Program Officer - Eurasia

Description

Job Title:    Program Officer, Eurasia
Location:    Washington, DC

ABOUT FREEDOM HOUSE 

Established more than 80 years ago on the core conviction that freedom flourishes in democratic nations where governments are accountable to their people, Freedom House is a non-partisan, non-profit organization that works to defend and expand freedom globally to help secure a world where all are free. Around the world, repressive regimes are preventing billions of people from exercising their fundamental rights. We identify and analyze threats to freedom, mobilize decision makers to respond to those threats and seize opportunities for progress, and support activists and organizations working to defend and expand freedom. We are dedicated to ensuring that the United States serves as a positive model of democratic practice at home and a consistent champion of freedom globally. By gathering authoritative data and leveraging our global networks, Freedom House is an unwavering beacon in protecting human rights and promoting democratic governance.

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Program Officer will lead activity implementation for a new project that focuses on strengthening the resilience of civil society in repressive environments. The Program Officer will work in collaboration with other members of the Eurasia regional team, field offices, and external stakeholders to ensure achievement of project objectives in a complex programmatic portfolio. This position requires a high degree of team collaboration and is solidly engaged in a regional team under the supervision of a Project Director. This role also requires the ability to make difficult decisions in an ambiguous, constantly changing environment. This position is based in Washington, DC and is expected to work a consistent hybrid schedule.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• With supervision from Project Director, lead the planning and implementation of assigned project activities in accordance with the project workplan and learning objectives, in coordination with local and international partners and field offices.
• Lead the preparation of high-quality narrative quarterly, annual, and ad-hoc project reports for donors; draft annual workplans.
• In collaboration with Evidence and Learning staff, conduct the monitoring and evaluation activities, ensure timely documentation of all project activities and their impact.
• Track and analyze budgets for accuracy and draft spending projections and forecasts, propose corrective action when necessary. 
• Continuously develop own expertise and networks by nurturing direct contacts with local stakeholders, coordinating with peer organizations, and proactively monitoring key developments, such as reforms, socio-economic and political changes, elections, status of relevant legislation, human rights situation, and international engagement on human rights and democracy issues.
• Develop regular briefings for internal and external stakeholders analyzing and summarizing key developments in the region and the project. Present the analysis to the relevant stakeholders with a high degree of professionalism and in-depth knowledge of details.
• Represent Freedom House at appropriate events and with donors, peer organizations, international partners, government officials, and other external stakeholders on the assigned portfolio.
• Identify opportunities for new collaborations, conduct background research on trends in civic activism, actively expand Freedom House's network of local partners and contacts in the assigned portfolio. 
• Contribute to the development of Freedom House’s program, research and advocacy strategies for the Europe and Eurasia region; participate in the development of new project concepts and proposals.
• Travel to overseas locations to participate in or oversee project activities (less than 10% of time).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:     

• Master's degree in international affairs, public management, political science, or a related field or Bachelors’ degree in international affairs, public management, political science, or a related field + 2 years of applicable experience, in addition to the experience requirements below.

Experience:    

• Four to five years of professional experience in civil society assistance programs, preferably with a U.S. nonprofit organization.
• At least three years of project administration experience on projects with multiple implementing partners, contractual and subgranting mechanisms, and direct activity implementation.
• At least two years of progressive experience in project design and proposal development for initiatives of varying complexity using the Logical Framework Approach, including performance monitoring and evaluation plans. 
• At least one year of experience in implementing and reporting on projects funded by USG donor agencies, including budget management.
• At least one year of professional field experience in Eurasia.

Technical Skills and Abilities:

• Professional fluency in Russian and English, both verbal and in writing. 
• Strong knowledge of human rights principles and mechanisms; up-to-date understanding of the current socio-political landscape and its implications on the prospects of democracy in the Eurasia region. 
• Strong understanding of history and culture of Eurasian countries and their interdependencies.
• Strong analytical skills and proven ability to conduct research and write well-argued analytical pieces.
• Ability to develop and justify multi-year budgets, perform financial analysis using spreadsheets, and utilize findings for effective budget management.
• Ability to understand and interpret USG compliance regulations (2 CFR 200, ADS 200 and 300).
• Confidence in using project management information software (Planner, Asana, Trello or the like). 
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with exceptional attention to multiple technical details.

Personal Attributes and Characteristics: 

• Ability to maintain the highest degree of confidentiality and exhibit unquestionable integrity, honesty, and forthrightness.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate promptly in a courteous and professional manner, including with extra communication needed in a hybrid work setting.
• Ability to exercise critical judgment and poise in representing the organization at high-level meetings and in engagement with senior interlocutors from government, nonprofit and corporate institutions.
• Strong work ethic and desire for personal and professional development. Demonstrable desire for personal excellence. Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; pursues training and development opportunities; strives to continuously build knowledge and skills.
• Deep commitment to nonpartisanship, exhibiting a strong and sustained commitment to the mission of Freedom House.
• Commitment to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where all feel that they belong.
• Works as an effective team member, successfully balancing individual and team responsibilities.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Diversity makes our work stronger. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all background to apply. Diverse backgrounds relevant to the countries in which we have programming are a welcome asset.
• Freedom House provides a strong benefits package, including a 403(b)-retirement account, commuter benefits, flexible hours, floating holidays, high employer contributions to medical, dental, and vision premiums, basic and voluntary life and AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability, flexible spending account, and more.
• Applicants are required to complete our online application form and to submit a resume and a cover letter that outlines interests and qualifications for this position.
• Salaries are commensurate with experience and based on pay grades that prioritize equity across the organization. Salary range for this role is $60,000 to $70,000 annualized, dependent upon experience.  
• Candidates must possess authorization to work in the United States independent from Freedom House sponsorship.  

WORKING CONDITIONS

General Working Conditions:  

• General working office environment or telework. 
• May require long hours including evenings and weekends to complete tasks. 

Work Environment and Physical Demands:  
Essential functions are typically performed in an office setting or remote work. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.  

Freedom House is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factors.  

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