Aging boomers expected to shake up philanthropy

Baby boomers have much to offer the nonprofit sector, but they also expect much in return.

The huge population that is beginning to reach retirement age has the potential over the next couple of decades to shake up who leads, works for, volunteers and gives to charitable organizations. The boomers also will alter how and what type of services nonprofits deliver.

The transition is rife with challenges, but also opportunities, say nonprofit leaders in the Sacramento region.

The nonprofit sector contributed $1.3 trillion to the U.S. economy in 2007, the most recent data available. The number of nonprofits and the number of volunteers keep growing nationwide.

Many organizations have studied and discussed at length the potential impact on the sector as boomers reach and settle into retirement. On some aspects of changes to nonprofits, they have good estimates on what to expect, while others remain hunches. The recession and the stock market decline have thrown a monkey wrench into the equation with the expectation that some boomers will delay retirement by several years and have less money to give.

“The question is how much,” said Ken Goldstein, an economist with The Conference Board, a nonprofit. “The bigger question is how long that will last.”

Even if the economy starts to recover in the next two years, it could take three to five years or longer for people to feel good financially and be capable of giving at their earlier levels.


Services demand will grow

Nonprofits know that boomers will demand more services, especially health and human services. Seniors will need transportation to doctors’ appointments and shopping, and in-home support for such things as bathing and preparing meals so they can live independently as long as possible, said Nancy Findeison, president and chief executive officer of the Community Services Planning Council in Sacramento.

But just looking at the age of the population isn’t enough to determine what services will be needed in the community, at least right away.

“I think we’re a lot healthier,” said Donna Yee, chief executive officer of the Asian Community Center in Sacramento.

Two decades ago, the average age of her nursing home residents was the late 70s. Now, most people in the nonprofit’s skilled-nursing home are in their late 80s, she said.

People who have received health care throughout their lives and who didn’t wear their bodies out early as laborers, Yee noted, will be able to remain independent at home longer before moving into nursing homes.

Older people without enough health insurance to cover their costs, and who, as a result, take half their prescribed medicine, won’t fare as well, Yee said.

The region’s nonprofit community will need to ramp up and think more creatively and collaboratively to meet increased demand in coming years. They’ll need to develop new programs and form alliances, Findeison said.

Nonprofits will need to adjust to providing more services to seniors at their homes. Perhaps meal programs and counseling programs will work together to deliver support services, she said.

The increase in demand for services from people with age-related blindness is just starting, said Heather Frank, executive director for Sacramento’s Society for the Blind. Over the next 20 years, she expects the number of clients with age-related blindness to double.


Giving of money and time

It’s unclear to what degree boomers will give their money to charitable groups. For some years to come, giving will remain constant or decrease because most people lost half the value of their retirement accounts when the stock market and economy tanked.

Before people’s portfolios shrunk, everyone was talking about the nation’s largest intergenerational transfer of wealth in history, with the amount in the trillions. The wealth the baby boomers would inherit from their parents was expected to increase the potential for philanthropic giving.

But the country has lost 5.1 million jobs since the recession began, leaving those people with less or nothing to give. The sour economy also means many executives who keep their jobs will do without big pay increases or bonuses. Without these normally generous donors, foundations and charities will take a second hit, economist Goldstein said.

Because retirement holdings have been cut in half, boomers’ giving to the Society for the Blind will remain constant or could even decline over the next few years, Frank said. In another couple decades, she anticipates boomers, who are savvy about arranging gifts after their death, will again contribute large amounts.


Must make a difference

Studies show that boomers want to volunteer with nonprofits and the volunteer ranks are expected to grow, but they don’t want to file papers or answer phones or do other tasks they see as busy work. They want meaningful, challenging and interesting volunteer work where they can make a difference.

Retired, healthy boomer volunteers also don’t want to be tied down by an ongoing commitment, Findeison said. Those with money often want short-term projects so they can travel.

She expects boomers will become more active with civic or faith-based groups where they can take a leadership role in, or feel like they have a more direct impact on, a certain project, such as adopting a school.

“They’re ready to get something done,” she said.

In response, nonprofits need to change the way they manage volunteer programs to better engage boomers and ensure the volunteers feel they’re making a difference.

Many boomers might be ready to leave the corporate or government world in their early 60s, but they still want to contribute in a meaningful way — and with a paycheck.

The shrinking number of nonprofit executive directors is a major worry. Many executive directors are over age 50 and plan to leave within a few years. Their organizations are trying to plan for succession and determine if the younger generation might want those jobs.

