CV 2014

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CHRIS HARRIS CURRICULUM VITAE - RESUME Personal details Contact details Chris S. Harris 38b Shelley Drive Born: Cardiff, Wales Byron Bay, NSW 2481, Australia. Date of Birth: 22 August 1955 Mobile: (Aust) +61 411 509322 Citizenship (dual Australian/UK) Email: [email protected] Working rights (automatic) – EU, Aust, NZ This document is set out as follows: Section Page Numbers Section 1 – Summary of skills and experience 2 Section 2 – Short career summary 2 - 3 Section 3 – Current and past work history 3 - 5 Section 4 – Key skills and experience 5 - 6 Section 5 – Summary of major accomplishments 6 - 7 Section 6 – Education, other skills, research reports 8 - 9 ABOUT ME I am an senior manager who has worked for environmental, Aboriginal and political organisations for more than 30 years. During this time I have worked in a wide range of roles including roles as CEO, Program Director, lobbyist, spokesperson/media officer, campaigner, logistics coordinator, organiser and in organisations which have ranged from large mainstream groups to small direct action community collectives. I have lived and worked in Australia, Thailand, New Zealand, UK, France, Netherlands, the US, and Canada and have also lived as a child in Egypt and South Africa. I have traveled extensively including long periods in South America and Asia. I am passionately committed to a planet with more equity and justice and a better environment and believe that those issues are inextricably entwined and can also not be separated from a sustainable economy; one where we live in a society not an economy. My experience leads me to believe that effective organisations are ones which operate collectively through teams; where there are clear goals and strategies and where those goals and strategies are put into action via an implementation plan which has clear timeframes and regular evaluation. Both collective and individual action are critical and that we need strategies that are innovative and creative but at the same time do not ignore the need for stability and direction. We need to take opportunities to build alliances with groups and individuals that can assist us in our goals.

Transcript of CV 2014

Page 1: CV 2014

CHRIS HARRISCURRICULUM VITAE - RESUME

Personal details Contact detailsChris S. Harris 38b Shelley DriveBorn: Cardiff, Wales Byron Bay, NSW 2481, Australia.Date of Birth: 22 August 1955 Mobile: (Aust) +61 411 509322Citizenship (dual Australian/UK) Email: [email protected]

Working rights (automatic) – EU, Aust, NZ

This document is set out as follows:

Section Page Numbers

Section 1 – Summary of skills and experience 2

Section 2 – Short career summary 2 - 3

Section 3 – Current and past work history 3 - 5

Section 4 – Key skills and experience 5 - 6

Section 5 – Summary of major accomplishments 6 - 7

Section 6 – Education, other skills, research reports 8 - 9

ABOUT ME

I am an senior manager who has worked for environmental, Aboriginal and political organisations for more than 30 years. During this time I have worked in a wide range of roles including roles as CEO, Program Director, lobbyist, spokesperson/media officer, campaigner, logistics coordinator, organiser and in organisations which have ranged from large mainstream groups to small direct action community collectives.

I have lived and worked in Australia, Thailand, New Zealand, UK, France, Netherlands, the US, and Canada and have also lived as a child in Egypt and South Africa. I have traveled extensively including long periods in South America and Asia.

I am passionately committed to a planet with more equity and justice and a better environment and believe that those issues are inextricably entwined and can also not be separated from a sustainable economy; one where we live in a society not an economy.

My experience leads me to believe that effective organisations are ones which operate collectively through teams; where there are clear goals and strategies and where those goals and strategies are put into action via an implementation plan which has clear timeframes and regular evaluation.

Both collective and individual action are critical and that we need strategies that are innovative and creative but at the same time do not ignore the need for stability and direction. We need to take opportunities to build alliances with groups and individuals that can assist us in our goals.

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Good organisations and good plans and policies are built on shared values but also shared experiences and friendships which offer opportunities to build relationships by ensuring that we all have a balanced life that includes work and recreation.

