Senior Labour Organiser – South India

AFWA is hiring a full-time Senior Labour Organiser in South India. The position will involve fieldwork and interstate travel. The position involves working with unions, labour rights organisations, potential members, and field organisers in South India.

Previous experience in a role similar to this is desirable.

Please submit your CV and cover letter on or before 5^th January 2022, by email only, to contact@asia.floorwage.org. Please clearly state the title of the vacancy in the subject line.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of collectivisation of workers; identify potential union partners and facilitate capacity building of existing union partners
• Develop and implement union organising plans; and support the building of a national garment union network in India
• Proactively develop field strategies for field areas and respond to workplace industrial issues raised by member unions/field activists
• Organise trainings to build capacity in case documentation and workplace bargaining for member unions; support unions in bargaining negotiations.
• Ensure that all union members participate in  training and education program; follow up and promote opportunities for delegates to use skills learnt
• Develop case studies, conduct field analysis and write reports
• Coordinate the field organisers, monitor deliverables for the work assigned; document field developments
• Collaborate with union partners in North India, as and when needed
• Work within the AFWA team and perform other relevant duties as required by supervisors
• Follow policies and procedures of the AFWA

Expectations for the position

• Good understanding of labour rights, economic justice and gender justice and a commitment to promoting economic and gender justice.
• Basic understanding of the political & legislative process
• Ability to work with diverse groups of people with sensitivity and tact
• Comfortable with fieldwork
• Self-motivated and self-driven; willingness to learn
• Experience in action research
• Knowledge of global supply chains and of labour movement, a plus.
• Within key areas of responsibility, will have a commitment to and be accountable for activities contributing towards a safe and accountable workplace environment, projects and relationships for staff, partners and the communities we serve.

Qualifications/Skills

• Master’s degree (development studies, public policy, labour studies) or equivalent
• At least two years’ experience working /volunteering with labour rights or human rights organizations
• Must have experience and skill in the use of software programs such as MS Word, PowerPoint and Excel
• Self-motivated and comfortable working independently within agreed framework
• Good written and spoken English
• Fluency in South Indian languages especially Tamil and Kannada
• Must be a team player
• Commitment to the vision and goals of the organisation
• Ability to maintain focus in a multifarious work environment; comfortable with deadlines and field obligations

Job status: Full-time; 1-year contract, renewable based upon satisfactory performance and availability of funds.

Salary Range: 35,000 – 40,000 INR per year commensurate with experience.  Benefits include health insurance and net/telephone allowance.

Start Date: 1^st February 2022

Please submit your CV and cover letter on or before  6th January 2022, by email only, to contact@asia.floorwage.org. Please clearly state the title of the vacancy in the subject line.

We will be interviewing candidates on a rolling basis, and will close applications if the right candidate is found before the stated deadline. As such, we encourage you to submit your applications sooner rather than later.