The Program Associate provides support for various aspects of implementation of the assigned regional portfolio, including research, reporting, new project development and logistical, administrative, and financial matters. The position is based in Washington, DC and reports to a mid-level manager for the relevant team.
This is a nonexempt position. The position holder must obtain written authorization from his/her supervisor before working in excess of 40 hours in a work-week.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND EXPECTATIONS:
- Project implementation support - Provide programmatic, logistical, financial, and administrative support for current projects. This includes but is not limited to tracking and updating budget monitors; monitoring sub-grantee spending and providing accurate updates to supervisor; tracking and documenting program activities and impact to ensure all project objectives are met; assisting with identifying consultants and vendors, organizing meetings and events, drafting program reports, and maintaining communication with partners and other external actors as requested.
- Project and proposal development support – Monitor developments in relevant region particularly events pertaining to human rights, democracy, and fundamental freedoms. Provide research assistance and analysis related to political and social developments in assigned countries/thematic portfolio. Work with supervisor to develop and pursue new opportunities by identifying potential partners and funding sources. Assist in editing/drafting proposals, including budgets and monitoring and evaluation and data collection tools.
- External relations - Develop effective professional relationships with grantees, other local organizations, peer organizations and partners, and donors. Attend outside meetings and events as requested, and prepare notes for team. Assist in editing/drafting press releases, articles, and briefing books. Organize events and meetings in DC and abroad related to Freedom House programs. Other related duties as assigned.
JOB QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, International Relations, regional/area studies, or other social science or related field
- Knowledge of international human rights principles and mechanisms, and understanding of international democracy promotion, with a focus on Latin America, knowledge of the Cuba context strongly preferred
- 1-2 years of relevant professional experience; some field experience is preferred
- Fluency in Spanish required
- Experience managing grants, including USG funding, is preferred
- Experience managing budgets preferred
Skills and Competencies:
- Strong ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing
- Mastery of MS Office Suite, specifically Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Demonstrated experience managing and creating budgets in Excel
- Knowledge of basic accounting principles and USG grant-related compliance requirements
- Ability to apply accurate and strong database and records management skills
- Strong ability to independently plan, organize, prioritize work, and multitask to meet tight deadlines
- Ability to apply superb attention to detail and consistently produce timely and error-free work
- Ability to collaborate with others and successfully work as an effective team member
- Ability to maintain the highest degree of confidentiality regarding all aspects of work at all times
Attributes and Characteristics:
- Exhibit strong and sustained commitment to Freedom House’s mission
- Show good stewardship in use of Freedom House resources
- Respond promptly to stakeholder needs, and solicit stakeholder feedback to improve service quality
- Exhibit professional conduct at all times, with a pleasant demeanor, good humor, positive attitude, adaptability to change, and ethical conduct
- Consistently use good judgment in all circumstances
- Comply with all applicable policies and procedures
- Demonstrate strong desire for excellence, and desire to inspire others to attain professional excellence
- Assess own strengths and weaknesses, pursue training and development opportunities, and strive to continuously build knowledge and skills
PRIMARY CONTACTS:
- Internal: Employees at Freedom House in the U.S. and abroad
- External: Partners, grantees, donors, consultants, other implementing organizations, human rights and civil society organizations, and vendors, both in the U.S. and abroad
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- General working office environment
- Some long hours including evenings and weekends to complete tasks or attend events
- Travel within Washington, D.C.; occasional travel outside of the U.S. may be required (less than 20% of time)
- Exposed to outside weather conditions when required to attend event venues or travel
PHYSICAL CONDITIONS:
- Sedentary, regularly required to sit for extended periods of time; constantly talk, hear and understand speech at normal levels using a telephone. Occasionally required to stand, walk, and bend over, reach overhead, use hands, wrists and fingers, to grasp, push, pull, move, handle, feel, and type. Constantly required to use close vision and distance vision for regular computer work. Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 25 lbs. to waist height.
Disclaimer : This job description is only a summary of the typical functions of the job. It is not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks and duties. The responsibilities, tasks, and duties of the jobholder may differ from those outlined in the job description and other duties, as assigned, may be part of the job. Freedom House may add, change, or remove essential and other duties at any time.
Qualified and Interested Applicants:
We invite qualified candidates to complete an online application and submit a resume and cover letter.
Only candidates who have been selected for an interview will be contacted.
Only candidates authorized to work in the U.S. without any restrictions need to apply.
EOE M/F/D/V