Program Assistant

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.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Program Assistant for Freedom House’s International Program Division provides support to the Vice President for International Programs (VPIP) in various aspects such as, administrative, communications and technical/research to meet the objectives of the VPIP, the International Program Division (IPD) and Freedom House.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND EXPECTATIONS:

Organizational and Administrative support for the VPIP :

• Management of all the VPIP’s meetings and appointments, including scheduling, calendar management, and logistics for internal and external meetings, and receiving visitors.
• Create, maintain, and update information, reports, and other documents, systems, and processes as required, at the full range of levels of discretion (public, internal, confidential).
• Handle expenses, travel advances, and reimbursements promptly.
• Prepare routine, complex, and confidential memoranda, correspondence, reports, and other material; and track follow-up on all communication including phone calls and electronic mail.
• Provide accurate, action-oriented, and concise summary of pertinent information following IPD meetings and discussions.
• Ensure all work products comply fully with standards, policies and mission of Freedom House.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Communications :

• Serve as trusted liaison between the VPIP, the Executive Team, IPD Directors and others within Freedom House, as well as other external contacts.
• Prepare a variety of public and private correspondence, reports, talking points and documentation, and track/follow up, as necessary.
• Work closely with Communications team to ensure that the VPIP’s public communications and social media (twitter) are updated and advance the mission of the organization.

Technical/Research

• Participate in IPD related technical activities, including, learning activities, regular meetings, business development and research.
• Research information related to new and special IPD initiatives and provides feedback and insight.
• Writes and/or presents research findings to advance new and ongoing IPD initiatives.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• Bachelors’ degree in political science, social sciences. Human rights or related field.
• One year of experience working with senior level leadership.
• One year of experience with project management, communications, or advocacy

Training or Certification:

• MS Office Suite
• Project management

Experience:

• 1-2 years of progressively increasing responsibility as a program associate, assistant or researcher providing support to senior executives.
• Preferred: experience or interest in democracy and promotion or human rights

Skills and Competencies :

• Strong ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Relevant skills in another language a plus.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including effectively interacting with people with a wide range of political and social views.
• Skilled in establishing trusted partnerships throughout organization; maintaining and managing highly confidential information; using expert judgment when dealing with internal and external constituents.
• Superb attention to detail, balanced against consistent production of timely, error-free work.
• Strong ability to plan, organize, and prioritize under pressure to meet tight deadlines.
• Skilled in conducting basic research and applying strong analytical skills to provide support to the VPIP as required.
• Strong capability to take on additional tasks when required, work independently without supervision, and to coordinate the efforts of other professionals to effectively meet objectives in a timely manner.

Attributes and Characteristics:

• Exhibit strong and sustained commitment to the mission of Freedom House
• Show good stewardship in the use of Freedom House resources
• Respond promptly to stakeholder needs and solicit stakeholder feedback to improve service quality
• Consistently use good judgment when dealing with all contacts and constituents
• Assess own strengths and weaknesses, pursue training and development opportunities, and strive to continuously build knowledge and skills
• Work as an effective team member and successfully balance individual and team responsibilities
• Comply with all policies and procedures

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Freedom House provides a competitive benefits package, including a 403(b)-retirement account with generous matching, commuter benefits, flexible hours, floating holidays, high employer contributions to medical, dental, and vision programs, basic and voluntary life, and AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability, flexible spending account, and more.
• Salaries are commensurate with experience and based on pay grades that prioritize equity across the organization. Salary is at least $42,000/year, depending on experience.
• Candidates must possess authorization to work in the United States.
• As part of our standard hiring process for new employees, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

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.

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.

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.