Program Officer, Afghanistan Human Rights Coordination Mechanism

Program Officer, Afghanistan Human Rights Coordination Mechanism

Freedom House

Washington, D.C., United States

POSITION SUMMARY

Freedom House’s Afghanistan Human Rights Coordination Mechanism (AHRCM) team seeks a Program Officer. In close coordination with the Project Director, the Program Officer manages all program aspects of the mechanism, including research and policy analysis, program planning/design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, financial management, administration, communication, and coordination. Working closely with the Project Director, and the mechanism’s local and international partners, this position supports the project ideation, fundraising, drafting proposals, and most importantly the execution of activities based on the defined strategic plan.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership and Analysis

• Monitor, analyze, and report on key challenges, and developments regarding the situation of human rights, civic space, and developments in Afghanistan. Monitor the situation of Afghan Human Rights Defenders (HRDs), Civil Society Activists in the country, and exile. Draw from analysis to identify potential opportunities for advocacy and challenges to the program implementation and operations.

Project Implementation

• Under the direct supervision of the Program Director, assist the full implementation of the “Afghanistan Bridge Fellowship”;
• Write reports, plan and oversee project activities, and implementation;
• Manage the day-to-day activities of the fellows, conducting working group meetings and helping fellows to achieve their project goals;
• Manage program design, including identifying issues, opportunities for better execution, and solutions;
• In coordination with Project Director refine and ensure the quality of documentation packages for sub-awards, and sub-contracts (scope of work, budget, reports, etc.) ready for final review before submission;
• Review subgrantee financial reports and contract deliverables. Review internal tools for tracking existing subgrants and contracts and the status of financial reports for accuracy. Anticipate potential impacts on programming and rapidly identifies opportunities for success and solutions;
• Ensure quality drafts of donor materials in collaboration with Project Director (e.g., project timelines, work plans, MEL submissions, quarterlies, final reports, and other ad-hoc reports) that feature comprehensive analysis and require minimal copy edits.

Fundraising and development

• In collaboration with Project Director, partners, and other relevant departments, actively contribute to program design conversations, log frame development, draft proposal narratives and annexes, and incorporate feedback in a timely manner;
• Review budget narratives and other components;
• Contribute to the development of new project ideas.

Operations

• Under the direct supervision of the Program Director, AHRCM, manage day-to day communication with fellows and help them to achieve their project objectives;
• Manage virtual and in-person meetings of working groups, including managing invitations, attending and tech troubleshooting, and managing follow-up;
• Provide written reports and prepare advocacy briefings for advocacy and outreach events and meetings;
• Provide logistical support for AHRCM events and outreach;
• Liaise with key internal Freedom House departments, including but not limited to staff on the Communications, Advocacy, Development, and IPD teams, for timely implementation of project plans and activities;
• Support the maintenance of AHRCM financial records and relationships with fellows and ensure on time payment to fellows;
• Manage and maintain AHRCM’s info email, shared files, and documents. Support ongoing programmatic work by contributing to the development of additional tools.

External Relations

• Develop and maintain effective professional relationships with external stakeholders, including but not limited to donors, diplomatic partners, NGO partners, media, implementing organizations, grantees, and local partner organizations;
• Identify outside meetings and events relevant to the job and attend as requested, preparing notes for the supervisor. Represent Freedom House to external audiences at meetings and events; speak articulately about Freedom House’s mission and programming as necessary;
• Perform other tasks assigned by the supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in international affairs, international development, public policy, human rights, humanitarianism, international relations, regional studies, political science, or a related field;
• Master’s degree (preferred) in international affairs, international development, public policy, human rights, humanitarianism, international relations, regional studies, political science, or a related field.

Experience

• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience, including at least 3 years of experience managing projects, research, and reporting. Supervisory experience is desired;
• Experience living, volunteering, working, or studying in Afghanistan, and the US is highly desired;
• Experience conducting research and analysis related to the situation of Human Rights, democracy, and governance related to Afghanistan;
• Experience in advocacy areas, development of messages, and briefing in support of Afghan Human Rights Defenders;
• Experience managing virtual and in person meetings using Zoom and Microsoft Teams;
• Experience using shared google docs, google forms and other communications software required.

Technical Skills and Abilities

• Fluency in spoken and written English required. Experience in local languages of Afghanistan (Dari or Pashto) preferred;
• Demonstrated interest in Afghanistan and neighboring countries;
• Excellent notetaking, research, writing, editing, and other communication skills required;
• Interest in human rights, refugees, and asylum preferred; previous work or internship experience with an international nongovernmental organization or a coalition preferred;
• A good team player, ready to work with partners from diverse backgrounds;
• Ability to set priorities for work;
• Strong organizational skills and punctuality, able to meet deadlines;
• 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

• Self-starter and a quick learner;
• Careful listener who is good at taking and following the directions of supervisors;
• Good stewardship in the use of Freedom House resources;
• Responsiveness to the stakeholder (including donor) needs and willingness to solicit stakeholder feedback to improve service quality;
• Professional demeanor, positive attitude, and ethical conduct;
• Strong work ethic and desire for personal and professional development. A 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.

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