The local chapter of American Leadership Forum, for one, started planning at least three years ago for the retirement last month of Doni Blumenstock, 65, who had served as the nonprofit’s executive director since 1997. She knew that her Mountain Valley Chapter needed to get procedures and policies in place before the institutional knowledge disappeared.

Over the next few years, many nonprofits might find other boomers taking on leadership roles at charitable groups.

“Significant portions of baby boomers in their 50s and pre-boomers in their 60s want jobs that not only are personally satisfying, but also help others and improve the quality of life in their communities,” according to The Conference Board report “Boomers Are Ready for Nonprofits, But Are Nonprofits Ready for Them?”

Some boomers will want to work for — but not lead — nonprofits after retiring from careers in the private sector. They have sophisticated skills to offer, but they’ll want to share that expertise on their terms — whether on a part-time basis or for specific projects.

Regional nonprofits must respond by allowing boomers to work the way they want to, perhaps through job sharing or other part-time arrangements, said Chet Hewitt, president and CEO of Sierra Health Foundation in Sacramento.



Source: http://sacramento.bizjournals.com/sacramento/stories/2009/05/25/story11.html?s=



Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.

86% Of North Easterners Face Racial Discrimination In National Capital

The racial discrimination and attack on Indians outside the country, no way should be compromised, yet in own vineyard, same is repeatedly faced by north easterners and least is worried by the majority of the Indian society. Chief Minister of Mizoram, Mr. Lalthnhawla’s statement on racial discrimination, has sparked the nation by revealing what was hidden for so long and least cared. A study reveals socking reality on same issue.

86% of North East Indian communities face racial discrimination living in Delhi and NCR for period of two years and more according to a study conducted by North East Support Centre & Helpline. The study was conducted by selecting samples of north easterners living in north Delhi, South Delhi and Gurgaon. The samples 80 students in classification new comers and those already for two years and more were selected randomly, who hails from different parts of north east Indian states.

New comers who are less than two years in national capital, tense to say “No” on racial discrimination faced by the north east communities while 86% of those who are two years and more, face discrimination for the reason of their different look, different culture, different language and being outsiders.

Only 14% says that they did not face racial discrimination but they felt people calling them chinkies, Nepalis, free culture and strangers, which they did not consider racial discrimination. Half of those who said that they did not face racial discrimination are less than two years living in Delhi. The longer, the one stays in national capital reveals the racial discrimination faced by the north easterners. The study also reveals the possibilities that longer the one stays higher the chance to face racial discrimination.

78.75% of those who face racial discrimination say that they are treated like chinkies, strangers in own land, free culture and Nepalis. 22.5% face physical attacks, 3.75% sexual assault, 35% vulgar remarks and 38.75% no comments.

North East Support Centre & Helpline handled and reported 34 cases since its birth on 21 October 2007. 41% of total cases was of sexual abuse, 18% beating by locals, 12% rape cases, 9% killed probably in connection to sexual assault, 6% landlord harassment, 3% vulgar remarks, 3% eve teasing, 3% police harassment, 3% employer harassment, 3% Media vulgar statement against north easterners.

On top of the racial discrimination faced from the some of the local communities, the discrimination is double when the cases are denied, ignored and delayed by the police official on duty. Out of 34 cases handled and reported to North East Support Centre & Helpline, only 67.65% cases were filed FIR(s) and 32.35% did not file the case in police station. Out of 34, only 17.65% of the cases were taken up by police, out of which only two cases are taken in the court for legal judgement.

The racial discrimination to north east communities in national capital was rising up in 2005 and the following years till 2007, where North East Support Centre & Helpline was launched out to help and sensitise the issue. As per the media records collected from 2005 till date by North East Support Centre & Helpline, 10 (29%) of racial discrimination occurred in 2005, 2 (6%) in 2006 (did not have proper recording), 12 (35%) in 2007, 6 (18%) in 2008 and 4 (12%) in 2009.

The sensitisation after launching North East Support Centre & Helpline in 2007, the cases were reduced in 2008, but the alarming cases so far received in current years is an issue of concern.

The racial discrimination on Indians outside the country is the concern, less we forget to do the home work on the issue faced by own citizen of the country, which is less cared just because they look different from rest of the majority population.

North East Support Centre & Helpline (www.nehelpline.net) is combined initiative of various human rights activists, social workers, students, journalists and lawyers seeking to prevent harassment and abuses meted out to women, North East People and tribal communities of different states.