SECTION 1. SUMMARY – SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

20 years experience in senior management positions (General Manager, Executive Director and Campaign Director).

Wide knowledge of sustainability learnt over 30 years working on land management planning, campaigns, and on environmental, indigenous and social change issues

Professional journalist with extensive media training and experience Two years as senior advisor in Australian Parliament and as a lobbyist Strong project management and research skills Financial management skills Leadership, negotiating and evaluation skills Excellent communication and research skills Diverse international work experience (Asia, EU – various, Australia, NZ, US)

SECTION 2. SHORT CAREER SUMMARY

With the exception of a short period working as a journalist during 1980-81, I have worked in the non-Government and semi-Government sector since 1981, when I started work for the Wilderness Society, in Hobart, Australia.

During this period I also took two sabbaticals, between 1991/92, a time I spent in North and South America, and during 2006 when I purchased and renovated a property in Australia.

My immediate past employment was with Australian Greens as the National Campaign Coordinator.

My past working career can be divided into five parts:

2011-2014: Australian Greens – National Campaign Manager – 2011/2014. During this period, I worked for the Australian Greens as their National Campaign Manager, working long hours under pressure. I was required to have extensive knowledge of a range of social and environmental issues, of political issues and processes, as well as electoral matters at national and state level. In this capacity I managed the Greens research and advertising and a team of campaigners including a social media campaigner, IT and web staff, and an assistant. I worked closely with the Parliamentary staff, fundraisers and state campaign staff.ager, in which capacity I was responsible for both ongoing campaigns and preparation for national election campaigns. The position required a high level of organisational and negotiation skills.

2004 – 2010: Employed by Greenpeace: Throughout this period I worked for Greenpeace, both for Greenpeace International and for National and Regional offices (NROs). Greenpeace, globally, sought me out to assist in running NROs where there were either significant difficult/complex management issues (Greenpeace France 2008-2009), where they were unable to find a sufficiently skilled and experienced Director, locally, to run the office (Southeast Asia 2004-2005), or where they needed a competent Director to act as replacement for a permanent person who was on leave (Greenpeace New Zealand 2009-2010). In 2007 I ran the European EPR (European Pressurised Water reactor) Campaign Project. I also carried out research for Greenpeace during these periods.

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1993 – 2003: Self-employed as consultant/contractor and researcher: I worked on a number of personal projects and as a consultant for a number of leading environmental organisations in Australia and for one business (see my full CV for a list of these research reports).

During this period I also set up and assisted in running three new non-profit organisations in Australia:

The Mineral Policy Institute – working on the impacts of large scale mining projects in the Asia-Pacific region and assisting affected communities in the region.

The Conservation Alliance – a grant making organisation for smaller environmental projects. Environment Projects Australia (formerly Earth Share Australia) which manages and runs the

eGive.org.au web site an online business portal for small non-profits.

Of these MPI and EPA are still going concerns and I continue to be a Director of EPA and to run the eGive web portal on their behalf.

1985-1991: Employed by the Northern Land Council and Jurnkurakurr Aboriginal Resource Centre (JARC) as a General Manager and senior land management officer.

During this period I managed one of the largest community council organisations in the Northern Territory (JARC) and worked on a range of planning, land management, environmental, development and tourist related issues for Aboriginal organisations in the Northern Territory.

Initially, I had a three year contract for the Northern Land Council, the largest Aboriginal organisation in Australia, during which period I set up and ran their Parks and Tourism unit, advising traditional owners on environmental management and tourism development.

Subsequently I managed an Aboriginal Resource Centre in Tennant Creek (central Australia). In 1996, as a result of both my environmental work and my work for Aboriginal organisations, the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation commissioned a colleague and me to write a report addressing conflicts between environmental organisations and Aboriginal people.

