Founded in 2000, Free the Slaves (FTS) is a pioneer and leader in the global effort to eradicate slavery. Our mission is to liberate those in slavery and to change the conditions that allow slavery to persist. Free the Slaves works at the grassroots to empower vulnerable individuals and communities to achieve freedom from slavery and develop resistance to slavery. We work with and through local partners to build national capacity to combat slavery and trafficking.

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., with programs in Ghana, India, Nepal, Haiti and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Free the Slaves has an annual operating budget of approximately $3 million, a talented and dedicated staff of 27, including 11 in its country offices and field programs, and a highly engaged and supportive board of directors.

For more information, see: www.freetheslaves.net.

The principal role of the Asia regional director is to lead the development and expansion of Free the Slaves’ slavery eradication program in Asia. This is a new position at Free the Slaves. FTS currently has programs in India and Nepal, which are overseen by the South Asia regional programs manager, who is based in Washington, D.C. The Free the Slaves ten-year vision calls for scaling up the South Asia program and expanding into new countries in South and Southeast Asia. The likely location is Bangkok, though alternative Asian locations will be considered.

Free the Slaves’ approach to slavery eradication is articulated in its Community-Based Abolition Model. The Asia regional director will lead efforts to dramatically scale up use of the model, with adaptation to context, and contribute to the continuing refinement of the model based on experience and evidence from Asia. This includes strengthening the work of FTS with civil society and government partners, who are preventing slavery and bringing people out of slavery, and improving national and local policy frameworks related to slavery and human trafficking.

The Asia regional director will supervise the South Asia regional programs manager and support the India country director and Nepal country director. The Asia regional director coordinates closely with the FTS Monitoring, Learning and Evaluation (MLE) Department, Development Department, and, Communications Department.

Responsibilities

• Plan long-term strategy for the FTS Asia portfolio, together with other team members.
• Participate in designing and implementing new FTS programs and structures to implement FTS’ new Vision 2025.
• Play a pivotal role in expanding and diversifying the FTS portfolio, including building excellent relations with donors, participating in proposal writing and supporting preparation of required programmatic and financial reports to donors.
• Oversee the Asia country and regional programs.
• Provide technical and programmatic guidance to Asia country directors to optimize the design, implementation and assessment of community-based approaches to slavery eradication.
• Support and participate in policy advocacy with governments and international institutions.
• Work with the Asia country directors to build the network of supporters in Asia, including financial support.
• Supervise the South Asia regional programs manager (based in Washington, D.C.).
• Oversee the capacity building and grant relationships with partners who are implementing the FTS model.
• Recruit new partners who can help bring application of the FTS model to scale.
• Communicate the work, progress, challenges and outcomes of the country and regional programs to FTS staff, board and the general public.
• Contribute to the development of intellectual products (training manuals, technical assistance protocols, etc.) that capture the core competencies embedded in the Community-Based Abolition Model and facilitate transfer to partners.
• Coordinate closely with the FTS MLE, development and communications departments to optimize the refinement, impact and growth of the Asia portfolio.
• Oversee the development of annual plans and budgets for the Asia country and regional programs and adherence to plans and budgets, taking corrective action as needed.
• Ensure compliance with FTS financial management policies and procedures.

Requirements

• Demonstrated leadership and management skills in the context of anti-slavery, human rights and/or community development programs.
• At least 10 years professional experience managing international development programs with human rights-related components (e.g., anti-trafficking, gender, child protection), including five in Asia.
• Demonstrated record of building and expanding human rights and/or development portfolios
• Clear evidence of expertise and experience in community empowerment for development and/or human rights
• An established network of relationships with donor agencies, multilateral organizations, government agencies and NGOs
• Track record as an effective supervisor and clear ability to work in a team-based environment.
• Relevant postgraduate qualification (e.g., international development, human rights, law, community work/social work) or breadth of work and educational experiences to substitute effectively.
• Enthusiasm for traveling up one-third of the year.
• Passion and commitment to ending modern slavery.
• Innovative spirit and willingness to use creative thinking.
• Determination and ability to sustain positive, respectful and dynamic relationships with overseas partners, alongside expectations of mutual accountability.
• Ability to develop and manage budgets and comply with donor and legal requirements.
• Fluency in English.
• Strong English writing skills, including ability to write for different audiences.

Preferred

• Knowledge of local languages in Free the Slaves target countries.
• Anti-slavery expertise and professional experience.
• Understanding of client protection policies and programs.

Salary

Free the Slaves offers competitive benefits, and salary commensurate with experience and skills.

To Apply

Applicants should submit a tailored cover letter that outlines your interest and experience; a resume; and a list of three references from former supervisors. PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR RESUME, COVER LETTER and REFERENCES AS ONE (1) WORD OR PDF DOCUMENT. Please include your last name in the title of the document.

Free the Slaves is an equal-opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability or veteran status.

(Alternative locations in Asia will be considered.)