The study was conducted by Madhu Chandra – Spokes Person of North East Support Centre & Helpline with the helps of his colleagues as part of his Ph. D. on social and concern under South Asia Institute of Advance Christian Studies (SAIACS), Bangalore.


Source: http://www.countercurrents.org/chandra100709.htm

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APNE AAP -NGO requires Accountant and Teacher's

Accountant ( preferably a lady) would need to take care of accounts and other admin work of the organisation. Should know Tally, would require to take care of petty cash and other accounts. Reading and writing in English language is a must, would require to work full time from 11 am to 7.30 pm. 1 half day in a week and Sunday off. Salary would be according to experince.


Science teacher to teach from 7th to 10th std. in the evening from 6 pm to 7.30 pm from Monday to friday through Marathi medium. Salary would be according to experience.



Maths teacher to teach from 7th to 10th std. in the evening from 6 pm to 7.30 pm from Monday to friday through Marathi medium. Salary would be according to experience.



Conatct: Manju Vyas,Director -APNE AAP WOMEN’S COLLECTIVE : apneaap@gmail.com
Website: www.apneaap.info/
Tel: 022-2381 9721




Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.

Twelve countries on climate change hit-list

The World Bank has made a list of the five main threats arising from climate change: droughts, floods, storms, rising sea levels, and greater uncertainty in agriculture. Four of the world's poorest nations top the list of the 12 countries at the highest risk.

Malawi, a low-income southern African country where most people live in rural areas and earn US$975 or less per year, is most susceptible to droughts, which are likely to become more frequent and intense. It has had two serious droughts in the past 20 years and a prolonged dry spell in 2004.

Bangladesh heads the list of countries most at risk of flooding. Increasing glacial melt from the Himalayan ranges as a result of rising global temperatures is set to swell the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers and their hundreds of tributaries, flooding 30-70 percent of the country each year as the water makes its way to the Bay of Bengal in the south, where the coast is also vulnerable to flooding from rising sea levels.


Vietnam is most threatened by rising sea levels: up to 16 percent of its area, 35 percent of its people, and 35 percent of its gross domestic product could be hard hit if the sea level rises by five metres, according to another World Bank study.

Most of Sudan, Africa's largest country, is arid land or desert, and most at risk of food deficits resulting from the impact of climate change on agriculture. It lies in the Sahel, a region described as the most vulnerable in the world to droughts by the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC), an international scientific body.

The Philippines, a middle-income country in Southeast Asia consisting of over 7,000 islands, leads the list of nations most in danger of facing frequent and more intense storms. In 2008 it was one of three countries hit by the most disasters, according to the Brussels-based Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters.


Here is a look at countries most at risk of the five threats: http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=85179



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KENYA: After 50 years, land they can call their own

After a 50-year wait, thousands of Kenyans in Central Province have received the most coveted asset in the country – a piece of land.

The move is not only good news for those allocated the land but for the country as a whole as the move will boost food security when the recipients start farming wheat, beans, maize and livestock on the 6,070ha.

The 2,900 families have started tilling their land as the government formalizes the settlement, which was part of more than 28,327ha of land initially used for cattle farming, as well as a private game sanctuary owned by an investor.

The government paid the investor US$16.5 million for the land, between Mt Kenya and Aberdare National parks near Central Province's boundary with Rift Valley Province.

Most of the recipients had, since independence in 1963, been living on government land within Mt Kenya forest and Aberdare Ranges until 1989 when the authorities evicted them for encroaching on water catchment areas.

Since they had nowhere else to go, they camped on road reserves adjacent to the forests where they lived in deplorable conditions.


Demarcation

They are among thousands of Kenyans who failed to secure land when demarcation took place in the late 1950s before independence. This was because they had sold off their land, had worked away from home when demarcation took place, or were so poor that they did not have any land when demarcation began.

After they were evicted from the forests in 1989, most settled in areas adjacent to the two major water towers (Mt Kenya and Aberdare National Parks) in areas such as Chehe, Hombe, Kagochi and Ragati near Mt Kenya and Zaina, Kabage and Gakanga in Aberdare Ranges.

Japhter Kiplimo Rugut, the Central Province commissioner, who has been overseeing the resettlement, said the settlement scheme involved farmers living on designated sites and farming elsewhere.

Under this model, being tested for the first time but set to be rolled out in other areas where there are squatters, the allocated land entailed 0.2ha for each farmer to set up a homestead and another 1.6ha on which to farm.

