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 provide technical and administrative support for programs supporting freedom of expression in Mexico. She/he will perform responsibilities necessary to support the program’s major activities, including program design, oversight of program activities, grant making, monitoring and evaluation, financial management, advocacy, and outreach. In addition, the Program Officer will provide programmatic, financial and administrative support for the accomplishment of program objectives and institutional priorities. This position is based in Mexico City and reports to the Project Director.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in political science, international relations, or related field; Master’s degree preferred
- Minimum 4-6 years of directly related experience
- Strong ability to communicate effectively in English and Spanish, both verbally and in writing, particularly in report and grant proposal writing
- Demonstrable experience in financial and/or grant management
- Strong knowledge of human rights principles and mechanisms, and understanding of democracy promotion
- Experience with human rights defense and advocacy for fundamental freedoms in Mexico
- Mastery of MS Office Suite, specifically Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Strong ability to Prepare reports, proposals, grants, press releases, and budgets as necessary
- Proven ability to write daily correspondence, complete required forms and maintain complete and accurate documentation
- Proven knowledge of USAID and EU funding regulations, and international donors funding sources
- Strong ability to plan, organize, prioritize work, and multi task to meet tight deadlines
- Ability to learn database and other specialized software and observe security procedures
- Ability to apply superb attention to detail and consistently produce timely and error free work
- Ability to maintain the highest degree of confidentiality regarding all aspects of work at all times
Some Duties and Responsibilities
- Assist in managing local sub-partner grants and contracts
- Negotiate sub-grant agreements and monitor and evaluate performance and spending
- Review subgrantee financial reports
- Assist in developing and maintaining in-country and regional networks of human rights defenders, civil society organizations, experts, and local partners
- Contribute to the development of program strategy and assist with the implantation of overall strategy and vision for country projects
- Assist with all programmatic aspects including work plan development, identifying consultants and sub-grantees, organizing trainings and other activities, and monitoring and evaluation
- Ensure the timely completion of required reports and compliance with all provisions of relevant agreements and grants
- Assist with seeking and identifying opportunities for new program initiatives and funding sources
- Prepare responses to requests from donors, governmental organizations, the media, and the public regarding program information
- Support Freedom House’s ongoing advocacy of freedom of expression issues through contributions to FH publications, articles, and other releases
- Translate documents from English to Spanish (and vice versa) as needed
- Assist with the preparation of proposals, quarterly/final reports, and other documents as needed
- Track developments related to human rights and freedom of expression in Mexico and monitor the country’s news sources on a daily basis; draft analysis of these developments as needed
- Other related duties as assigned.
Qualified and Interested applicants
We invite qualified candidates to send a resume, and cover letter with salary history (only candidates who send salary requirements will be considered for the position) as well as desired salary to: recruiting@freedomhouse.org or fax at (202) 822-3893, Attention: HR Dept., referencing 2012-139 PO Mexico City. Only candidates who have been selected for an interview will be contacted.
EOE M/F/D/V