Program Associate, Emergency Assistance Program

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 and mitigating threats to freedom worldwide. With 13 field offices and two U.S. offices, we support the right of every individual to be free.

Freedom House seeks a Program Associate to support the Emergency Assistance Program (EAP). EAP provides emergency assistance and rapid response grants to frontline defenders, activists, journalists, civil society organizations, and other civic actors under threat for their human rights work. EAP has provided support in over 115 countries with support for temporary relocation, trial monitoring, medical expenses, and other types of emergency assistance, in addition to support for efforts to mobilize communities, provide protection training, and carry out advocacy campaigns targeting both domestic and international actors.

Position Summary

The Program Associate (PA) will provide administrative and programmatic support EAP to counter the rising trend of attacks on activists and civil society organizations – many of whom represent marginalized communities – and their ability to operate safely and freely. This position will provide support for the administrative, logistical, and programmatic aspects of project implementation for two major EAP projects. Duties include tracking financial and program reporting; processing, tracking, and monitoring rapid response grants to civil society groups; providing emergency assistance to at-risk activists and embattled civil society organizations (CSOs); drafting research and advocacy documents; and expanding the program’s online presence. The PA will report to two EAP Program Officers and will be well-integrated into all aspects of the team’s dynamic and fast-paced work. While this position will begin virtually, a Washington, DC location is preferred for potential return to office in 2022.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree, preferably in the field of social justice, human rights, international law, international affairs, or relevant related field
• 1-3 years professional experience, preferably working in a non-profit setting (this can include volunteering and internships). Experience working specifically on human rights issues strongly preferred
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously
• Excellent inter-personal, inter-cultural, and teamwork skills
• Excellent oral and written communication, presentation and editing skills in English required
• Strong computer skills with Microsoft Office, in addition to knowledge of database software
• Experience handling sensitive information in a secure and confidential manner a plus
• Professional proficiency in another language is preferred, including Arabic, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Farsi/Dari, Turkish, Russian

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide support for the administrative, logistical, and programmatic aspects of case processing and project implementation
• Provide back up support to regional specialists to evaluate, vet, and process emergency assistance grants
• Assist with organizing events and meetings related to FH programs
• Process, track, and monitor rapid response grants to local CSOs related to closing civil society space
• Conduct desk research and draft written products relating to thematic or geographic trends regarding human rights, democracy, and civic space
• Prepare financial documentation and track program expenditure; review and troubleshoot financial reporting from grantees
• Assist with mapping in-country and regional networks of human rights defenders, civil society organizations, experts, and regional partners
• Draft and ensure timely approval of contracts, Letter of Agreements, Memoranda of Understanding, work plan documents, etc.
• Assist with travel plans including flight and hotel research and booking, travel authorization, visa application, etc.
• Represent team in meetings and backstopping calls as requested by supervisors, take notes, and provide written feedback to team
• Engage in building website and social media presence
• Maintain program files and folders for easy access and retrieval
• Provide general office support and a variety of related tasks to other work teams as directed

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. Freedom House may add, change, or remove essential and other duties at any time.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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.

EOE M/F/D/V

Diversity makes our work stronger. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.