“People will be living in one area and farming elsewhere in this new planned settlement scheme," Rugut told IRIN. "The government will be carrying out a similar exercise in Kibwezi area of lower Eastern Province and in parts of Coast Province where there are landless people waiting to be given land."


Food security

Rugut said the move was expected to boost the region's food security as the government had, for years, been feeding the families.

"We have been giving relief supplies to the more than 2,900 families who have been given land," he said. "They did not have anywhere to farm and solely relied on the government supplies, which will be a thing of the past once they settle in their farms."

The government has set aside more than $1.2 million to set up various amenities in the area, including water, electricity, health and education facilities.

James Mwangi, 75, one of the recipients, said he hoped to enjoy the fruits of his land despite his advanced age.

"I have been landless throughout my life and I can only thank God and the government for eventually giving me a piece of land; we have suffered for decades," Mwangi said.

Another recipient, Mary Wambui, was optimistic that despite the failing rains, she would harvest her own crop after years of depending on relief supplies.

"The last time I harvested my crops was in 1989 before we were evicted from Mt Kenya forest; for the last 20 years, we have been surviving on government and Red Cross supplies and occasionally [some] from well-wishers,” she said.


Source: http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=85149


Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.

All aboard the ladies special

Earlier this year, in the run-up to the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, the department for women and child welfare announced that a series of awareness programmes and workshops would be launched in Delhi to sensitise people on women’s safety. The department would start with a focus on the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), Delhi Police, Department of Education, and Market Associations. A working committee on women's safety has also been formed. Kiran Walia, health minister in Delhi, said, “The idea is to make the people proud of their city, as well as sensitise them on the issue of women’s safety.”

The Delhi government is doing its best to give its public transport system a makeover before the Games in 2010 and also progress towards the 2020 master plan which seeks to redefine Delhi with state-of-the-art infrastructure.

But it is appalling that the government needs an event like the Commonwealth Games to sit up and take notice of women’s safety.

The mobility of women is challenged by the sexual harassment and sexual abuse that is rampant on public transport. An overwhelming 90% of women, according to the Delhi Human Development Report (2006), feel that public transport is unsafe for women. Anghrija, a 23-year-old student studying law in Delhi University says, “There’s hardly a day when one travels in a bus and is not harassed in some manner.”

Most crime reports reiterate this. A survey done by Delhi Police in 2004 showed that almost 45% of reported cases of molestation in the city happened in public buses, and another 25% on the roadside. While 40% of women surveyed said they felt unsafe after dark, 31% spoke of feeling unsafe even in the afternoon, reported a national daily in 2005.

Women’s groups in Delhi are very concerned about this growing menace. Since 2007 Jagori, a women’s organisation, has had a Safe Delhi Campaign to make public spaces safer for women. According to a survey conducted by Jagori among 500 women, more than 80% reported harassment in buses and other public transport and 62% on the roadside.

This violence on public transport manifests in various forms. In a study conducted in 2007 by this writer in Delhi and Bombay, 90% of the women surveyed said they have faced unwanted suggestive looks/staring while travelling in public transport, and 80% have faced unwanted touching. A substantial percentage of women (54%) have faced unwanted sexual teasing, jokes and remarks and another 52% said they have been followed. The nature of this violence is mostly sexual: there is constant ogling (especially at breasts), lewd comments, gestures. Worse, women report that they are groped and that men rub themselves up against them.

In the same study by this writer, 82% of females said they fear travelling in public transport at odd hours, especially at night, in comparison to only 22% of men. This was confirmed by an ASSOCHAM study in October 2008 -- every second working woman feels insecure, especially during night shifts in all the major hubs of economic activity, especially BPOs/IT, hospitality, civil aviation, nursing homes and garment industry.

The problem becomes more acute with the recent murders of Soumya Vishwanathan and Jigeesha Ghosh in Delhi and the chief minister’s remark that women should not get “so adventurous” and travel late at night. Apart from this, there are also much graver concerns like stone/acid-throwing and rape. Instances of rape, sexual abuse and harassment repeatedly reported in newspapers or other media – often sensationalised or blaming the female victims -- have created an atmosphere of fear.

The fear is accentuated at two levels. On Bhaidooj in October 2007 Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit announced that girls and women would not have to pay for their fare while travelling on buses to meet their brothers. The State thus adopted the paternal and brotherly role of protector, sending out the message that women will always be vulnerable. The State also constantly advises women to be prepared for violence, putting the burden of protection and prevention on women themselves.