1981-1985: Employed by the Wilderness Society: During this period I worked as firstly a campaigner, then as the National Liaison Officer (national media and political officer) for the Wilderness Society and finally as the co-Director. During this period the organisation succeeded in making the campaign against the Franklin River dam the biggest environmental issue in Australian history, culminating in the intervention of the Federal Government to halt dam construction. During 1983, due to my media and coordination experience, I was also asked to manage and coordinate work during the Federal election campaign on behalf of 18 leading environmental groups who were opposing the Franklin dam.

Other - 1992/3: Sabbatical in North and South America. 2006: Purchased and renovated a property in Australia.

SECTION 3 – CURRENT AND PAST WORK HISTORY

CURRENTLY – On long leave until late October/early November 2014

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IMMEDIATE PAST EMPLOYMENT:

• National Campaign Manager Australian Greens - Between 2011 and 2014, I worked for theAustralian Greens as their National Campaign Manager, in which capacity I was responsiblefor both ongoing campaigns and preparation for national election campaigns. My workinvolved coordination of the Greens campaigns which require the agreement of 8 states andterritories and the Federal parliamentary party.

During this period I and the other staff were successful in improving the national structureand its previously limited operations to one where a number of key projects and campaignsare increasingly managed on a national level through a variety of cooperative structures.

• Renovating and managing a property in NE Victoria (March 2010 to February 2011)

• Interim Campaigns Director (CD) Greenpeace New Zealand (replacing permanent CDwhile she takes maternity leave) – May 2009 to March 2010. Responsible for campaigns,communications, actions, political and volunteers units (12 people). Campaigns includeclimate and oceans.

• Campaigns Director at Greenpeace France 2008/2009. Responsible for campaign team of13 working on oceans, forests, climate and genetically modified organisms.

PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT:

• July 2007 – Jan 2008: Working on and managing project development of Avalon House, NEVictoria and on eGive Systems (ongoing projects over last few years) and doing research forGPI on APEC meeting.

• April – June 2007 – Research project for GPI on coal developments in Asia.

• February-April 2007 – Campaign against European Pressurised Water Reactor ProjectCoordinator for Greenpeace International, coordinating work of GPI and seven Europeanoffices on nuclear issues.

• Nov-Dec 2005 - Unit Manager Cordell Jigsaw Films – working on four part documentaryfor Australian Broadcasting Corporation on the Murray Darling River System (completedDecember 22, 2005)

• March 2005 until October 17 – self-employed working on own projects and writingbriefing paper for Greenpeace International on Japan Bank for International Cooperation.

• April 2004 – March 2005 – Campaigns Director, Greenpeace Southeast Asia.

• 2003 – Community Development Manager for New Tel Communications (company wentinto liquidation November 2003)

1995-2002 – In these years I worked on a variety of projects for different organisations on a part-time basis. A number of these roles over-lapped and I worked on these projects concurrently. Theseincluded:

• Executive Director of Earth Share Australian Foundation between its founding in 1995 and 2004 (resigned March 2004), but continue to perform this role voluntarily as acting-EO.

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• Coordinator for the Conservation Alliance between its foundation in 1995 and 2003.

• Executive Director, Mineral Policy Institute from its founding in 1995 until December 1997 (resigned)

• March 1994 – November 1994 – Campaigns Manager for Greenpeace Australia

• 1993 – 1994 – Director International Rivers Network, Berkeley, California.

• 1991 – 1992 – Two year sabbatical travelling and working voluntarily for various groups inNorth and South America (eg Western Canada Wilderness Committee, GABB – Bio BioAction Committee etc)

• 1989 - 1990 – Coordinator Jurnkurakurr Aboriginal Resource Centre, Tennant Creek

• 1988 – Uranium/mining policy advisor to Senator Norm Sanders, Parliament HouseCanberra.

• 1985-1988 – Senior Advisor Parks and Tourism for Aboriginal Land Council (NorthernLand Council), Darwin, NT.

