Program Officer (Asia Programs)

This is an opportunity for a rising professional in international program management to further develop their expertise in designing and implementing programs in the Asia region. The Program Officer will provide critical support to several projects, including tracking and managing diverse tasks and deliverables, responding to the needs of field-based staff, drafting reports and other communications, drafting language for subgrants and contracts, and tracking and managing project finances. The PO serves as the key liaison between field staff and the leadership of the Asia team as well as FH’s finance team. The PO will also be expected to help organize virtual and/or in person meetings, prepare funding proposals and backstop other Asia team projects and activities as needed. We seek applicants who are detail oriented and highly organized; who are creative and tenacious problem solvers; who have strong interpersonal skills and are adaptable; and who have at least two years of experience with US government funding mechanisms, project and grants management, and proposal development. This position is based in Washington, DC, though it will be remote through fall 2021 due to COVID-19 related restrictions. The Program Officer reports to the Director for Asia Programs. Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Anticipate, monitor and address the diverse programmatic and financial tasks that contribute to the timely implementation of high-quality projects.
• With minimum supervision, implement or contribute to all aspects of assigned projects, including workplan development, budgeting, outreach to and coordination with partners, activity planning and execution, expense tracking, monitoring of performance indicators, development of program documents, and other program tasks.
• Closely coordinate with field staff and local partners to ensure timely and high-quality implementation of project activities.
• Lead the preparation of high-quality narrative quarterly, final, and ad-hoc project reports for donors.
• Track and analyze budgets for accuracy and draft spending projections and forecasts, propose corrective action when necessary.
• Lead monitoring and evaluation processes and track and document outputs of project activities and their impact to ensure that all grant objectives are met.
• Liaise with other Freedom House teams (Finance, Emergency Assistance Programs, Communications and Advocacy, Research, etc.) to collaborate on program implementation or to resolve administrative issues.
• Participate in the development of project proposals and ensure complete, accurate and timely submission.
• Identify opportunities for new projects, conduct related research and partner outreach, and prepare project concepts.
• Supervise assigned junior DC-based project staff and interns, with the priority on their professional development, and coordinate the allocation of staff resources with other supervisors.
• Contribute to the development of Freedom House’s program, research and advocacy strategies for the Asia region.
• Monitor key developments in Asia including reforms, socio-economic and political changes, elections, status of relevant legislation, human rights situation, international engagement on human rights and democracy issues.
• Represent Freedom House at meetings and events with donors, peer organizations, international partners, government officials, and other external stakeholders on the assigned portfolio.
• Travel to overseas locations to participate in or oversee project activities (less than 10% of time).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• At least two years of hands-on experience managing projects funded by the US State Department, the US Agency for International Development or similar donors.
• A demonstrated ability to prepare and manage grants and contracts and manage project budgets and finances.
• A demonstrated ability to manage and contribute to the preparation of high-quality narrative and financial reports.
• A demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.
• Substantial experience contributing to the conceptualization and preparation of funding proposals.
• Very strong verbal and written communication skills.
• A demonstrated knowledge of the challenges associated with supporting democracy and human rights.
• Experience working in or on Asia strongly preferred but not required.
• Bachelor’s degree in international affairs, public management, political science or a related field; Master’s degree strongly preferred.

Additional Information Applicants are required to complete our online application form and to submit a resume and cover letter that outlines interests and qualifications for this position. Physical Requirements: Sedentary, regularly required to sit for extended periods of time. Constantly talk, hear, and understand speech at normal levels using a telephone. Occasionally required to stand, walk, and bend over; reach overhead; use hands, wrists, and fingers to grasp, push, pull, move, handle, feel, and type. Constantly required to use close vision and distance vision for regular computer work. Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 25 lbs. to waist height. General Working Conditions: General working office environment. Some long hours, including evenings and/or weekends as reasonable, to complete essential tasks or attend important events and to be responsive in a timely manner to emergency assistance requests. Travel to event and meeting sites. Exposed to outside weather conditions when required to attend event venues or travel. Please note that, due to COVID-19 related restrictions, this will be a remote position through fall 2021. Freedom House is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. Read more about the application process and search answers to common questions here. Freedom House offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package including health and wellness benefits, retirement, and professional development. Interested in learning more about our current work? Keep up with us on social media: Twitter @FreedomHouse, Facebook at FreedomHouseDC Disclaimer: 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. The responsibilities, tasks, and duties of the jobholder may differ from those outlined in the job description and other duties, as assigned, may be part of the job. Freedom House may add, change, or remove essential and other duties at any time. Qualified and Interested Applicants: 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.