Regional Specialist, South Asia

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:

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 Regional Specialist – South Asia will support the work of Freedom House EAP by providing emergency assistance to at-risk human rights defenders (HRDs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) in the South Asia region through the maintenance of regional networks, robust vetting of cases, strategic outreach and overall support for programmatic needs for the broader emergency assistance program.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

CASE PROCESSING:

• Oversee day-to-day management of 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 in order to monitor key regional developments regarding human rights violations, receive quality cases, and proactively respond to the needs of frontline activists
• Conduct periodic assessments of the political situation, the operational space for civil society and human rights defenders and religious communities, and provide verbal and/or written reports to the Director or program leads on significant developments
• Proactively take leadership on emerging crises in their region of concern, with support from colleagues on EAP regional and program teams; ensure that program leads and the Director are aware of the response and can engage where it is relevant to program teams
• Professionally manage extensive correspondence with potential and actual program beneficiaries, references, trusted partners, and other related contacts using digitally-secure means of communication when relevant
• 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
• Provide reporting on country or regional level when requested by donors, FH executives, EAP director, Fund managers, or other colleagues, as necessary
• Identify opportunities and produce ideas for implementation of EAP sub-grants, and support fund staff in providing advice for project design and budget
• As relevant and as requested, 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 regionally-specific strategy for grant-making and outreach
• Conduct outreach to HRDs and CSOs globally and regionally to develop and expand EAP’s trusted referral network and to identify needs, opportunities for engagement, and initiatives to be supported by EAP and/or Freedom House
• 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, with support from other EAP staff and EAP program teams, as needed
• 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
• As needed, travel to the assigned region and to other relevant meetings and conferences (including meetings of regional bodies) to conduct outreach, strengthen networks, and build knowledge of the social, economic, political, and human rights situation in the country(ies) visited; provide written trip report to colleagues and managers after travel in a timely manner
• As requested, speak about EAP work and/or FH programming with donors or partners, to visiting delegations, and at conferences or other external meeting

EAP-WIDE RESPONSIBILITIES AND ADMINISTRATIVE WORK:

• Ensure the security and integrity of EAP data, manuals, and materials, especially EAP case data
• Support EAP-wide initiatives and working groups as assigned
• 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 translations of EAP working documents, including, but not limited to, emergency assistance application forms, rapid response grant applications, fact sheets, and impact reports
• Assist program staff in communicating with EAP grantees, partners, and others in the local language, as requested
• Provide administrative support, including filing, copying, faxing, collating, and distributing documents
• Other related duties as assigned

JOB 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 read, write, and speak English and at least one regionally specific language (preferably Hindi)
• Strong knowledge of human rights issues and civil society organizations in assigned region; existing networks with civil society organizations in relevant countries is preferred
• Ability to assess and address the security issues of threatened civil society actors; familiarity with digital security issues and tools (a plus); and safe communication with HRDs in high-risk environments
• Ability to travel to designated region
• 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

Technical Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to maintain the highest degree of confidentiality and exhibit unquestionable integrity, honesty, and forthrightness
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to respond promptly to inquiries in a courteous and professional manner
• Ability to successfully work collaboratively with all levels of employees, management, external partners, and funders

Personal Attributes and Characteristics:

• Ability to work under pressure, multi-task, and meet challenging deadlines
• Excellent inter-personal, inter-cultural and teamwork skills
• Exhibit excellent phone étiquette, pleasant demeanor, high work standards, adherence to procedures, and responsibility for assigned tasks
• Ability to use good judgment and respond promptly and professionally to colleagues, stakeholders, donors, and partners
• Assess own strengths and weaknesses; pursue training and development opportunities; strive to continuously build knowledge and skills
• Exhibit strong and sustained commitment to the mission of Freedom House and show good stewardship of Freedom House resources
• Work as an effective team member, successfully balance individual and team responsibilities
• Comply with all FH and EAP policies and procedures
• 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:

• 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 backgrounds to apply. Diverse backgrounds relevant to the countries in which we have programming are a welcome asset.
• Applicants should complete our online application form and to submit a resume and a cover letter that outlines interests and qualifications for this position.
• Candidates must possess authorization to work in the United States independent from Freedom House sponsorship.

COMPENSATION & REWARDS:

• Salaries are commensurate with experience and based on pay grades that prioritize equity across the organization. Salary range is between $62,000 to $70,000 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: 15 days for 0-2 years, 20 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.
    • Parental leave: 20 days paid.
    • Bereavement: 3 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.

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.