Opportunities for Action

Sharing your best practices - suggesting main issues to be addressed

EBBF believes that every individual has the capacity to make a difference in their workplace by applying human values—which are in essence spiritual principles—to guide the structure, procedure and goals at work, the activity that takes up the lion’s share of most adults’ time and energy. By now it is both evident that good intentions aren’t enough to translate these values into actions, and that good people can end up inadvertently doing things that contradict the very principles that are dear to them.

For this reason EBBF has decided to create its first online course to assist these forward-thinking individuals to advance in the fundamental capacity of transforming values into action. Through a series of case studies, readings, and exercises over a period of three months, the course will seek to help the participants explore and further refine their understanding of the values that make up the common heritage of the whole human race, and to reflect deeply on how these can be applied to very practical work-related situations—be these those of an employee, a manager, or a policy-maker—as looked at through the different lenses of the individual, the enterprise, and the wider interconnected world economic system.

The main strength of EBBF lies in its members, people like you who have or are looking to apply their deeper values to create a better work environment. For this reason we would like this course to include case studies and experiences of our own EBBF members. In your every day working life you have plenty of opportunities to be consistent with the behaviours and leadership that you believe in, at whatever level in your organization you may be. Often the decisions are not so easy to take, sometimes you may feel the only person in the organization with those principles. We would like to receive from you cases or the application of these principles so that we can use them in this course and thus help many other individuals to follow that same tested path.

The EBBF research team has laid out a first outline but there may well be other issues that are confronting you in your work environment and where you would like EBBF to research possible solutions.

What we are looking from you:

1. case studies, examples that have ideally happened and been implemented in your own company or organization or links to good articles that highlight the success of applying values in enterprises.

You can also send us a short one liner to describe your experience and then EBBF member Ahmad Ashrafi would follow up with you to turn your experience into a case study.

These materials may be used in this online course but also in future EBBF communication channels such as the EBBF INSPIRE e-magazine or the EBBF Blog.

2. issues that you would like EBBF to address

We look forward to your input to influence many other people with your example.

To get more information or to send your first idea please contacts Ahmad Ashrafi: at

bestpractice@ebbf.org

Submit and progress your project

Submit the project related to one or more of EBBF's core values that you are currently working on.

This can be an enterprise, an idea, or an activity that you are pursuing or will pursue either at or outside your workplace.

Share what you need to take it to the next level and/or what opportunities your project offers to other EBBF members.

Submit your project by clicking here

See some of the projects submitted so far by clicking here

Be a Change

As a part of the 60th anniversary of Aiesec, they are organizing a business idea contest called: Be A CHange (http://beachange.org/).

The contest has two phases: Virtual collaboration from 26th of August to 26th of October and camp from 30th of October to 1st of November. EBBF members are involved in both phases. We are looking for business experts for the Virtual Collaboration and of course if there is someone willing to come to Finland and to keep a speech or workshop or etc. in the camp, it will be appreciated!

EBBF members in Finland are involved in both phases already by acting as "supervisors" for value-base and helding workshops in the camp and giving practical instructions about entrepreneurship.

Virtual collaboration, camp and business plan competition are aiming to start at least three social enterprises and generate a multitude of socially relevant business ideas.

For more information contact the EBBF member coordinating the project with AIESEC: Janne Lemettinnen - janne.lemettinen AT gmail.com

1. Senior Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, Surrey, UK
Salary: £45,000

A leading financial services firm requires a Corporate Social Responsibility Manager. If you are keen to play an integral role in implementing and developing CSR strategy then this is the role for you.

The main focus of the role will be: Working with key stakeholders to best manage key CSR issues e.g. energy efficiency, carbon emissions, charity giving, employee volunteering etc.;  Representing and promoting CSR issues internally and externally.

This is a high profile role both within the firm and the parent Company, with considerable potential to influence the Company’s CSR strategy.

Applicants should possess: Project Management skills; Excellent communication skills–relationship building, stakeholder management, influencing others; Knowledge of environmental and CSR legislation/regulation/best practice

Contact: To apply please email info(at)acre-resources.co.uk quoting job reference EP2205 alternatively call 0845 257 8030 to discuss the position further.  

2. Sustainable Technology Development Manager, England-Home Counties | £60,000 - £70,000

Do you have the commercial drive to move one of the UK's most respected and largest brands towards a low carbon future? Within this role you will use your extensive experience within engineering and your networks to source the best innovations and technologies to solve complex energy issues. This is a rare opportunity to have a tangible impact on the Sustainability Strategy of one of the World's most successful companies.

