Photos from the Journalists training

CSR FILES - edition 2

 Read our Edition 2 online.

http://www.calameo.com/read/0009209564c550158cc94

SURVEY

 Please help us complete this survey.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Annual_CSR_Review_Nigeria_2011

Ini Onuk joins World Entrepreneurship Forum

Ini Onuk, Lead Consultant/CEO of ThistlePraxis Consulting Limited was recently invited to join the Think-tank for the 2011 4th World Entrepreneurship Forum scheduled to hold in Singapore, attracting over 150 members from 70 different countries. The World Entrepreneurship Forum is a by-invitation only entrepreneurial community where members are selected worldwide by a dedicated committee based on their entrepreneurial achievements and their commitment to society.

In a letter to Ms. Onuk, the Co-President of the World Entrepreneurship Forum and President of the Emlyon Business School, Patrick Molle; ‘…this invitation was informed by your international recognition, current responsibility and interest in entrepreneurship as a driver of economic development.’

The 4th edition of the Forum is scheduled to hold in November 2011 in Singapore with a special theme: ‘Entrepreneurship – a driver for innovation and technology’.
At this event, founders of companies and NGOs, elected politicians, experts and academics in the field of entrepreneurship, will all share the Forum’s values and support the cause of entrepreneurship whilst bringing their expertise to create a more entrepreneurial world. The World Entrepreneurship Forum, the 4th in series; is recognised globally as the leading global think-tank dedicated to entrepreneurs as creators of wealth and social justice.

Prior to the set up and her engagement at ThistlePraxis Consulting, Onuk recently served as Executive Secretary, Women in Management and Business (WIMBIZ) and Executive Director, Defence for Children International (DCI). A 2008 Draper Hills Fellow on Democracy and Development at Stanford University California and an alumna of the Harvard Business School Executive Education Program, Ini holds a degree in International Relations & Diplomacy and a Masters degree in Management. A facilitator/management trainer, she is also an international consultant on Gender, Peace-building, Peace and Security & Governance.

A multi-talented team player, management consultant, researcher, lecturer and trainer, Ini still consults on issues of business development, corporate governance, organizational development, leadership, mentoring, corporate social responsibility and serves as a Volunteer Trainer with Fate Foundation. Owing to her well-rounded experiences, Ini sits on Boards of various organizations and currently serves as the Vice Chairperson, Jury Board, Social Enterprise and Reporting Awards, SERAs.

THISTLEPRAXIS CONSULTING TO ORGANISE CSR TRAINING FOR JOURNALISTS

ThistlePraxis Consulting, a CSR Strategy and Assessments firm, is organizing a foremost continent-wide initiative aimed at building and strengthening human capacity for the Nigerian and African media industry on Corporate Social Responsibility and sustainability reporting in Africa. The organizers say they are committed to identifying and fostering these series of trainings with other willing partners and corporate funders as well as other regional bodies.

Forbes CSR Blogger and award-winning journalist, Aman Singh, will lead the team of facilitators for a continental development initiative aimed at building and strengthening human capacity development for the African media on Corporate Social Responsibility and sustainability reporting in Africa tagged, ‘Effective CSR Reporting for Media Professionals’. Other facilitators include: Ken Egbas, Managing Partner, TruContact PR (organizers of SERAs/Nigeria CSR Awards); Ini Onuk, Lead Consultant/CEO, ThistlePraxis Consulting, Nigeria (organizers of the training); and Mumo Kivuitu, Executive Director, Ufhadili Trust in Kenya.

The purpose of the training is threefold: (i) to provide background information for accurate and effective media reporting of CSR activities, policies and strategies of businesses, operating within the African continent. This enables the media professionals to gain exposure to different dimensions and aspects of the practice that are beyond the scope of their communities or countries. (Ii) the initiative also seeks to enrich the educational and local experiences of reporting on CSR and other business issues through robust trainings and practical case studies in the field drawn from local and international organizations in Africa (iii) and finally, to make available to Africa (in the long term) well rounded and seasoned media professionals with a better and clearer understanding of Corporate Social Responsibility and sustainability as well as the motivation and ability to be advocates of the continent, acting as watchdogs for corporate institutions whilst contributing meaningfully to the growth and development of the profession within Africa.

Although the training will be residential, participants are expected to commit three (3) work days to attending after successful selection through a rigorous process. In addition, they are expected to also work in close contact with ThistlePraxis Consulting for six (6) weeks after the training in order to have their work and articles reviewed for content and technical compliance.

