Solidarity Center

Program Officer I
Africa

Based in Washington, DC
(Hybrid)

 

Location: Washington, DC* (Hybrid)
Application Deadline: Until 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
Solidarity Center seeks an early career Program Officer who will be responsible for day-to-day contact with and support to assigned field offices and programs in Africa. As the main contact between the Washington office and the field, this individual should be conversant in the on-going political, economic, social and trade union developments in the region.

The Program Officer (Level I) will need the skills to to produce program reports and evaluations, to write persuasive proposals that describe complex activities, and develop budgets for those activities. This individual participates in the development and implementation of education, training and other programs and is responsible for tracking program budgets and activities. In addition, this individual prepares and exchanges information and coordinates activities with other departments.

The Program Officer assists the Regional Program Director, Deputy Director, and Senior Program Officer(s) in the assigned country(ies) of responsibility. This individual assists with and provides logistical support for international visitors and participants in Washington-based programs conducted by the Solidarity Center, AFL-CIO, affiliates, GUFs and/or other related organizations. The Program Officer attends meetings and conferences as requested, including travel to the region when necessary.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of international relations including trade union and socio-economic and political developments in the U.S. and Africa
• Previous trade union experience (not required, but highly desirable)
• Ability to work independently and complete assignments with limited supervision
• Ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously
• Ability to work and interact easily with a wide variety of people
• Bachelor’s degree in African studies, political science, international relations, labor relations or a related field and/or five years of related work experience
• Good communications and writing skills
• Computer literacy for word processing and simple spreadsheets

Fluency in a foreign language is a plus.

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;
• Assist field offices to arrange study tours in the S. for visitors from the region, and conduct meetings with a wide variety of visitors from the region involved in efforts to promote labor rights and standards and democracy;
• Coordinate activities with Solidarity Center’s other program and functional offices;
• Assist Solidarity Center’s other program and functional offices;
• Develop coalition-building contacts with S. labor, government and non-governmental organizations in the Washington area;
• Provide guidance to field offices on AFL-CIO and Center policies and priorities;
• Assist field offices in program planning;
• 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 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, and;
• Travel on a TDY basis to conduct and/or oversee program development and/or implementation in countries without a Solidarity Center field office.

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 $72,157 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 information@solidaritycenter.org.

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.

Apply HERE!