GRANTS & EMPLOYMENT

MARCH-APRIL 2009

Freelance Reporter in Azerbaijan (EurasiaNet)

EurasiaNet.org has an opening for a freelance reporter in Azerbaijan.

Candidates must have experience in news reporting for a regular media outlet (not associated with a political party), and a thorough understanding of international media standards and ethics. The ability to evaluate information critically, and to simplify complex concepts is critical.

The ability to write news analysis stories in English is also a must.

We are particularly interested in candidates with experience covering Azerbaijan's oil and gas industry, and in those with experience covering domestic politics and/or economic policy.

Preference will be given to candidates able to conduct interviews in Azeri.

If interested, please send a CV, the URLs/copies of 2-3 of your published stories (in English) and a statement explaining why you would like to work for EurasiaNet to:

Elizabeth Owen,
Caucasus News Editor, EurasiaNet
eowen@eurasianet.org

MARCH 2010

Regional Vice President/President of Eurasia Foundation of Central Asia
Location: Almaty, Kazakhstan
Date: February 16, 2010

Eurasia Foundation (EF), a US-based public charitable organization promoting civil society development in the Eurasia region, together with the Eurasia Foundation of Central Asia (EFCA), is accepting applications for a joint position of EF Regional Vice President (RVP) for Central Asia, and President of EFCA. The position is based in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

This position oversees all EF programs in Central Asia, which are administered through the Eurasia Foundation of Central Asia (EFCA). The RVP is an employee of EF and is seconded to the EFCA in the capacity of its president.

This position leads the strategic programming for the region, serves as the chief representative and key decision maker of EF/EFCA and broadly represents the interests of EF/EFCA with donors and partners, including its key donor, the US government, international institutions, European governments and multinational and Central Asian corporations. Key components of this assignment are to implement the strategic objectives, provide leadership and motivation to employees and enthusiasm among key stakeholders, including day-to-day operations of EFCA and oversight of its programs. In all of these endeavors, this position works in close consultation with the EFCA board of directors and EF senior management in Washington, DC.

Requirements: Previous working experience in the Eurasia region, program management experience; fluency in written and spoken English as well as high degree of proficiency in Russian. Minimum ten years professional experience in business, nonprofit, academic or government sectors required. MasterŐs degree or equivalent is required, preferably in the area of international development, public policy, economics, or business management. All qualified candidates welcome to apply. Please send resume and cover letter referencing "RVP/EFCA" to resumes@eurasia.org. For more information about the position please see www.eurasia.org. No Calls Please - DEADLINE: March 15, 2010.

JANUARY 2009

Advocacy Coordinator – Russia, based in Moscow (Oxfam GB)
Salary: £19,240 to £25,058 net
Closing date: Monday 12th January 2009

It is a vital and challenging time for Oxfam’s work in Russia. We have reviewed our directions and are exploring new ways of working in order to achieve maximum impact.  We are now recruiting for an Advocacy Coordinator to help us to influence Russia’s global public policy and practice in order to achieve positive change for people living in poverty.

Focusing initially on climate change and conflict transformation/humanitarian priorities, you will use sound judgment and sensitivity to identify and build relations with key actors and institutions, and shape and deliver strategies to bring about change.  As a policy and advocacy focal point, you will provide technical advice and support and develop others through mentoring and capacity building.

To make a difference in this post you will need a proven track record of networking, influencing policy effectively, and building alliances with other agencies.  Ideally your experience will have been gained within Russia, or you will be able to prove your ability to transfer your skills to a new context in a short timescale.  We need an effective influencer who is able to build relationships with governmental and non-governmental actors and someone who can design and deliver innovative and effective advocacy strategies. You will need to be committed to Oxfam’s mission and values and be able to link advocacy and campaigning to relevant programme work.  Fluency in Russian is essential, as is experience of working with national and international media.

To find out more and to apply, visit www.oxfam.org.uk/jobs quoting reference C&P412

Grant Opportunity for Documentary Photographers

The Open Society Institute Documentary Photography Project (http://www.soros.org/initiatives/photography) and Arts and Culture Network Program (http://www.soros.org/initiatives/arts) have announced a new grant opportunity for documentary photographers from Central Asia, the Caucasus, Afghanistan, Mongolia, and Pakistan. 

Approximately 20 grants in the amount of $3,500 each will be awarded to photographers to produce a discrete body of work on a current human rights or social justice issue in the region.   The competition is open to photographers from the following countries:  Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

Preference will be given to applicants who currently reside in their home country.  Exceptions will be made for applicants from Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan living outside their home country.   Applicants from other countries may also be eligible if they can demonstrate a long-term commitment to one of the designated countries (for example, by having lived and worked in one of the countries for many years).

Grantees will be assigned an internationally recognized photographer as a mentor throughout the grant period.  Mentors and grantees will participate in two workshops.  The first workshop, at the beginning of the grant term, will consist of portfolio review, shooting and editing, discussion of proposed projects, and technical requirements/issues.  The second workshop, at the end of the grant period, will consist of preparing a final edit of the projects and examining options for the continuation of the project and the distribution of the work.  Workshops will last for five days each and will be held in Central Asia and the Caucasus.  Translation will be provided if necessary.  All workshop expenses, including travel and accommodations, will be paid by the Open Society Institute.

The deadline for proposals is March 20, 2009. Read more about this opportunity.