Interested media professionals are requested to send in their applications by e-mails to trainings@thistlepraxisconsulting.com on or before October 21, 2011. Organizations may nominate not more than two (2) employees in each category: Print, Electronic and Digital and this must be accompanied by documentary evidence of eligibility: Up-to-date Curriculum Vitae; Letter of confirmation from the Editor or Editor–in-Chief or Chief Executive Officer. Other requirements include a proof of Educational Qualifications and a 150-word essay in outlining the applicant’s motivation for participating in the training.

In addition, applicants must be fluent in English Language and must be able to pay airfares as well as foot transport arrangements to Lagos, Nigeria. Only selected candidates will be contacted.

THE SERAS - OCTOBER 15, 2011

WHEN COMPANIES DON'T DO THE RIGHT THINGS

DISGRACE: COCA COLA exploitation in Imo State Crumbles. Irete Youths besiege Plant with Coffin - http://imostate.blog.com/2011/09/28/

The Most Responsible Companies: Another Ranking

http://www.forbes.com/sites/susanadams/2011/09/16/the-most-responsible-companies-another-ranking/

Nigeria and the UN Sustainable Development Reporting

Been away from blogging. Oh wow! Been reading UN reports on country's reporting on National Sustainability Development reporting. My dear country. http://www.un.org/esa/dsd/dsd_aofw_ni/ni_natiinfo_nigeria.shtml.

VACANCIES AT THE BRIDGE LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION

Programme Manager

The Manager will be responsible for the overall direction, coordination, implementation, execution, control and completion of the Foundation’s programme areas, ensuring consistency with organizational strategy, values, commitments and goals.

The Manager will work closely with the Executive Director and serve on the management team. The Manager will be expected to advice the Executive and Board of Trustees on developments, progress and challenges with programme areas.

Responsibilities:

·        Lead the planning and implementation of programs & projects;

·        Facilitate the definition of project scope, goals and deliverables;

·        Define project tasks and resource requirements;

·        Develop and monitor full-scale programme plans;

·        Assemble, direct, coordinate, supervise and appraise programme staff;

·        Supervise the proper implementation of approved programme budgets;

·        Plan and schedule project timelines and track project deliverables using appropriate tools;

·        Edit and present reports defining programmes/projects’ progress, problems and solutions;

·        Implement and manage programmes changes and interventions to achieve outputs;

·        Report to Board of Trustees periodically;

·        Serve on Management team and Finance Committee.

         

Required Qualifications and Experience:

·        Applicants must be resident in Calabar, Cross River State.

·        Minimum Masters Degree in social sciences or related fields;

·        At least 3 years senior management experience with a non-profit organization;

·        Excellent writing and editorial skills;

·        Excellent public speaking and presentation skills;

·        Critical thinking and problem solving skills;

·        Proven track record in a management position;

·        Knowledge of both theoretical and practical aspect of programme management;

·        Proven track record of managing diverse teams;

·        Ability to work with limited supervision;

·        Proven competence and experience in strategic planning of development programmes;

·        Experience in leading administrative and financial processes; budgets, reporting, resource management etc;

·        Excellent proposal and report writing skills and good networking and negotiation skills;

·        Excellent spoken and written English;

·        Good knowledge of computer application packages and the internet;

·        Ability to work under pressure;

·        Ability and willingness to travel at short notices.

All applications to be sent to: info@thebridgeleadership.org. Applications close on August 14, 2011 by 12noon.

Vacancies At ThistlePraxis Consulting.

Associate Consultant, Programmes/Project

Specific Responsibilities

i.                    Plan and execute all organisation’s programmes, projects and events

ii.                Initiate new programme ideas and strategies for the execution of all TPC projects and events in line with the vision of the company

iii.             Manage the organisation’s advocacy and non-profit arm as well as drive the activities within this scope

iv.                 Manage all client briefs and work with SERC on project planning and management

v.                   Supervise the smooth execution of all client briefs on Executive Management Consultancy and Non-profit set up

vi.                 Provide regular progress reports to Lead Consultant/CEO

vii.               Carry out such other assignments as required by the company

Educational and Work Requirements

i.                    A Degree in ANY field or discipline and preferably with a Social Science or Non-profit background

ii.                  Preference will be given to those who hold a Master’s Degree in any Developmental studies

iii.                At least 3years’ professional work experience in a non-profit, consultancy or as a project manager

iv.                 Should have at least executed/managed one major project from the inception through execution and completion

v.                   Past experience in project management especially in the non-profit sector would be an advantage

vi.                 Strong analytical skills and a proven track record of leadership and coordinating teams

Consultant, Research & Development .

