Program Associate

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 Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) team seeks a Program Associate to provides administrative, financial and logistical support on designated projects. This position supports headquarter staff in Washington D.C. and field staff with the day-to-day operations and in the design, planning, and implementation of project activities.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership and Analysis

• Monitor, analyze, and report on key socio-political developments related to democratic governance and human rights in the assigned country(ies).
• Complete basic desk research and providing summarized findings in a clear and concise manner.
• Utilize these analyses to assist in the development of draft quarterly report executive summaries, and aid in the creation of communications and business development materials.
• Identify success stories in the assigned project(s) and share them with supervisor.

Project Implementation Support

• With supervision, provide administrative, financial and logistical support for project activity implementation.
• With increasing independence, draft sub award and subcontract documentation (scopes of work, proposal narratives, budgets, other) with the field team or supervisor, and integrate feedback.
• With guidance from the supervisor or field office, review and file sub grantee narrative, MEL, and financial reports to ensure compliance requirements are met.
• Prepare and submit payment requests for their assigned projects.
• Collect contract deliverables and make contract payments in a timely manner.
• Maintain internal tools for tracking existing subgrants and contracts, including the status of financial reports.
• Anticipate barriers to success and flag concerns to supervisor.
• With guidance from the supervisor, provide support in the drafting of project quarterly and other ad-hoc reports.

Fundraising and Development

• Contribute to aspects of the project development process for new funding opportunities, such as assisting with annexes and budget notes.

Operations

• Coordinate logistics for meetings, webinars, and events with external parties, donors, and partners in compliance with Freedom House policies and donor regulations. Attend meetings to provide onsite support or notetaking as required. Design and standardize basic meeting materials (agenda, nametags, PowerPoint slides, etc.).
• Make travel arrangements (flights, hotels, transportation, etc.) for partners, colleagues and self. Ensure that flights are compliant with donor regulations (Fly America Act and Open Skies). Coordinate with travelers to build draft travel authorizations and seek proper approval. Draft trip itineraries detailing meeting schedule and country-specific travel details.
• Schedule security briefings before departure.
• Coordinate local travel logistics (e.g. transportation), distribute per diem and collect receipts from travelers, print and carry meeting materials, and collect business cards.
• Compile own business expense reports and those of other travelers (if applicable). Integrate business cards/new contacts into knowledge management system. Prepare a travel report with key insights and share it with portfolio/regional team as appropriate.
• Compile credit card reconciliations and properly file supporting documents in shared LAC folder.

External Relations

• Maintain effective professional relationships with grantees and other partner organizations. Participate in briefing meetings with donors.
• Attend outside meetings and events as requested and prepare notes for the supervisor and relevant colleagues.

Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• Bachelors’ degree in international affairs, public management, political science, or a related field.

Experience:

• At least 1 to 2 years of administrative and/or project implementation experience, preferably in the nonprofit sector. Previous internships apply.
• Experience living, volunteering, working, or studying in the LAC region is preferred.

Technical Skills and Abilities:

• Full professional proficiency in Spanish and English (written, verbal) is required.
• Familiarity with human rights or democracy-related issues in one or two LAC countries is desired.
• 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 courteously and professionally.
• Ability to successfully work collaboratively with all levels of employees, management, external partners, and funders.

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 background to apply. Diverse experiences and perspectives connected to the various jurisdictions in which Freedom House has programming are a welcome asset.
• Applicants should complete our online application form and submit a resume and a cover letter outlining 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 for this role is $48,000 to $52,000 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
  • 4 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
• Flexible spending accounts
• 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.

COMPENSATION & REWARDS:

• Salaries are commensurate with experience and based on pay grades that prioritize equity across the organization. Salary range for this role is $48,000 to $52,000 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
  • 4 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
• Flexible spending accounts
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Supplemental/Voluntary life insurance
• Employee assistance program