The insensitive handling of cases by the State machinery and society – often accusing women of ‘provoking’ the harassment – makes most women prefer to remain silent when harassed. Also, most women are abused when the bus they are traveling in is very crowded. In such a crowded situation, it becomes difficult for the woman to tell who touched/groped her.

The challenge is to define these forms of abuse and coercion as sexual harassment and not as eve-teasing, which trivialises the situation. Further, the conventional definition of violence against women must be broadened beyond acts of physical and sexual aggression to include more subtle forms of abuse that involve mental and emotional violence.

In the study conducted by this writer, none of the women said that they had lodged a formal complaint to any kind of authority. There is a big difference therefore, in the crime reported and the actual experiences of women. Crime statistics only reflect those crimes that are reported to the police. Therefore, violence experienced by women on public transport never enters the crime statistics, even though it is serious and rampant.

It is also important to note that segregation of spaces like an all-women’s space contributes to the already existing sexualisation of space. When we see this in the context of equality and equal rights, women are denied equal opportunity, and instead already existing distinctions of masculine vs feminine areas harden. One can see this happening in the context of the ladies special buses in Delhi, which are curtained, a reminder by the State that women must be protected from the male gaze.

At the same time, women activists like Kalpana Viswanath who have worked extensively on this say, “Ladies Special buses/transport may not be a solution, but in a situation where women and girls still face harassment in buses, they are strategies nonetheless and it is important for us to work on a multi-pronged strategy. While the problem has several dimensions, the State and its institutions must take responsibility for making public spaces safer and accessible for all."

In 2005 the government of Delhi came up with a compendium, Making Women More Secure in Delhi: Towards Confidence-building and Tackling Sexual Harassment.

This compendium talks about the initiatives taken by the government to confront rising crime against women. The government recognises that Delhi is not a safe city for women, and several mechanisms need to be put in place.

The section on the transport department talks about services for women. It documents that eight seats are reserved for women in DTC buses and women home guards have been deployed on different routes. There is mention of 23 ladies special buses provided during peak hours. In case of any incident being reported, the bus has to be taken to the nearest police station or van. The onus for reporting such incidents is on the bus staff rather than the victim. Women’s helpline numbers are to be displayed inside as well as outside the buses. Special checking needs to be conducted during Holi and other celebrations.

It also mentions auto- and taxi-drivers being trained in batches to sensitise them on issues relating to women’s security. There is a proposal under consideration by the Directorate General of Home Guards to offer the services of 10,000 Home Guards who could be issued passes by DTC to do the rounds on various DTC buses to keep eve-teasing and harassment of women in check.

Most of these directions are still to be implemented. Women’s helpline numbers are very much displayed in the buses, but they do not seem to work. Keeping in mind the safety of women commuters, a Delhi-based NGO has started training women as taxi-drivers. But these services will cater only to a certain class of women who are able to afford them.

Jagori’s Safe Delhi Campaign was initiated to mobilise citizens to act and make a change and also make public places and modes of public transport safe for women. As part of this campaign, gender training sessions were conducted with DTC inside a stationary DTC bus to give a feel of the real environment and also place the drivers and conductors literally in the shoes of DTC passengers. As part of the same campaign, autorickshaw drivers also joined in and advertisement campaigns were done.

These campaigns are successful to an extent, but there is a need to involve women in policymaking for urban transport and development. Gender sensitivity is also required to address the frequency, routes, location of bus-stands and their design in case of transportation planning. Indeed, democratic processes to encourage genuine people’s participation, including that of women, need to be developed.


Courtesy: http://infochangeindia.org/200907077819/Women/Features/All-aboard-the-ladies-special.html



Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.

The Climate Imperative

Today on 7th July 2009, international action on climate change is urgent and essential. Indeed, there can no longer be any debate about the need to act, because the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), of which I am chairman, has established climate change as an unequivocal reality beyond scientific doubt.

For instance, changes are taking place in precipitation patterns, with a trend toward higher precipitation levels in the world’s upper latitudes and lower precipitation in some sub-tropical and tropical regions, as well as in the Mediterranean area. The number of extreme precipitation events is also increasing – and are increasingly widespread. Moreover, the frequency and intensity of heat waves, floods, and droughts are on the rise.

This change in the amount and pattern of rainfall has serious implications for many economic activities, as well as for countries’ preparedness to handle emergencies such as large-scale coastal flooding or heavy snowfall.

