Position Description

Senior Program Associate
Job Type Regular Full Time (Non-Exempt)
Work Location Washington, DC - US
Work Location Type Hybrid
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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.

All Freedom House employees possess a deep and unwavering commitment to nonpartisanship, with a sustained dedication to the mission of Freedom House. We have a strong work ethic and a keen desire for both personal and professional development. The team is also dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging. 

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Senior Program Associate provides support for multiple aspects of implementation of the Asia program portfolio, including administrative, financial, research, reporting, new project development and logistical matters. The Asia programs team works on a variety of human rights and democracy issues across the region, including supporting and protecting human rights defenders and civic space, promoting cultural resilience, and countering authoritarianism. Among other projects, the individual will contribute to programs focused on: (1) supporting the prodemocracy movement in Myanmar, (2) democratic resilience across the Indo Pacific, and 3) countering transnational repression. This hybrid position is based in Washington, D.C. and reports to an Asia team Senior Program Manager and will work closely with the Director. 

Candidates must possess authorization to work in the United States independent from Freedom House sponsorship.  

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Project implementation support

  • Provide programmatic, logistical, financial, and administrative support for current projects. 
  • Oversee program finances (including field office drawdown requests and budget tracking and forecasting to ensure compliant spending). 
  • Monitor sub-grantee spending and providing accurate updates to the supervisor.
  • Track program progress along indicators.
  • Connect field data collection and analysis with HQ systems and learning objectives.
  • Assist with identifying and drafting contracts for consultants and vendors.
  • Edit program reports.
  • Maintain communication with partners and other external actors as requested.

Technical support

  • Support proposal development processes. 
  • Contribute to the theory of change and logic model development.
  • Draft elements of proposals (such as gender analyses, MEL plans, risk analyses, etc.), and create budgets. 
  • Engage with local staff to contribute to work planning and development or adaptation of program activities.

Tracking regional developments

  • Monitor key developments related to democratic governance in the relevant regions, including political developments, elections, status of relevant legislation, and adherence to human rights norms. 
  • Contribute to Freedom House research, analysis, and advocacy efforts, including drafting blog posts or other analytical pieces and organizing events.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:     

  • Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, International Relations, regional/area studies, or other social science or related fields.

Experience:    

  • A minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience. 

Technical Skills and Abilities:

  • Understanding of international democracy, human rights principles, and mechanisms a plus.
  • Experience managing budgets and tracking expenditures.
  • Experience drafting or editing reports. 
  • Experience with or knowledge of grant management or USG programs, particularly USAID and/or DOS is strongly preferred.
  • 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.
  • Strong ability to independently plan, organize, prioritize work, and multitask to meet tight deadlines.
  • Excellent attention to detail and ability to consistently produce timely and error-free work.
  • Ability to maintain the highest degree of confidentiality and exhibit unquestionable integrity, honesty, and forthrightness.
  • Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural skills and the ability to respond promptly to inquiries courteously and professionally.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to successfully work collaboratively with all levels of employees, management, external partners, and funders.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • Freedom House established core values are belonging, collaboration, excellence, integrity, and respect. Through these values we prioritize creating a supportive and inclusive environment, emphasize collective efforts for success, are dedicated to high-quality impactful work, uphold trust through courage and honesty, and treat everyone with dignity while appreciating their unique contributions.
  • Diversity makes our work stronger. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all background to apply. Diverse experiences and perspectives connected to the various jurisdictions in which Freedom House has programming are a welcome asset.
  • Applicants should complete our online application form and submit a resume and a cover letter outlining interests and qualifications for this position. 
  • Candidates must possess authorization to work in the United States independent from Freedom House sponsorship.  
  • This position is represented by the union.

COMPENSATION & REWARDS: 

  • Salaries are commensurate with experience and based on pay grades that prioritize equity across the organization. Salary range for this role is $54,000 to $60,000 annualized, dependent upon experience. 
  • We are consistently working to retain and attract top talent to contribute to our continual growth. We are proud to offer an excellent benefits package including:  
  • Multiple medical plans, dental, and vision insurance available on the first date of hire
  • 403(b) Retirement Plan with up to a 10% employer match.
  • $1,500 yearly professional development reimbursement for work-related trainings courses or memberships directly related to employee’s position.
  • Generous Leave Programs
    • Annual paid time off that grows with your employment: 17 days for 0-2 years, 21 days for 3-5 years, 25 days for 6+ years. Director level and above start at 25 days.
    • Sick Leave: 10 days per year, unlimited roll over year to year.
    • 14 paid holidays with the ability to float the day later within the same calendar year.
    • Caregiver leave: 8 weeks paid
    • Bereavement: 5 days paid.
    • Jury duty: 30 days paid.
  • Flexible, hybrid work culture with slow down weeks and “no meeting Fridays”.
  • Supply annual allocation benefit: $210 for the purchase of home office equipment.
  • Mental health and well-being services through KonTerra Group.
  • Free gym at the DC office.
  • Short-term and long-term disability.
  • Supplemental/Voluntary life insurance.
  • Employee assistance program.

WORKING CONDITIONS:  

  • Essential functions are typically performed in an office setting or remote work.
  • May require long hours including evenings and weekends to complete tasks. 
  • Travel to some countries, for business or in some cases personal reasons, while a Freedom House employee, may not be advisable or even possible due to high security risks. 
  • Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

Requisition Number: 1470

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