Specific Responsibilities

i.                    Generate all research content for the scope of work or projects by the organisation

ii.                  Manage the production of TPC’s publication, CSR Files™ as Editor

iii.                Initiate new research topics and projects to develop data for the CSR industry in Nigeria, Africa and beyond.

iv.                 Identify key niche areas of focus in content and development in line with the broader vision of the company

v.                   Interface with consultants and clients to ensure implementation of research requests and provide adequate information accordingly to clients, consultants and other members of staff, working with the Senior Consultant, Programmes, Strategy and Media Relations

vi.                 Prepare ALL briefs, proposals, strategy papers and documents where research content is required

vii.               Provide regular progress reports to Lead Consultant/CEO

viii.             Manage all non-profit/advocacy content and research requirements for the organisation

ix.                 Oversee the development of the Blueprint for the Africa Alliance on Corporate Social Responsibility AA-CSR™

x.                   Carry out such other assignments as required by the company

Educational and Work Requirements

i.                    A post-graduate degree in Statistics, Social Research or Social Sciences or an associated area and preferably with a background in a research role.

ii.                  Preference will be given to those having a Master’s Degree in ANY field.

iii.                At least 5years’ professional work experience in leading research projects and content development. 

Analyst, Information Technology & New Media 

The IT & New Media Officer shall work under the direct supervision of the Lead Consultant/CEO to carry out all functions specified in this ToR. He/she shall work closely with the other members of staff.

Specific Responsibilities

i.                    Generate new income/revenue streams via the internet or virtual media for the company

ii.                  Initiate new ideas for the execution of all TPC projects and businesses/income streams via the internet in line with the vision of the company

iii.                Manage all website and online projects, tasks and activities

iv.                 Provide all virtual media/new media needs and requirements for the company

v.                   Disseminate CSR Files™ weekly working with the Research & Development Consultant

vi.                 Provide regular progress reports to Lead Consultant/CEO

vii.               Source for sponsors, partners and suppliers for all TPC events and programs

viii.             Carry out such other assignments as required by the company

Educational and Work Requirements

i.                    A Degree in Computer Science or ANY IT-related field Management preferably with programming background

ii.                  Preference will be given to those having additional IT certifications and trainings

iii.                 At least 2years’ professional work experience in leading IT projects and online activities

iv.                 Should have at least executed/managed one credible online project from the inception through execution and completion

v.                   Past experience in ICT projects and online products or services would be an advantage

vi.                 Strong analytical skills and a proven track record of leadership and teamwork

vii.               Should have good:

a.      Knowledge and experience in IT programming, social media activation and website design

b.      Computer proficiency and ability to train others

Consultant, Business Development.

Specific Responsibilities

i.                    Generate new income/revenue streams for the company

ii.                  Initiate new ideas for the execution of all TPC projects and businesses/income streams in line with the vision of the company

iii.                Initiate new projects for the short term and long term sustainability of the new company

iv.                  Identify business opportunities in line with the broader vision of the company

v.                   Interface with clients and ensure implementation of decisions and communication of same details to clients, working with the Strategy & External Relations Consultant (SERC)

vi.                 Liaise with relevant authorities and/or agencies for obtaining the required clearances for essential services in connection with projects

vii.               Provide regular progress reports to Lead Consultant/CEO

viii.             Source for sponsors, partners and suppliers for all TPC events and programs

ix.                 Carry out such other assignments as required by the company

Educational and Work Requirements

i.                    A post-graduate degree (preferably a MBA) in Management or an associated area and preferably with marketing background.

ii.                  Preference will be given to those having a Master’s Degree in Marketing.

iii.                 At least 5years’ professional work experience in leading business and revenue development.

iv.                  Should have at least executed/managed one project from the inception through execution and completion.

v.                   Past experience in business development and deal structuring would be an advantage.

vi.                 Strong analytical skills and a proven track record of leadership and coordinating teams.

ALL APPLICATIONS SHOULD INCLUDE:

1. An application letter indicating clearly the post applied for

2. Curriculum Vitae (CV) clearly indicating requirements referred to above and relevant work experiences.

To be sent to: careers@thistlepraxisconsulting.com  on or before 12noon,  July 29, 2011. Please include Job Position as subject of email.