Some parts of the world are more vulnerable than others to these changes. The Arctic region, in particular, has been warming at twice the rate of the rest of the globe. Coral reefs, mega-deltas (which include cities like Shanghai, Kolkata, and Dhaka), and small island states are also extremely vulnerable to rising sea levels.

Other negative effects of climate change include possible reductions in crop yields. In some African countries, for example, yields could decline by as much as 50% by 2020. Climate change would also lead to increased water stress, which by 2020 could affect 75-250 million people in Africa alone.

Overall, temperature increases are projected to increase by the year 2100 within a range of 1.1 to 6.4˚C. In order to focus on this set of outcomes, the IPCC has come up with a best estimate at the lower end of this range of 1.8˚C, and 4˚C at the upper end. Even at the lower estimate, the consequences of climate change could be severe in several parts of the world, including an increase in water stress, serious effects on ecosystems and food security, and threats to life and property as a result of coastal flooding.

There also may be serious direct consequences for human health if climate change is not checked, particularly increased morbidity and mortality as a result of heat waves, floods, and droughts. Moreover, the distribution of some diseases would change, making human populations more vulnerable.

Because the impact of climate change is global, it is essential that the world as a whole take specific measures to adapt. But it is already clear that the capacity of some communities to adapt will quickly be exceeded if climate change goes unmitigated.

To help these most vulnerable communities, it is essential for the world to devise a plan of action to limit the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs). Several scenarios have been assessed by the IPCC, and one that would limit future temperature increase to between 2.0-2.4˚C would require that emissions peak no later than 2015, and decline thereafter. The rate of decline would then determine the extent to which the worst effects of climate change can be avoided.

The IPCC also found that the cost of such a strict effort at mitigation would not exceed 3% of global GDP in 2030. Moreover, there are enormous co-benefits to mitigation: lower emissions of GHGs would be accompanied by lower air pollution and increased energy security, agricultural output, and employment. If these co-benefits were taken fully into account, that price tag of 3% of GDP in 2030 would be substantially lower, perhaps even negative. The world could actually enhance economic output and welfare by pursuing a path of mitigation.

The need for international action, therefore, stems from two important observations arising out of the IPCC’s work. First, if we do not mitigate emissions of GHGs, the negative effects of climate change will be difficult to reverse, implying great hardship and possibly danger to mankind and other species.

Second, the benefits of mitigating emissions of GHGs are so overwhelming that this, combined with the prospect of the harm resulting from inaction, makes it imperative for the world to devise an international response and a plan of action. Given the challenge facing us, the magnitude and nature of which were clearly brought out by the IPCC, the Copenhagen Conference later this year must produce a multi-lateral agreement that deals adequately with climate change.

By R. K. Pachauri, a Nobel Laureate, is Chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and Director-General of the Energy & Resources Institute.


Source: http://www.countercurrents.org/pachauri070709.htm

Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.

The HUB :A collaborative space for people with ideas and passion for social change

Its a new initiative called "The Hub", the first of its kind in Asia!


The Hub is a collaborative space for people with ideas and passion for social change to work out of, meet, connect, learn and grow. It's a space where individuals from diverse backgrounds can come together to incubate their ideas.


The three main services of the Hub are as follows:

Hub Space
Offering work stations, hot desks, meeting room, workshop space, wireless internet, facilities for printing, copying, faxing, scanning and a library

Hub Connector
Hosting events, talks, exhibitions, online platforms to network and collaborate

Hub Incubation
Building skills through a range of trainings, workshops, discussions, consultancies and exposure visits



If you're interested to learn more about the Hub, please contact the Hub host, Alex Baine.

Alex Baine
Hub Host, UnLtd India
Tel (India - mobile): +91 90044 84203
Tel (India - office): +91 22 3216 3287
Email: alex.baine@unltdindia.org


HUB Address:
UnLtd India, 4th Floor, Candelar Building, 26 St John Baptist Road, Near Mount Mary Steps, Bandra (W), Mumbai 400 050, India.



Find out more about UnLtd India: http://www.unltdindia.org/
Visit our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/unltdindia
Read coverage of our work in the Hindustan Times: http://www.unltdindia.org/agentsofchange.pdf
Follow us on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/unltdindia


UnLtd India finds, funds and supports start-up social entrepreneurs - individuals with the ideas, passion and entrepreneurial skills to bring about long-lasting solutions to the social problems around them.



Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.

