Program Officer III, Africa – Washington, DC (Hybrid)

Position description

Location: Washington, DC*

Application Deadline: When filled

*Please Note: Solidarity Center staff enjoy a hybrid telework/in-person schedule. All candidates applying for this role will be expected to work in the Washington, D.C. office a minimum of three days per week unless an ADA or health-related exemption is approved.

Summary of Position: As a senior-level position, the Program Officer III is responsible for day-to-day support and counsel to assigned field offices and programs in Africa and is expected to travel to the region as needed. This individual must become thoroughly conversant with all aspects of program activities and relevant ongoing political, economic, social, and trade union developments in the region. 

The Program Officer III serves as the main contact between headquarters and the field. In addition, this individual is the internal point of contact on assigned programs, coordinating activities and preparing/exchanging information with other departments.

The Program Officer III is expected to draw on previous experience to initiate program proposals and seek funding, primarily from USG donor agencies. Therefore, this individual must have working knowledge of and experience in USG regulations and procedures related to federal grant funds. The Program Officer III takes part in the design and implementation of trade union development programs and must be able to write persuasive proposals, program reports, and evaluations that capture complex activities. The Program Officer III develops and tracks program budgets, and monitors programs to meet anticipated results.

This individual  provides advice and guidance to Country Program Directors on the development and implementation of programs, the drafting and submission of concept papers and funding proposals, and the effective management of field offices and programs. The Program Officer III also assists and advises the Regional Program Director and Deputy Director on programs in assigned country(ies) of responsibilities.

This individual works closely with AFL-CIO affiliates to coordinate their participation in Solidarity Center programs. The Program Officer III also assists with and, when necessary, provides logistical support for international visitors and participants in Washington-based programs conducted by the Solidarity Center, AFL-CIO, affiliates, Global Union Federations, and other organizations. This individual represents Solidarity Center at meetings and conferences in the U.S. and abroad. The Program Officer III coordinates with Washington-based NGOs and U.S. Government agencies. This individual must have the experience and presence to represent Solidarity Center policies and programs accurately and effectively in public and private meetings with donors, partners, and other organizations.  

Qualifications:

• Experience with budgets and project management regulations and procedures
• Experience with proposal writing 
• Experience in East Africa and/or the Horn of Africa region (preferred)
• Trade union experience
• Extensive knowledge of international relations and trade unions and socioeconomic and political developments in the U.S. and abroad
• Ability to work independently and without supervision
• Ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously
• Bachelor’s degree in political science, international relations, labor relations, or related fields and/or ten years of equivalent work experience
• Good communication and writing skills
• Computer literacy for word processing and simple spreadsheets
• Ability to work and interact easily with a wide variety of people
• Fluency in the Amharic language (preferred)

Supervisor:  Regional Program Director

Specific Duties:

• Provide specified field offices with programmatic financial and administrative support; 

• Write/edit proposals, reports, letters, and other correspondence;
• Conduct issue research for headquarters and field offices;

• Coordinate activities with the Center’s other program and functional offices; 

• Develop coalition-building contacts with U.S. labor, government, and non-governmental organizations in the Washington area;

• Provide guidance to field offices on AFL-CIO and Center policies and priorities and serve as a liaison between the Center and AFL-CIO affiliates, GUFs, ITUC, its regional organizations, and the ILO; 

• Assist and advise field offices in program development and proposal writing: 

• Develop and implement regional and sub-regional programs and programs in countries without a resident field representative; 

• Provide field offices with information on USAID, NED, and U.S. government rules and regulations that affect program management 

• Recruit outside program consultants and other technical staff in accordance with field needs;

• Provide technical assistance and support to conduct program evaluations of field projects and recruiting evaluators; 

• Support field trips by Solidarity Center personnel; 

• Share information on country conditions and labor issues as requested by Washington-based U.S. government offices and Congress; 

• Travel on a TDY basis to conduct and/or oversee program development and/or implementation in countries without a field office; 

• Work closely with AFL-CIO affiliates to coordinate their participation in Solidarity Center programs; 

• Monitor programs to meet budget targets; 

• Represent the Solidarity Center as directed;

• Furnish financial and administrative support services to field offices, and provide advice and guidance to field offices on grants management and funding procedures; and

• Initiate concept papers and program proposals and seeks funding for same.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

This is a collective bargaining unit position, generously compensated with a gross annual salary starting at approximately $92,876 USD based on experience. A robust benefits package includes fully paid health insurance, a retirement plan and pension, life insurance, and ample paid time off for holidays, vacation, and medical leave. Pre-tax deduction programs are also available for commuting, dependent care, and health care expenses. In addition, we offer opportunities and funds for professional development.

About Us:

The Solidarity Center cultivates the values of diversity, equality, and inclusion among its staff and partners. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected under applicable law. Candidates from traditionally underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. If you are a candidate with a disability and require reasonable accommodations to apply for this position, please contact us at [email protected].

For Candidates Applying from the AFL-CIO: Solidarity Center works in partnership with the AFL-CIO on recruiting and filling positions. Our policy is to notify the AFL-CIO prior to interviewing any of its current employees.