Senior Program Officer

Company Description

Freedom House is an independent watchdog organization that supports the expansion of freedom around the world. Freedom House supports democratic change, monitors freedom, and advocates for democracy and human rights.

Since its founding in 1941 by prominent Americans concerned with the mounting threats to peace and democracy, Freedom House has been a vigorous proponent of democratic values and a steadfast opponent of dictatorships of the far left and the far right. Eleanor Roosevelt and Wendell Willkie served as Freedom House’s first honorary co-chairpersons.

Throughout its history, Freedom House has opposed tyranny around the world, including dictatorships in Latin America, apartheid in South Africa, Soviet domination of Central and Eastern Europe, and religiously-based totalitarian regimes such as those governing Sudan, Iran and Saudi Arabia. Freedom House has promoted the growth of freedom by encouraging U.S. policymakers, international institutions, and the governments of established democracies to adopt policies that advance human rights and democracy around the world. At the same time, Freedom House provides support to individuals working in the world's young democracies to overcome debilitating legacies of tyranny, dictatorship and political repression; as well as to activists working in repressive societies to bring about greater freedom and openness.

Freedom House translates the intangible values of freedom into a strong tangible impact by combining analysis, advocacy and action.

Freedom House promotes the spread of freedom and democracy around the world through research, effective 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, Nations in Transit, and Countries at the Crossroads.  With 13 field offices and two U.S. offices, we support the right of every individual to be free.

Position Summary

The Senior Program Officer will assist in developing and managing all programmatic aspects for a program in the East and Horn of Africa that aims to support sustained domestic human rights activism. This position is based in Nairobi, Kenya and reports to the Project Director.

Some Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist with design and implementation of all programmatic aspects, including oversight of program activities, sub-grant management, advocacy, outreach, work plan development, monitoring and evaluation, and closeout
• Assist with the design and delivery of trainings in the areas of citizen engagement in political processes, communications, and advocacy
• Perform all logistical functions for trainings and other activities, ensuring compliance with donor requirements and all provisions of relevant agreements
• In coordination with the supervisor, identify and recruit project consultants, partners and sub-grantees
• Monitor programmatic and financial compliance of sub-grantees, including reviewing expense and sub-grant reports, in full compliance with FH and funder requirements
• Provide technical assistance and direction to sub-grantees on the implementation of outreach and advocacy campaigns
• Ensure the timely completion of required reports and compliance with all provisions of relevant agreements and grants
• In coordination with the supervisor, identify and pursue opportunities for new program initiatives and funding sources
• Prepare responses to requests from donors, governmental organizations, the media, and the public regarding program information
• Support Freedom House advocacy for democratic governance, human rights, and freedom through contributions to publications, articles and other releases
• Other related duties as assigned.

Desired Skills & Experience

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, international relations, or related field; Master’s degree preferred 
• Minimum 6 – 8 years of experience conducting democracy and human rights programs
• Strong ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing
• Ability to communicate effectively in Arabic preferred
• Strong knowledge of human rights principles and mechanisms, and understanding of democracy promotion, with proven expertise in one or more of the following areas: strategy development, civic participation, communications, or advocacy
• Mastery of MS Office Suite, specifically Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Ability to effectively write proposals, reports, procedures, maintain documentation and complete required forms
• Experience providing technical assistance to local organizations in Sub-Saharan Africa or other developing countries
• Demonstrated experience managing the logistical, administrative, and financial functions for donor-funded activities and events
• Knowledge of international donor funding sources, specifically USAID, and program management
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact successfully with and motivate a diverse group of individuals
• Ability to consistently apply good judgment in problem solving and decision making
• Ability to maintain the highest degree of confidentiality regarding all aspects of work at all times
• Experience living and/or working in the East and Horn of Africa or extensive travel to the region preferred

Qualified and Interested applicants

We invite qualified candidates to send a resume, and cover letter with salary history and desired salary (only candidates who send salary requirements will be considered for the position) to: recruiting@freedomhouse.org or fax at (202) 822-3893, Attention: HR Dept., referencing 2013-065 SPO EHA in the subject line. Only candidates who have been selected for an interview will be contacted.

EOE M/F/D/V