International NGO Job in India

The Department for International Development (DFID) requires:

Position Description: Results Advisor


Background

The Department for International Development (DFID) is the branch of the British government dedicated to eliminating world poverty (www.dfid.gov.uk). Its largest programme is in India – home to a third of the world’s poor. As India’s largest bilateral grant donor, DFID recognizes that it has a special responsibility to measure what its money is achieving, and to explain the results of its work to people in the UK and India alike.


Reason for Hire

Reporting to the Senior Economic Adviser, this is a new post to provide a focal point and challenge function for better monitoring and evaluation across DFID’s programmes, with a strong emphasis on promoting the use of quality impact evaluation. The aim is to strengthen the focus on results within DFID India so that there is evidence of DFID’s contribution to overall development in India – what works, and what does not. To do this the Results Adviser will help DFID to improve how it measures and demonstrates its impact, further improve the performance of the portfolio, and communicate the successes effectively.


Skills and competencies

We require a strong communicator who has excellent numeracy and analytical skills with the ability to build networks among key stakeholders. The incumbent must also be able to work independently and be confident in dealing with very senior people. She/He should be a university graduate, ideally with a post-graduate degree in statistics, economics or epidemiology with a proven track record of delivery. A proven ability to conduct quantitative research or a background in Monitoring and Evaluation would be an advantage. The successful applicant will be expected to demonstrate:

• An understanding of monitoring and evaluation especially approaches to quality impact evaluation and economic appraisal.
• Ability to use data and source material to form clear messages and content.
• Strong understanding of statistical methods and applications.
• Excellent writing and spreadsheet skills.
• A track record of providing high quality analysis in a high-paced and complex environment
• Strong self-development and knowledge generation interests in order to keep abreast of a wide range of development issues.
• A history of personal effectiveness, with a strong ability to communicate and develop effective working relationships with partners.
• The ability to work to tight deadlines and deliver quality outputs.



Location: New Delhi


Nature of employment: Three year fixed term contract. To apply, one must either be an Indian national or have necessary employment permit to work in India. DFID is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from all parts of the community.

Compensation: The starting salary for the post will be £21,847 per annum plus other benefits includes coverage under accident and medical insurance schemes.

Third Sector Partners, a leading CxO and board search firm in the Not for Profit sector, has been retained by DFID to assist them in identifying a Results Advisor.
For more details please log on to www.thirdsectorpartners.com/dfid . Interested individuals may email their completed application forms (available at the site) and their latest CV along with 3 references, with the subject line indicating ‘Application for Results Advisor’ to results.adviser@thirdsectorpartners.com .

Last date for applications is 17 July 2009.


Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.

Finance and Administrative Officer wanted for International NGO in India

Position: Finance and Administrative Officer

Area/ Program: Project HOPE, India
India Diabetes Educator Project

Location: Delhi, India

Reports To: Country Director, India

Supervisory Responsibility: Area Coordinators (4), Office Helper, Driver



BACKGROUND:

Project HOPE is an International not-for-profit humanitarian organization founded in 1958 and headquartered in USA. As an organization with a proud history and bright future, Project HOPE offers rewarding and challenging careers in professions ranging from Health Education to Finance. With programs in over 30 countries around the world, Project HOPE offers an opportunity to employees, volunteers, and interns to gain a global perspective through clinical and/ or academic teaching experience, exposure to health issues and needs in developing countries, development of healthcare systems and research, and experience in program planning and evaluation. Fundamental to its success and the achievement of Project HOPE’s mission are its core values of integrity, excellence, respect, and compassion.

Last year Project HOPE launched the India Diabetes Educator Project (IDEP), our flagship initiative in India. IDEP is the first large scale effort to train allied healthcare professionals on Diabetes Education in India. In technical collaboration with the International Diabetes Federation, Project HOPE has developed the Post Graduate Certificate in Diabetes Education, a 6 month education program that combines distance learning with on-site interactive workshops. The trainings will be offered in partnership with leading hospitals and centers of excellence for Diabetes care in India. With an estimated 40.9 million people currently living with the condition, India leads the world in the prevalence of diabetes. IDEP offers a comprehensive and sustainable approach that will provide training in Diabetes Education to over 3,000 healthcare professionals, including nurses, nutritionists and dieticians in India. We are looking for a dynamic and experienced finance and administration professional to work as senior member of our team.



POSITION SUMMARY:

This is a senior level position. The Finance and Administrative Officer will be responsible for all financial & administrative aspects of Project Hope, India Office and its projects. This will include establishing and implementing norms and procedures in accordance with Project HOPE policies and as obligated by local laws and government guidelines.



PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Manage and support all financial and administrative aspects of the India Diabetes Educator Project and other initiatives undertaken by Project HOPE, India Office.

2. Facilitate registration of Project HOPE, India Office maintaining regular communications with relevant legal representatives, assisting in the preparation of the necessary documents, and ensuring prompt follow up with the Government agencies.
3. Facilitate and oversee the preparation of Country specific Policies and Procedures Manual.

4. Establish and maintain immaculate systems of financial accounting, auditing and reporting in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Government of India and the internal systems of Project HOPE.

5. Prepare monthly financial and administrative reports of all programs under the umbrella of Project HOPE, India Office, submit to Country Director for review, and compile and relay these to HOPE Center. Train other staff members in preparation of their respective reports.

6. Assist in the preparation of specific monthly and annual budgets for all programs and monitor monthly/ YTD expenditures against program budgets, review variances and ensure budget control.

7. Manage and maintain all aspects related to Project HOPE bank accounts including documentation, bank communications, register all checks issued during the month, prepare monthly closing statements, prepare bank reconciliation for all programs and accounts, etc.

8. Coordinate the acquisition and procurement of office equipment, hardware, program materials, office supplies and assist with local procedures for the delivery of program materials, humanitarian aid and others as necessary.

9. Prepare and maintain an inventory of office equipment, hardware, program materials, office supplies, vehicles, etc. utilized under different projects.

10. Coordinate and manage logistical and financial arrangements for program activities including trainings, meetings, workshops, etc.

11. Visit project sites and program activities to review financial and administrative aspects and to ensure transparent and accurate financial documentation and reporting at field level.

12. Organize and manage Annual Internal and External Audits.

13. Review, update and implement office HR policies and procedures in compliance with the Indian law and oversee overall office operations to ensure a comfortable working environment.

14. Coordinate all activities related to recruitment, staff appraisals and prepare and manage contracts for staff and consultants hired by Project HOPE, India Office.

15. Develop and maintain a database of contacts/ consultants for Project HOPE, India Office, and prepare and maintain a tickler file of all contracts and agreements.

16. Ensure Project HOPE, India staff payroll is completed in appropriate timelines, and manage vacation days, compensation time, sick leave and other human resources related matters.

17. Provide daily or routine updates regarding financial and administrative matters as required by Country Director.

18. Assist with local procedures for visas, residency registration, paying taxes, fees and others as requested by the Country Director.

19. Identify additional opportunities for the organization and assist in developing new program proposals.

20. Supervise the activities of the office helper and coordinate use of the office car and driver.

21. Perform other duties as necessary and as required by the Country Director.



QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILL SPECIFICATIONS:

Must Haves:
• University degree in Financial Management/ Accounting (Preferably CA/ MBA in Finance/ ICWA). PG in Commerce with equivalent experience
• Minimum of 5 years post qualification experience in financial management, preparing and monitoring budgets, accounting and general administration
• Well versed with legal requirement of the development sector more particularly FCRA, IT Act, Registrations and other Taxation & Regulatory requirements, etc.
• Experience with Bi/ Multilateral, corporate, Foundation and Government donor-funded projects
• Experience in developing and/ implementing Policies and Procedures Manual
• Experience with Auditing – Internal, External as well as on-site auditing of partners and stakeholders
• Experience of working in a non-profit organization or NGO
• Experience with human resource issues, payroll management, etc.
• Proficiency in English language and in a second language is required.
• Excellent computer skills required, particularly Microsoft Office software and Financial/ Accounting Software packages.
• Detail-oriented and well-organized; able to manage multiple priorities; function in group and team settings; and work with a minimum of supervision and direction
• Commitment to providing high quality support and services to Project HOPE's field programs, local partners and International Office.
• Ability to undertake travel when required including out station travel
• Very responsible individual with impeccable integrity and capable of maintaining confidentiality



Preferable:
• Proficiency and/ or familiarity with Quick Book Accounting software program
• Language skills in Hindi and another local language

Note: Position description is indicative and the candidate will be working in an evolving role to develop, include and implement additional responsibilities.


COMPENSATION DETAILS: Commensurate with experience and qualifications



Third Sector Partners, a leading CxO and board search firm in the Not for Profit sector has been retained by Project HOPE for this search. Interested candidates can send in their CVs along with three references and a cover note to financeadmin.officer@gmail.com, or Contact us at: +91 22 6660 3558/6660 3559. Only short listed candidates would be contacted.

Last date for receiving applications is 27th July 2009.



Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.