You will carry out feasibility studies relating to green technologies, energy and Carbon strategies especially in relation to buildings, to help deliver on the company’s’ energy targets. Keeping up to date with new developments within the industry and with the current global Climate Change agenda you will: Manage the research and development programs needed to demonstrate new energy and Carbon reduction technologies; Work closely with all parts of the business to ensure that energy solutions are aligned with key objectives and property market drivers; Co-ordinate key consultants to implement innovative solutions for the business; Work with government institutions and environmental groups to gain acceptance of and support for the energy strategy; You will be highly networked in the industry and within engineering generally, with the ability to look at technical innovations from a commercial view point. You will be self motivated and able to inspire and influence people at every level. You will have the ability to work with key stake holders focusing on reporting, educating and managing the process to delivery.

In addition you will have an outstanding knowledge of energy issues relating to buildings; have an excellent understanding of Governmental bodies and NGOs relating to Energy and Climate Change; have project management experience; experience in the retail sector is an advantage

If you are passionate and knowledgeable about new technologies and reducing energy consumption and have the drive to find the right solutions please click to apply or for more information please contact Julia Denham on 0845 257 8030 (Ref. 2147)

3. Executive Director-- European Roma Rights Centre-- Budapest, Hungary
Last day to apply: November 29, 2008

The Executive Director is responsible for providing the strategic and management leadership necessary to enable the ERRC to fulfill its mission of promoting respect for and protection of the fundamental human rights of Roma across Europe. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors, and is responsible for the hiring and management of staff.

For full vacancy announcement please refer to: http://www.errc.org/cikk.php?cikk=2971

4. Development Manager-- Business for Social Responsibility--Paris, France
Language(s): English, French
Last day to apply: October 31, 2008

Business for Social Responsibility (BSR) is a non-profit business association that works with business and stakeholders to create a more just and sustainable world. BSR’s staff of more than 80 helps its 250 member companies integrate sustainability into business strategy and operations through consulting, research, and convenings. We are seeking individuals who are highly talented, passionate and thrive in an entrepreneurial culture that values leadership, integrity and respect. For more information, visit www.bsr.org.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Based in BSR’s Paris office, the Development Manager, Europe will play a key role in devising, implementing and managing BSR’s donor development strategy in Europe. Whereas the primary objective will be sourcing of new grant funding in Europe, the Development Manager will also be actively involved in implementing development projects, including field work.

This position represents a growth opportunity for the right candidate to manage a grants practice under the direction of the Director of Development and the Managing Director of Europe. The Development Manager will be responsible for high-level relationship development with the European Union, bilateral and multilateral organizations and private foundations in Europe to secure donor funding in support of BSR program initiatives.

Key attributes of the position include:
- High-level interaction with the European Commission and bilateral donors;
- Exposure to global business leaders active in corporate social responsibility (CSR);
- Opportunity to connect the development and CSR agendas as well as key local and global stakeholders in support of sustainable development.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Donor Funding; External Representation; Advisory Services and project implementation.
The overall success of the Development Manager will be measured in terms of new grant funding.

QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree in economic development, development studies, geography, political science, or related field required;
- 5-7 years of relevant professional experience required, including field work experience;
- Proven and demonstrable track record of success in working with European donors to successfully obtain donor/grant funding;
- Understanding of the grant application process with the European Commission (with preference for direct experience);
- Fluency in written and conversational French and English is required; candidates with additional Arabic or other language skills are strongly encouraged to apply;
- Ability to undertake business travel up to 30% time;
- High ethical standards and commitment to BSR core values of Leadership, Respect and Integrity.

PLEASE APPLY ONLY ONLINE AT: www.bsr.org/bsrjobs

5. Communications Director-- GES Investment Services--Stockholm, Sweden
Deadline: 17 October
   
GES Investment Services was founded in 1992 and is today one of the leading research and service providers for Responsible Investment (RI) based on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues. Our clients are pension funds, banks, foundations, trade unions and other actors on the financial market. Client assets under advice by GES Investment Services amount to approximately Euro 300 billion. We have offices in Sweden, Denmark and Poland.

We are now looking for a successor to our Communications Director to:

• Provide clients, prospects, media and other stakeholders with information about GES and our work via website, newsletters and press releases
• Develop PR strategy to increase the recognition of GES’ brand in the European market as well as to secure GES’ brand value and leading position in the Nordic market
• Edit and present reports together with the research department
• Produce marketing material and plan events together with the marketing department
• Develop the client site together with the IT department
• Participate in the management team

Qualifications

• University degree, preferably with some studies abroad
• 3+ years experience of working in communications/media/PR
• Excellent writing, editing and presentation skills
• Fluent in English and Danish/Norwegian/Swedish
• Experience from the financial industry is an advantage
• Experience from working with ESG issues is an advantage
 
Please forward your application in English to Susanne Nyman, Communications Director, susanne.nyman(at)ges-invest.com;  Website: www.ges-invest.com