ThaiNGO

As an international cooperation enterprise for sustainable development with worldwide operations, the German government owned Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Internationale Zusammenarbeit  (GIZ) GmbH operates on behalf of German Ministries, the governments of other countries and international clients. GIZ has a record of more than 55 years working in Thailand.  For a project on “Improving Living Conditions for Migrant Workers in the Thai Shrimp Industry” we are currently looking for a Project Manager.

Project Manager

Thailand is one of the world’s largest shrimp producers. The country’s shrimp production is almost exclusively for the export market (ca. 90% of production). Its shrimp industry is mainly based in the provinces of Samut Sakhon and Ranong and plays a crucial role within Thailand’s economic and social development. However, this very labour-intensive industry has become a strong magnet for migrant labourers. Most workers in the shrimp sector are primarily low-qualified day labourers, coming originally from poorer neighbouring countries, mainly from Myanmar (up to 95%). Thus, migrants typically work and live under high legal and personal uncertainty.

In 2015, it was reported that about 263,000 documented migrant workers live in Samut Sakhon (almost half of the population). Estimations say that another 300,000 to 400,000 undocumented migrants live and work in Samut Sakhon. In 2012, there were in total 809 registered fish processing factories in Samut Sakhon, two thirds of which are small enterprises. Large enterprises do mostly pay the official daily minimum wage. In order to reduce costs, many large companies work with smaller processing plants as their subcontractors that carry out the more labour-intensive work. The conditions in the smaller facilities are substantially more problematic as these are neither officially registered nor inspected.

The project will work in the migrant communities and attempts to ease the migrants’ living conditions through legal advice and providing health and education services.

Responsibilities:

The project manager is responsible for

managing the project in accordance with the order and project goals/objectives and activities agreed with the client, partner, team agreements and/or agreements with the Project Director

overseeing day-to-day operation of the Office in Samut Sakhon with supports of team members

providing overall project coordination, reporting, and financial and administrative functions in collaboration with engaged partners/consultants

working closely with the contractors to ensure timely implementation of project activities

monitoring and review progress of activities and provide, implement recommendation for improvement of activities towards goals of the project as outlines in project objectives

planning, monitor and review expense according to the approved budget

providing professional advice to contractors, partners and cooperating with important stakeholders

innovation and knowledge management and communication of innovations to a broad target group

integrating results and experience into teamwork and the work of all relevant groups

Qualifications:

We are looking for a candidate who possesses:

Leadership: Experienced in proactively developing strategies and teamwork to accomplish objectives of the project

Managerial experience and performance: A proven track record and at least 5 years of experience in managing programs, staff and finances, in matters relevant to socio-economic development, livelihood in fisheries, agriculture and related field as well as delegating appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority, and monitors progress against milestones

Professionalism: Professional competence and mastery of subject matter, is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results with accountability

Communication and negotiation skills: Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Possesses knowledge-based sensitivity in convincing stakeholders including experience in working with high-ranking and local government, and industry representatives

Partnership and networking: Demonstrated experience in promoting partnerships/networks and promoting activities with partner organizations and external contacts;

Specific experience: demonstrated experience in the field of development works (i.e. rural development, livelihood, socio-economics, poverty alleviation in fisheries/agricultural communities) would be a distinct advantage

Connectivity to national policy makers: ability to analyze and assess fisheries, migrant labor-related policies and public sector interventions as well as the ability to anticipate possible policy changes and a sound understanding of the national migrant workers policies

Education: Masters/MSc degree or higher in agriculture, fisheries, economics, or an area that is relevant to achieve the project’s objectives

Language: Excellent written and oral knowledge of English and Thai languages

Communication: Very good working knowledge of ITC technologies and computer applications

This will be a fixed-term contract, starting January 2016 and running until June 2017 (with possibility of extension for the 2nd Phase).

Please submit your application and CV to chattayada.pattaragulwanit@giz.de. The deadline for applications is Friday December 18, 2015. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

GIZ Office Bangkok

Mrs. Chattayada Pattaragulwanit

193/63 Lake Rajada Office Complex, New Ratchadapisek Road, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110