Announcing a new "East Asia - Pacific" hub for People In Aid, the global HR network. People In Aid, the network of NGOs committed to improving the quality of human resource management in the relief and development sector, has taken another step towards becoming a truly global organisation with the engagement of an HR specialist covering the East Asia - Pacific region. Based in Melbourne, Australia, People In Aid's presence will be assured by Lucy Quarterman, an international HR manager with many years experience in the relief and development sector. Beginning 6 August 2007, Lucy will work 1 day a week for People In Aid. As Jonathan Potter, People In Aid's Executive Director says: "The need for good practice in human resources management in our sector knows no boundaries so we have always had a global presence. Our members come from 21 different countries and in the last 12 months we have organised or contributed to events in Rome, Washington, Bangkok, Nairobi, Melbourne, Dublin and Geneva. Lucy's presence in Australia will enable us to build a strategic hub that responds to the needs both locally and throughout the East Asia / Pacific region" To guide our development, in January 2007 People In Aid's Board approved an 'internationalisation strategy'. This prioritises an organic rather than instant growth and requires us always to respond to the needs of our membership. The areas where we will prioritise our activities are Australia, USA, East Africa, Central America and the UK/Europe. We are delighted that Lucy has decided to work with us. She says: 'this is a fantastic opportunity for Australian based NGOs to benefit from the great work that People In Aid have been pioneering around the world. With so much growth in the sector in Australia, many agencies are facing increasing HR pressures so this development really couldn't have come at a better time'. And the need for our presence in Australia cannot be questioned. As Australia's independent national association of NGOs, ACFID, says: "ACFID welcomes the expansion of People In Aid's operations in Australia. Australian NGO managers see human resources management skills as critical to ensure success in their overseas work. People In Aid has well recognised expertise to assist agencies in addressing these issues." Contacts: Lucy Quarterman: lucy@peopleinaid.org. Australia: +61 425 771262 Jonathan Potter: jonathan@peopleinaid.org. UK: +44 20 7065 0896 For more information on People In Aid visit our website www.peopleinaid.org