• 1981 – 1985 – Wilderness Society, Australia various roles:

• 1981 Campaign Coordinator• 1982 National Liaison Officer (Media and Political Manager), Canberra• 1983 Franklin Blockade media coordinator and national election Campaign

Manager.• 1984-85 National Co-director

SECTION 4 - KEY SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

SENIOR MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE: Management experience includes National Campaign Coordinator for the Australian Greens, Campaigns Director for Greenpeace Southeast Asia, Greenpeace France and Greenpeace NZ, General Manager of the Jurnkurakurr Aboriginal Resource Centre - JARC (30 staff, budget $5 million) Executive Director of The Wilderness Society, Campaigns Manager for Greenpeace Australia, Executive Director of the International Rivers Network.

PROJECT MANAGEMENTMajor Projects managed include coordinating Nuclear EPR work in Europe for GPI in 2007, being the principal coordinator of the 1983 Federal Election Campaign on behalf of the combined environment groups, and organisation of major concerts, rallies, speaking tours. Almost all my work over the last 10 years has involved development and/or management of major projects in diverse areas from major international conferences (Greenpeace SEA participation in the 2004 CITES conference) to grass roots events such tours by youth groups such as the Solar Generation.

COMMUNICATION, WRITING and PUBLIC SPEAKINGTrained as a journalist, 1981. Was the media liaison officer for the Wilderness Society in Melbourne and Strahan, 1982-83 and have been a regular radio and TV spokesperson for various organisations. This area includes experience in public speaking and presentation.

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FINANCIAL MANAGEMENTIn common with most senior management positions, all the positions I have occupied over the last 15 to 20 years have involved financial supervision and budget management. My most recent job, in Southeast Asia, involved supervision of the Greenpeace SEA campaigns budget for 15 staff and control of various international grants from Greenpeace International. As the Executive Director of the Earth Share Australia Foundation, the Wilderness Society, the International Rivers Network and the Coordinator of the JARC, financial management skills have been an essential part of the work in these organisations.

CROSS-CULTURAL SKILLSI lived most of my childhood in Africa and Asia and have dealt with cross-cultural issues all my life. My work with Aboriginal organisations, with the Mineral Policy Institute, with the International Rivers Network and with Greenpeace Southeast Asia has required me to operate in complex cross-cultural contexts involving different languages, backgrounds, and ethnicity, including managing staff with widely differing ways of operating.

ORGANISATIONAL and SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT SKILLSIn setting up the Mineral Policy Institute, the Conservation Alliance and the Earth Share Australia Foundation, a high level of organisational knowledge, skills and experience has been necessary. The organisation or major public events (such as rallies and public speaking tours) also requires a high level of organisational skill

STAKEHOLDER LIAISON AND NEGOTIATIONAll my work in recent years has involved working with a wide variety of stakeholders, many holding widely different political and cultural perspectives. This has included stakeholders in the non-profit, Government and business sectors. In recent years a significant part of my work has been in building community-business partnerships.

FUNDRAISINGSetting up and working with new organisations such as the Mineral Policy Institute, the Conservation Alliance and the Earth Share Australia Foundation has given me a strong background in, knowledge of and successful track record of fund raising. I have been successful in raising project and organisational funds from foundations, Government and individuals.

COMPUTER AND INTERNET SKILLSGood computer skills including knowledge of Word, Access, Excel and html. Knowledge of the internet including web development and on-line e-trading.

NEGOTIATION SKILLSMy work in advocacy and as the National Liaison Officer for the Wilderness Society, has given me good negotiation skills.

SECTION 5 - SUMMARY OF MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS SINCE 1995

National Campaign Coordinator – Australian Greens – Three and a half years managing election campaigns for the Australian Greens and developing and expanding the campaign capacity of the Greens.

Campaigns Director Greenpeace – Two successful terms as Campaigns Director at Greenpeace France and Greenpeace NZ.

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Coordinated major international project for GPI (2007) – EPR Nuclear project coordinating the work of GPI and seven national offices in Europe.

