• Job Description

  Req#: 1368

  Description

  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

  Freedom House’s Emergency Assistance Program (EAP) provides rapid response funding and other support to human rights defenders (HRDs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) that are under threat or attack because of their work to promote and protect human rights. The Program Officer will support the work of Freedom House EAP by providing emergency assistance to at-risk human rights defenders (HRDs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) facing threats due to their work on LGBTQI+ rights in the Sub-Saharan Africa region.

  This is a short-term, full-time position lasting one-year with the ability to work anywhere in the world.

  PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

  Case Processing:

  • Oversee day-to-day management of LGBTQI+ rights related emergency cases in order to provide small grants to at-risk HRDs and CSOs including the tracking of region-specific emergency assistance requests, case vetting, and coordination of grant dispersal and financial reconciliation.
  • Build and maintain a robust network of trusted and verified international and local partners working on LGBTQI+ issues, in order to monitor key regional developments regarding LGBTQI+ rights violations, receive quality cases, and proactively respond to the needs of LGBTQI+ frontline activists.
  • Conduct periodic assessment of the political situation, the operational space for civil society and human rights defenders and provide written reports.
  • Proactively take leadership on emerging crises in their region of concern, with support from colleagues on EAP regional and program teams.
  • Professionally manage extensive correspondence with potential and actual program beneficiaries, references, trusted partners, and other related contacts.
  • Provide backup for other regional specialists, as needed.
  • Meet overall program metrics for effective and rapid provision of emergency assistance; regularly perform self-assessments to strengthen effective emergency response.
  • Carry out weekly, monthly, and quarterly program reporting on a regional level, providing thoughtful and thorough input into weekly, monthly, quarterly, and closeout reports required by donors.
  • Identify opportunities and produce ideas for implementation of EAP sub-grants, and support fund staff in providing advice for project design and budget.
  • Occasionally contribute to FH publications and write website content, press releases, briefings, policy papers, etc.

  Outreach:

  • In collaboration with and with support from other regional colleagues and program managers, develop a regional and LGBTQI+ specific strategy for grant-making and outreach.
  • Conduct outreach to HRDs and CSOs who work on LGBTQI+ rights, globally and regionally, to develop and expand EAP’s trusted referral network and to identify needs.
  • Develop effective professional relationships with national and international organizations to further EAP’s work and mission.
  • Facilitate meetings with relevant Freedom House staff and DC based organizations for visiting civil society members and other partners.
  • Coordinate with and remain aware of the programming of Freedom House’s Regional Programs and NY based research programs and communicate regularly with colleagues based in DC and the field for relevant countries.
  • Travel to assigned region and relevant meetings/conferences to conduct outreach, strengthen networks, and build knowledge of social, economic, political, and LGBTQI+ rights situation; provide timely written trip report to colleagues and managers.
  • As requested, speak about EAP work and/or FH programming, with donors or partners, to visiting delegations, and at conferences or other external meetings.

  EAP Wide Responsibilities and Administrative Work:

  • Ensure the security and integrity of EAP data, manuals, and materials, especially EAP case data.
  • Contribute to efforts to strengthen overall EAP effectiveness for case processing.
  • Ensure that all case-related data is up to date in EAP’s grants management database on a regular basis.
  • Translate and/or review EAP working documents, including, but not limited to, emergency assistance applications forms, rapid response grant applications, fact sheets, and impact reports.
  • Assist program staff in communicating with EAP grantees, partners, and others, in local languages, as requested.
  • Provide administrative support to include filing, copying, faxing, collating, and distributing documents.
  • Comply with all Freedom House and EAP policies and procedures.
  • Other related duties as assigned.

  QUALIFICATIONS:

  Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in international relations, journalism, international development, public policy analysis, anthropology or sociology, or a related field

  Experience:

  • Minimum 5 years of work experience in civil society, human rights, and government engagement programs; previous human rights grant-making experience is preferred.
  • Must have experience working in the Sub-Saharan Africa region with thematic expertise in LGBTQI+ issues.

  Technical Skills and Abilities:

  • Must read, write and speak English and at least one regionally specific language (preferably French).
  • Strong knowledge of LGBTQI+ human rights issues and civil society organizations in assigned region; existing networks with LBTQI+ civil society organizations in relevant countries is preferred.
  • Ability to assess and address the security issues of threatened LGBTQI+ civil society actors; familiarity with digital security issues and tools (a plus), and safe communication with LGBTQI+ HRDs in high-risk environments.
  • Ability to travel to designated region and to the US.
  • Mastery of MS Office, specifically Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook; knowledge of grants management databases preferred.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and meet all goals and deadlines.
  • Strong ability to 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 work flexible hours and be available on weekends as needed.
  • Ability to maintain the highest degree of confidentiality and exhibit unquestionable integrity, honesty, and forthrightness.
  • Strong interpersonal, inter-cultural and teamwork skills and the ability to respond promptly to inquiries in a courteous and professional manner to colleagues, stakeholders, donors, and partners.
  • Excellent phone etiquette, pleasant demeanor, high work standards, adherence to procedures, and responsibility for assigned tasks.
  • Ability to successfully work collaboratively with all levels of employees, management, external partners, and funders.

  Personal Attributes and Characteristics:

  • 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.
  • Deeply committed to nonpartisanship, exhibiting a strong and sustained commitment to the mission of Freedom House.
  • Committed 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 backgrounds 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.
  • Salaries are commensurate with experience and based on pay grades that prioritize equity across the organization. The salary range for this role is $60,000 to $72,000 annualized, dependent upon experience.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • This is a global position. Candidates must possess authorization to work in the location in which they are based. Freedom House does not provide work sponsorship visas.

  WORKING CONDITIONS:

  General Working Conditions:

  • General working office environment or telecommuting.
  • 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.

• About the company

  Freedom House is a US-based, US government-funded non-profit non-governmental organization that conducts research and advocacy on democracy, political freedom, and human rights.

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