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 Senior Program Officer will assist in developing and managing all programmatic aspects for programs that aim to advance democracy, the rule of law and human rights in countries within Southern Africa. This position is based in Johannesburg, South Africa and reports to the Project Director. Funding for this program runs through 12 months, and employment thereafter is contingent upon future funding.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in political science, international relations, or related field; Master’s degree preferred
- Minimum 6-8 years of experience conducting democracy and human rights programs
- Strong ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing
- Strong knowledge of human rights principles and mechanisms, and understanding of democracy promotion, with proven expertise in one or more of the following areas: rule of law, sub-grant management, and advocacy
- Mastery of MS Office Suite, specifically Word, Excel and PowerPoint
- Ability to effectively write proposals, reports, procedures, maintain documentation and complete required forms
- Experience providing technical assistance to local organizations in Sub-Saharan Africa or other developing countries
- Demonstrated experience managing the logistical, administrative, and financial functions for donor-funded activities and events
- Knowledge of international donor funding sources, specifically USAID, and program management
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact successfully with and motivate a diverse group of individuals
- Ability to consistently apply good judgment in problem solving and decision making
- Ability to maintain the highest degree of confidentiality regarding all aspects of work at all times
- Experience living and/or working in Southern Africa or extensive travel to the region preferred
Some Duties and Responsibilities
- Design, manage and supervise all programmatic aspects of a major grant or grant portfolio including work plan development, identifying consultants and sub-grantees, organizing trainings and other activities, monitoring and evaluation, budget management, reporting, and backstopping field offices
- Contribute to the drafting of program strategy and manage overall strategy and vision for regional or thematic programs
- Contribute to the development of short-range, long-range, and annual plans for multiple country programs identifying potential partner organizations
- In coordination with the Project Director, manage program activities to ensure that all grant objectives are met and are in compliance with both FH and funder regulations and requirements
- Design and lead training and other activities for project beneficiaries and DC staff on relevant topics
- Monitor and evaluate the performance of program activities, identify successes and failures and make program adjustments accordingly
- Anticipate programmatic administrative needs and take appropriate corrective action
- Advise supervisor on decisions that relate to program implementation, monitoring and evaluation, financial matters, donor and external relations
- Support operations of field offices to ensure legal compliance with host country requirements, FH internal policies and donor regulations
- Monitor key developments in assigned regional portfolio including elections, status of relevant legislation, and human rights abuses, report and present findings
- Write and edit quarterly reports, final reports, briefings and other programmatic documents, supervise the report production process and provide appropriate feedback
- Produce financial documents and manage program finances including analysis, budget monitoring and projections in full compliance with FH and funder requirements
- Negotiate and write contracts, MOUs, letters of agreement and other contractual documents for partners and vendors, and manage to ensure the objectives and terms of agreement are met
- Other related duties as assigned.
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 2012-129 SPO SA. Only candidates who have been selected for an interview will be contacted.
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