Acted as Campaigns Manager for Greenpeace SEA (2004) providing effective campaign directionand management leadership in the organisation, including substantially overhauling the direction ofthe organisation as a whole and resolving a range of internal conflicts.

Established (1997) and managed Earth Share Australia a non-profit foundation for the environmentmovement that specialises in developing partnerships between businesses and the community sectorand which coordinates fund raising for environmental and other community groups as well as otheractivities including training for non-profits. This work is carried out on a voluntary part-time basis.

Established and managed the Mineral Policy Institute (1995) Australia’s leading specialist non-profitorganisation working on the impacts of large scale mining projects, raising $200,000 for itsoperations. MPI employed six staff at that time.

Established (1996) the Conservation Alliance, a non-profit alliance of seventeen leading outdoorbusinesses which fund environmental projects in Australia, New Zealand and the Asia Pacific

Funded and ran the first Environment Movement Training Conference in 1996 and coordinated thedevelopment of the proposed national social change training centre

SECTION SIX – EDUCATION, OTHER SKILLS, RESEARCH

Education and other skills HSC - Economics and Political Affairs, History and English. BSc (Hon) Politics and Economics.

Languages: French (very good); Spanish (basic conversational with some practice)Climbing (lead climb course completed)Open water diver (advanced)Boat handling (moderate)Driving (car, bus, truck, motorcycle)Computer skills (all required MS/Open office programs)

Other roles

I am continue to manage the online web portal eGive services (donation and online management services for small NGOs) on behalf of Environment Projects Australia. This is a role carried out on a voluntary basis.

Research reports and other writing

1996. For Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation: Reconciliation in the Environment Sector – Joint author with Kevin Guy. Examined potential obstacles to reconciliation between environment groups and indigenous groups and recommended solutions.

February 1988. Tourism, Access and Land Management in North-west Arnhem. Contracted to: Northern Land Council. This report examined proposals to develop tourist access in this remote part of the Northern Territory, considered the environmental and social implications of the tourism proposals and recommended ways to deal with these issues. Consultations with the traditional Aboriginal owners of the region was carried out to ascertain their views on the proposals prior to drawing up recommendations for a regional tourism strategy.

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June 1989 - Living Conditions on Aboriginal Outstations in the Barkly Region. For Jurnkurakurr Aboriginal Resource Centre, Tennant Creek. This reports contributed substantially to focusing increased attention on the appalling living conditions experienced by Aboriginal people in this region.

August 1989 - A Fair Go for the Barkly - Funding for Aboriginal Organisations in the Barkly. This reports contributed substantially to gaining an increase in funding for Jurnkurakurr Aboriginal Resource Centre.

August 1990 - Still Saying No - Ten Years After Fox - A submission to the Resource Assessment Commission, on proposals to mine in the Kakadu Conservation Zone; for the Environment Centre Northern Territory.

February 1991 - Options for the Development of a Pulpmill in Tasmania (draft only) - An examination of possible alternatives to a chlorine bleaching kraft pulpmill in Tasmania; A report for the Tasmanian Green Independents

March 1991 - Responses to the Resource Assessment Commission's Draft Report on the Kakadu Conservation Zone; for the Australian Conservation Foundation.

February 1993 - Gurig National Park Plan of Management - Identification of major issues of concern to traditional owners; A report for the Northern Land Council

March 1993 - Issues relating to uranium mining at Jabiluka and Koongarra leases within Kakadu National Park - Issues for the consideration of the Environment Centre, Northern Territory; A report for the Environment Centre, NT.

April 1993 - The Inter-Governmental Agreement on the Environment - Its impact on the Protection of the Environment and related matters; A report for the Australian Conservation Foundation.

Co-author, with Lyn Allen, of " Kakadu, Our Land, Our Heritage" which deals with Aboriginal attachment to the land, and with tourism, environmental and mining issues in Kakadu, a soft back magazine format publication of 60 pages which sold 20,000 copies.