Program Associate

Freedom House promotes the spread of freedom and democracy around the world through research, 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, and Nations in Transit. With 13 field offices and two U.S. offices, we support the right of every individual to be free. POSITION SUMMARY Freedom House is seeking a Program Associate to provide administrative and programmatic support to our Emergency Assistance Program, including processing, tracking and monitoring rapid response grants to CSOs to address religious freedom crises, supporting survivors of religious persecution and defenders of freedom of religion or belief across the world, and reviewing and troubleshooting grantee reporting. The position is based in Washington, DC and reports to a mid or senior level manager for the relevant team. This is a nonexempt position. The position holder must obtain written authorization from his/her supervisor before working in excess of 40 hours in a work-week. 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 t racking 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 partners 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 relevant thematic area 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 assigned thematic portfolio. 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, fact sheets. 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. JOB QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelors degree in Political Science, International Relations, sociology, anthropology, or other social science or related field
One to two years of experience working in the areas of human rights, religious freedom, and/or conflict resolution are strongly preferred; experience working with CSOs and human rights defenders based abroad a significant plus
Support regional specialists supporting survivors of religious persecution and defenders of freedom of religion or belief across the world.
Conduct desk research and draft written products relating to emerging religious freedom crises and restrictions on religious practice as well as assessments, quarterly reports, proposals, budget narratives, etc.
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 is a second language is preferred (strong preference for Urdu, Vietnamese, and Mandarin) 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 Houses 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 PRIMARY CONTACTS:
Internal: Employees at Freedom House in the U.S. and abroad
External: Partners, grantees, donors, consultants, other implementing organizations, human rights and civil society organizations, and vendors, both in the U.S. and abroad WORKING CONDITIONS:
General working office environment
Some long hours including evenings and weekends to complete tasks or attend events
Travel within Washington, D.C.; occasional travel outside of the U.S. may be required (less than 20% of time)
Exposed to outside weather conditions when required to attend event venues or travel PHYSICAL CONDITIONS:
Sedentary, regularly required to sit for extended periods of time; constantly talk, hear and understand speech at normal levels using a telephone. Occasionally required to stand, walk, and bend over, reach overhead, use hands, wrists and fingers, to grasp, push, pull, move, handle, feel, and type. Constantly required to use close vision and distance vision for regular computer work. Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 25 lbs. to waist height. Disclaimer : This job description is only a summary of the typical functions of the job. It is not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks and duties. The responsibilities, tasks, and duties of the jobholder may differ from those outlined in the job description and other duties, as assigned, may be part of the job. Freedom House may add, change, or remove essential and other duties at any time. Qualified and Interested Applicants: We invite qualified candidates to complete an online application and submit a resume and cover letter . 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.