Director of the Research Office
Trace Foundation
Location: New York City, NY, USA
Last Date: April 13, 2009
Email: interns@trace.org
Director of the Research Office
Trace Foundation is a non-profit organization headquartered in New York City. The Foundation funds and implements initiatives related to social, cultural, education, health, economic, and environmental development in Tibetan communities in the Southwest and Northwest regions of China including Qinghai Province, Sichuan Province, Gansu Province, and the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR). The Foundation is dedicated to finding sustainable ways to meet the challenges of these unique communities while respecting traditional ways of life.
Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of the Research Office will be responsible for the overall management of the Research Office.
Trace Foundation’s Research Office aims to contribute to the advancement of knowledge regarding Tibetan communities in China, and the complexities of the ongoing modernization process. It assists with facilitating the use of applied research in development and cultural maintenance work. The Research Office supports the overall mission of the Foundation and the continued refinement of its strategies by developing a better understanding of development, economic, social, cultural, and other relevant theories and practices applicable to the Tibetan areas of China. The Office creates original research resources for the Foundation as well as for public access. It supports debate and theoretical discussion inside and outside the Foundation with the purpose of identifying sustainable and culturally relevant developments models.
In this role, the Director of the Research Office will direct and supervise the day-to-day operations of the Research Office. This includes:
Overall
• Identify priorities and coordinate the development of relevant research work and theoretical inquiries;
• Assists with the application of relevant research in Trace Foundation’s development and cultural maintenance work;
• Develop annual and triennial work-plan and relevant budgets for the Research Office;
• Manage and supervise Research Office staff and interns;
• Work with program coordinators and other project staff on the professional development of Foundation staff;
• Improve the information sharing system for both internal and external usage;
• Liaise and cooperate with other offices as required;
Projects
• Plan, organize and facilitate public events such as roundtable discussions, seminars and conferences;
• Develop and supervise both internal and public publications such as the Foundation Research Series, ad hoc reports, event proceedings, research findings, and annual analysis reports;
• Develop and implement Trace Foundation’s Research Fellowship Program;
• Coordinate the development of the research database;
• Oversee the acquisition and provision of timely information and analysis on global as well as local policies, initiatives, projects, theories and practices relevant to the different sectors where the Foundation works;
• Coordinate the provision of background information to project staff;
• Coordinate the development of translation and transliteration standards;
Other
• Participate in key conferences and report to staff on findings;
• Participate in Foundation-wide initiatives as appropriate;
• Other job-related duties as assigned.
Successful candidates will have the following qualifications:
• A PhD or equivalent background in anthropology, education, development, Asian studies, economics, history, international affairs, geography, or other relevant fields;
• Be a dedicated scholar with demonstrated excellence in scholarship and research with specific regional focus on Western China and/or Himalayan regions;
• A minimum of 5 years relevant experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• A commitment to and understanding of Tibetan culture;
• Have experience in designing, directing, and conducting research and/or development projects in Western China and/or Himalayan regions ;
• Be fluent in written and spoken English;
• Have good knowledge of Tibetan and/or Chinese language (at least one required);
• Have excellent computer and internet resource skills;
Personal characteristics – “soft skills”
• Ability to direct and coordinate research teams
• Have excellent communication and organizational skills;
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Proactive role in problem solving
• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks as well as to accept direction on given assignments
• Be a team player.
For consideration, please send your CV and cover letter to Trace Foundation, 132 Perry Street, NYC, NY 10014 or interns@trace.org. Attn: Director of the Research Office