Program Associate, Latin America & Caribbean (LAC)

POSITION SUMMARY:

HIAS seeks a Program Associate, Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) to assist the LAC team, which supports programs in 10 countries globally, providing services in the following key program areas: legal protection, gender/gender-based violence prevention and response, mental health and psychosocial support and economic inclusion. Reporting to the Program Officer, LAC, the Program Associate, LAC supports the department’s programs and operations by facilitating cross-divisional communication, supporting payments and reimbursements, supporting the consultancy process and taking on other administrative duties to support the LAC department members, regional program members and field staff as required. They engage with other divisions on behalf of the team, including Strategy & Measurement, Human Resources, Budget & Fiscal Compliance, IT, Communications, Development and Community Engagement, and will also communicate with field staff as necessary.

Note, this position can be located in Silver Spring, Maryland or remote in Panama City, Panama.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Leads scheduling of and timely communication regarding interdepartmental meetings and workshops, including between HQ and field offices.
• Drafts meeting agendas, organizes and/or creates meeting materials and ensures technology is prepared and ready to ensure participation from country programs and remote staff.
• Acts as rapporteur for meetings and workshops, following-up on next steps identified, including by distributing materials and scheduling follow-up meetings as needed.
• Provides support for other interdepartmental initiatives as needed, including by providing additional logistical support and coordination for larger gatherings and multi-day workshops, such as regional retreats for field leadership and international training opportunities.
• Supports on the processing of consulting agreements, and ensures payments are made in a timely fashion.
• Interfaces with Human Resources on drafting, amending and coordinating consultancies and other LAC positions to ensure processes and procedures are followed.
• Facilitates the hiring of translators and interpreters for the cross-departmental meetings, and ensures payments are made in a timely fashion.
• Serves as the LAC point person on coordinating visits by field staff and the regional team to HIAS HQ, including by assisting with travel arrangements, accommodation and introductions to relevant HQ staff.
• Leads on the provision of logistical support to visitors to HQ from representatives of other agencies, including by ordering refreshments, reserving rooms and setting up IT needs.
• Supports the onboarding of new staff, including through meeting scheduling, directing follow-up questions and other needs.
• Posts LAC content on HIASnet, HIAS’ intranet, as necessary.
• Provides support on monthly invoices, processes credit card expense forms and helps process trip reimbursements and benefits for LAC Programs staff and field-based leadership, as necessary.
• Provides support on travel and accommodation of the LAC team, as necessary.
• Helps track travel to the LAC region by members outside of the team.
• Performs other administrative duties, as assigned by LAC department members, regional program members and field staff as required.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

• Undergraduate degree required.
• Fluency in English and Spanish required.
• 1-2 years of relevant work experience required, with experience in a humanitarian NGO preferred.
• Knowledge of and experience in the LAC region.
• Excellent technical skills, particularly with communication platforms.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, as well as interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent administrative processing skills.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented; ability to work under pressure and meet multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to HIAS’ mission and values, and refugee protection.

SAMPLE HIRING PROCESS:

We are committed to a fair and respectful hiring process, and we do our absolute best to respond to every applicant. We prioritize communication and transparency with all candidates, even those who are not moving forward. Here’s a snapshot of our hiring process:

Step 1: Submit your application!

Step 2: Phone screen with a HIAS recruiter.

Step 3: Video interview with the hiring manager.

Step 4: Video interview with a panel of HIAS employees.

Step 5: Online reference check with SkillSurvey.

Step 6: Offer and background check with Shield Screening.

Step 7: Start your professional journey with HIAS!

Note: Some of our hiring processes may vary, and not all candidates will advance to each step.

ABOUT US:

Over one hundred years ago, the Jewish community founded HIAS (originally the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) in New York City, the immigrant gateway to America. Supporting Jews fleeing persecution and poverty in Eastern Europe, our founders were guided by the traditions, texts, and history of the Jewish people – a history of oppression, displacement, and diaspora. HIAS has since helped generations of Jews facing violence because of who they were, and HIAS remains committed to helping Jewish refugees anywhere in the world. Today, our clients at HIAS come from diverse faiths, ethnicities, and backgrounds, as do our staff. We bring our experience, history, and values to our work across five continents, ensuring that refugees today receive the vital services and opportunities they need to thrive.

HIAS is a learning community, committed to diversity and inclusion. We do our work with integrity, accountability, transparency, and a commitment to the highest ethical standards. We seek employees from diverse backgrounds and life experiences to join our teams located in the United States and across the globe. People who identify as BIPOC, people with disabilities, people from the LGBTQ+ community, and people with lived experiences of forced displacement or immigration are all encouraged to apply. We are committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects our vision, mission, and values.

VISION:

HIAS stands for a world in which refugees find welcome, safety, and opportunity.

MISSION:

Drawing on our Jewish values and history, HIAS provides vital services to refugees and asylum seekers around the world and advocates for their fundamental rights so they can rebuild their lives.

VALUES:

Welcome • Acogimiento • Hospitalité • Hachnasat Orchim

We Welcome the Stranger

Justice • Justicia • Justice • Tzedek

We Pursue Justice

Empathy • Empatía • Empathie • Chesed

We Approach our Clients with Empathy

Partnership • Compañerismo • Coopération • Chevruta

We Believe in Changing the World through Partnership

Courage • Coraje • Courage • Ometz

We Act with Courage to Build a Better World

Resilience • Resiliencia • Résilience • Ruach

We Adapt and Thrive, Continuously Demonstrating our Resilience

DIVERSITY:

HIAS is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. As an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnic background, ancestry, citizenship status, religious creed, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, familial status, pregnancy, childbirth, military status, protected veteran status, political orientation, or other legally protected status.