The Program Associate provides support for various aspects of implementation of the Dignity for All: LGBTQI+ Assistance Program, including supporting senior Dignity staff and regional specialists, assigned research projects, program reporting, new project development and cost extensions, and M&E tracking. The Program Associate will be working with global lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) organizations and providing support for human rights defenders and civil society organizations working on human rights related to sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC). The position also provides logistical, administrative, and financial matters and carries out other assignments as needed for Dignity and the EAP team. The position is based in Washington, DC and reports to the Dignity Senior Program Officer.
This is a nonexempt position. The position holder must obtain written authorization from their supervisor before working in excess of 40 hours in a work week.
Note: Freedom House is gradually returning to in-person work, and this position is expected to work out of the office on a regular hybrid schedule.
Principal Duties, Responsibilities, and Expectations:
- Project implementation support: With supervision, 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. Assist with issuing subgrants and monitoring current subgrant partner’s activities, as requested by senior program staff.
- Support for emergency and rapid response assistance: Provide support for tracking, outreach, receipt, review, vetting, case development, and funding of emergency cases by regional specialists. Directly process emergency cases as needed and as assigned, under close supervision by senior program staff.
- Project and proposal development support: Monitor developments in global LGBTQI+ human rights particularly events pertaining to human rights trends, violations of human rights for CSOs and HRDs, and governmental or community crackdowns. Provide research assistance and analysis related to political and social developments in global LGBTQI+ human rights. Work with supervisor to develop and pursue new opportunities and sustain current funding by identifying potential partners and funding sources. Support ongoing programmatic work by contributing to the development of additional tools and factsheets. 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, as needed. Organize events and meetings in DC and abroad related to Freedom House programs. Other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, International Relations, Sociology, Anthropology, or other social science or related field
- Demonstrated commitment to and awareness of human rights related to global LGBTQI+ communities
- Knowledge of international human rights principles and mechanisms and political, social and rights dynamics
- 1-3 years of relevant professional experience; some field experience is preferred
- Experience managing grants, including USG funding, is preferred
- Experience managing budgets preferred
- Proficiency in a second UN language is strongly 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
- Ability to apply accurate and strong database and records management skills
- Ability to master digital security tools and use them consistently and with good judgment
- 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
- Willingness to reflect, learn, and adapt
- Respond promptly to stakeholder needs, and solicit stakeholder feedback to improve service quality
- Exhibit ethical and professional conduct at all times, consistently use good judgement and adhere to all 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
Work Environment and Physical Demands:
Essential functions are typically performed in an office setting with a low level of noise. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
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.
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