Freedom House promotes the spread of freedom and democracy around the world through research, effective advocacy, and programs that support frontline activists. We are a leader in identifying threats to freedom through our highly regarded analytic reports, including Freedom in the World, Freedom of the Press, Freedom on the Net, Nations in Transit, and Countries at the Crossroads. With 13 field offices and two U.S. offices, we support the right of every individual to be free.
Position Summary
The Program Officer will support ongoing activities and projects of the Lifeline: Embattled Civil Society Organizations Assistance Fund, working to provide emergency assistance to CSOs under threat around the world, with a focus on South East Asia. This position is based in Washington, DC and reports to the Director for HRDF/Lifeline programs.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in political science, international relations, human rights, law, or related field, Master’s degree preferred
- Minimum 4-6 years of experience in program management including reporting ability and knowledge of funder account requirements
- Strong ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing
- Ability to communicate effectively in a Southeast Asian language preferred
- Strong knowledge of human rights principles and mechanisms, and understanding of democracy promotion
- Strong appreciation of and demonstrated experience in human rights defense work
- Ability to learn database and other software, e.g. Martus, and observe security procedures
- Demonstrated experience with managing and creating budgets
- Strong ability to plan, organize, prioritize work, and multi-task to meet tight deadlines
- Ability to apply superb attention to detail and consistently produce timely and error-free work
- Ability to coordinate travel logistics, meetings, and events
- Ability to maintain the highest degree of confidentiality regarding all aspects of work at all times
Some Duties and Responsibilities
- Contribute to the preparation of reports, proposals, grants, press releases, and budgets as required
- Liaise with State/DRL on vetting of cases and respond to queries from DRL
- Review and develop applications to the Fund under supervision, which includes evaluating applications, working with referring organizations or individuals, finding sources of information on the case and country involved, entering cases into database, providing translation if necessary, and maintaining information on cases, with a focus on those from Southeast Asia
- Monitor impact of grants and maintain Martus database for his/her own cases/others as assigned
- Assist with developing and maintaining in-country and regional networks of human rights defenders, civil society organizations, experts, and regional partners
- Organize and facilitate meetings with relevant Freedom House regional team
- Conduct regular (twice monthly) domestic outreach specific to Southeast Asia
- Track developments related to human rights in Southeast Asia and monitor news sources on a daily basis
- Arrange team meetings and travel, prepare weekly reports, map updates and staff briefing summaries
- Other related duties as assigned.
We offer great benefits including:
- 100% employer-paid dental insurance
- 100% employer-paid health insurance; or generously subsidized depending on selected option
- 100% employer paid life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment
- 100% employer paid short-term disability and long-term disability insurance
- Supplemental/voluntary life insurance for employee, spouse, and child(ren)
- 403(b) Retirement Plan with generous matching funds with 2 year 100% vesting schedule
- Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care reimbursable expenses
- Transportation pre-tax payroll deduction for metro, and garage parking in DC
- Generous paid vacation leave, sick leave, personal leave, and holidays
- Tuition Reimbursement for graduate studies
- And much more……
Qualified and Interested applicants
We invite qualified candidates to send a resume, and cover letter with salary history and desired salary (only candidates who send salary requirements will be considered for the position) to: recruiting@freedomhouse.org or fax at (202) 822-3893, Attention: HR Dept., referencing 2013-016 PO Lifeline in the subject line. 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 apply.
EOE M/F/D/V