region of Thailand, known for its cultural attractions, temples, and natural beauty - Muang Chiang Mai: The district where the office is located, offering a mix of urban and rural environments 🔹 Work Schedule: The work schedule is flexible, with core hours from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM (with a one-hour lunch break). However, the successful candidate must be willing to work outside of these hours as needed to accommodate regional time zones and frequent travel. 💼 Interview & Application Insights 🔹 Typical Process: 1. Online application review 2. Phone or video screening 3. In-depth interviews with relevant stakeholders 4. Final round interviews with senior leadership 🔹 Key Assessment Areas: 1. Communication skills and experience 2. Cultural competency and understanding of the Mekong region 3. Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities 4. Leadership and team management skills 🔹 Application Tips: 1. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role 2. Prepare examples of your communication work, including successful campaigns, press releases, or other relevant materials 3. Familiarize yourself with EarthRights International’s mission, values, and recent projects to demonstrate your fit with the organization 🛠️ Tools & Technologies 🔹 Relevant Tools: - Social media platforms (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok) - Graphic design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Canva) - Project management tools (Asana, Trello) - Content management systems (CMS) - SEO tools (e.g., Google Analytics, SEMrush) 👔 Cultural Fit Considerations 🔹 Company Values: - Commitment to human rights and environmental protection - Collaboration and teamwork - Innovation and adaptability - Accountability and transparency - Empowerment and inclusivity 🔹 Work Style: - EarthRights International values a dynamic and supportive work environment, with a focus on collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning - The successful candidate will be comfortable working in a multicultural team and adaptable to the organization’s evolving needs 🚨 Potential Challenges 🔹 Challenges Specific to This Role: - Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously - Working effectively across different time zones and cultures - Balancing the needs of regional and global communications strategies 🔹 Challenges Specific to EarthRights International: - Working in a dynamic and evolving organizational structure - Addressing complex and sensitive human rights and environmental issues 📈 Similar Roles Comparison 🔹 How This Role Differs: - Focus on the Mekong region, requiring a deep understanding of its political and cultural dynamics - Collaboration with both global and regional communications teams - Supervision of direct reports and responsibility for their professional development 🔹 Industry-Specific Context: - The development sector often requires working with limited resources and navigating complex political landscapes - Strong communication skills and the ability to adapt to different cultural contexts are essential for success in this role 📝 Sample Projects 🔹 Project Examples: - Developing a comprehensive communications strategy for a major campaign focused on a specific human rights or environmental issue in the Mekong region - Creating a series of engaging and informative multimedia content to raise awareness about EarthRights International’s work and impact - Collaborating with regional partners to produce joint communications materials and events 💡 Key Questions to Ask During Interview 🔹 Questions Specific to Role Responsibilities: - How does this role balance regional and global communications priorities? - What are the most pressing communications challenges facing the Mekong region, and how can this role address them? 🔹 Questions Specific to Team Dynamics: - How does this role support and collaborate with the global communications team and other regional offices? - What opportunities are there for growth and development within the organization? 📝 Next Steps for Applicants 🔹 To apply for this position: 1. Submit your application through the provided link 2. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role 3. Prepare examples of your communication work, including successful campaigns, press releases, or other relevant materials 4. Follow up with the hiring manager after submitting your application, expressing your interest in the role and asking about next steps in the interview process 🔹 Concrete preparation steps related to resume customization: - Highlight your experience with social media platforms and communication tools relevant to this role - Emphasize your ability to work effectively in a multicultural team and adapt to different cultural contexts 🔹 Concrete preparation step related to cover letter: - Explain how your skills, experiences, and passion make you a strong fit for this role and EarthRights International’s mission 🔹 Concrete preparation step related to portfolio/examples: - Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to develop and implement strategic communications plans, manage projects, and work collaboratively in a team 🔹 Follow-up recommendation with timeline: - Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application, inquiring about the status of your application and expressing your continued interest in the role - If you have not heard back after two weeks, follow up again, reiterating your interest and asking about next steps in the interview process ⚠️ Disclaimer 🔹 This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.