Myanmar Consultant

This full-time position will support the work of Freedom House’s Emergency Assistance Program namely providing financial assistance to at-risk human rights defenders (HRDs) and civil society organizations, including journalists and media groups, from Myanmar whether located in-country or in exile. This position will be based remotely in Asia. This is a temporary, full-time position for up to one year (this may be extended pending funding).

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in international relations, political science, journalism, human rights, law or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred
• Minimum 5 years of work experience in the field of civil society, human rights, journalism, or rapid response to human rights defenders or humanitarian actors at risk
• Strong knowledge of human rights issues and civic space issues in Myanmar
• Established relationships with civil society organizations and HRDs inside Myanmar as well as those operating out of Thailand
• Written and spoken English skills — ability to convey complex ideas is required
• Native fluency in written and spoken Burmese; preference for a candidate who is also fluent in other language(s) used in Myanmar
• Ability to demonstrate sound judgment under stressful conditions, guide decision-making on highly sensitive issues, and maintain credibility among varied audiences.
• Strong ability to work independently, prioritize competing demands, and to meet tight deadlines with minimal supervision
• Ability to apply attention to detail and consistently produce timely and error-free work
• Ability to work flexible hours and be available on weekends as needed
• Mastery of MS Office, specifically Word, Excel

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with human rights grant-making and knowledge of grants management databases
• Experience addressing fundamental freedoms including of expression, association, and assembly is preferred
• Familiarity with digital security issues and tools and ability to assess and address the security issues of threatened civil society actors

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Case Processing:

• Manage intake, vetting, and processing of emergency cases and guide decision-making regarding small grants to at-risk activists under threat for their human rights work.
• Oversee day-to-day management, including the tracking of emergency assistance requests, and coordination of grant dispersal and financial reconciliation
• Manage extensive correspondence with potential and actual program beneficiaries, referral networks, references, service providers, and staff in Washington.
• Maintains safe working environment by complying with safety procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Preserve and protect beneficiary confidentiality in all situations and with all documentation.

Monitoring and Reporting:

• Monitor key developments regarding human rights violations and proactively respond to the needs of frontline activists including daily review of news alerts, press freedom, or UN alerts.
• Conduct periodic assessment on the operational space for Myanmar civil society and human rights defenders and provide reports on significant developments.
• Deliver weekly, monthly, and quarterly program reporting on individual cases and country-specific developments.

Outreach:

• Conduct outreach to multilateral, regional, and local organizations and civil society leaders to develop and expand our referral network.
• Conduct regular outreach to Myanmar civil society organizations and HRDs in Asia in order to identify needs, opportunities for engagement.
• Develop and maintain up-to-date files of program information and materials including but not limited to information fact sheets and application handouts.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

Essential functions are performed in a remote setting.

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 those other duties, as assigned, may be part of the job. Freedom House may add, change, or remove essential and other duties at any time.