Solidarity Center

Country Program Director, Europe & Central Asia

Based in Tirana, Albania

 

Location: Albania
Application Deadline: When filled

Summary
Solidarity Center seeks a Country Program Director (CPD) to manage its field office and worker rights programs in Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia. This individual must become thoroughly conversant in all aspects of regional program activities and current events relevant to ongoing political, economic, social, and trade union developments in the assigned countries. The Country Program Director must have sound judgment and good political sense that facilitates decision-making, particularly when headquarters cannot be reached for consultation. This individual must keep headquarters informed of significant developments in the country or region through periodic program reports and routine communication. To be effective in this role, the Country Program Director must coordinate closely with other Solidarity Center departments on organizing, strategic research, and programs that focus on migration.

The Country Program Director works closely with AFL-CIO affiliates, the ITUC and its regional organizations, and the international trade secretariats to facilitate their participation in Solidarity Center programs. This individual provides logistical support for visitors from Solidarity Center, the AFL-CIO and its affiliates, Global Union Federations, donors, and other organizations. The successful candidate will have the experience and presence necessary to represent accurately and effectively the policies and programs of the Solidarity Center and AFL-CIO in public and private meetings with donors, partners, and other organizations. This individual will be required to travel extensively within the region and may substitute for other Country Program Directors on a temporary or indefinite basis.

The Country Program Director designs and implements field programs, drawing on experience to write persuasive concept papers and proposals that address the needs of partner trade unions and respond to US strategies for the region, and seeks funding for the same. This requires following the evolution of country development strategies and ensuring that USAID and the US Embassy understand the role of labor the country's development and the ways in which Solidarity Center programs contribute to and enhance their ability to accomplish their strategic objectives. This individual is expected to develop and maintain positive relationships with appropriate personnel at the USAID mission and the Embassy and to keep them informed of Solidarity Center’s work in the country.

The Country Program Director monitors Solidarity Center programs for progress toward expected results and budget targets. This individual is responsible for compliance with Solidarity Center policies and US regulations governing grants. This requires a working knowledge of and experience in US Government regulations and procedures related to the funding and management of grants.

The Country Program Director manages the operations of the Albania field office and supervises local-hire staff, ensuring compliance with the host country's labor code and other pertinent laws, as well as Solidarity Center policies and values, including preventing harassment in the workplace. This individual will be responsible for promoting the professional development for each member of the country staff.

Qualifications:

• Extensive knowledge of international relations and trade unions and socio-economic and political developments in the U.S. and the assigned region
• Trade union experience
• Experience in training or implementation of occupational safety and health programs strongly preferred
• Ability to work independently and without supervision, as well as coordinate with other departments
• Ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously
• Ability to make substantive decisions that have major effects on costs and completion of projects
• Ability to work and interact easily with a wide variety of people
• Bachelor’s degree in political science, international relations, labor relations, or related fields and/or ten years equivalent work experience
• Good communications and writing skills
• Computer literacy for word processing and simple spreadsheets
• Fluency in written and spoken English

Fluency in Albanian, Macedonian, and Kosovar languages is a plus.

Supervisor: Regional Program Director

Specific Duties:

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Albania field office;
• Recruit, select, and supervise local hire staff, ensuring compliance with the host country's labor code and other pertinent laws, as well as Solidarity Center policies and values, including prevention of workplace harassment.
• Ensure compliance of the office with Solidarity Center and AFL-CIO policies and procedures and applicable donor and federal government regulations;
• Design, develop, and implement country or regional programs, which respond to the strategies, goals, and objectives of the donor organizations, the AFL-CIO, and the Solidarity Center’s partners in the field.
• Initiate concept papers and program proposals and seek funding for same;
• Prepare timely, well-written reports in accordance with the deadline schedule;
• Monitor program performance and results; discuss substantive changes required with Program Officer/Regional Program Director;
• Monitor program expenditures to meet budget targets;
• Work closely with AFL-CIO affiliates to coordinate their participation in Solidarity Center programs;
• Manage the logistics for field trips by Solidarity Center, AFL-CIO, and affiliate personnel;
• Develop solid relationships with US government personnel in country, and ensure they understand the role of labor in development and of Solidarity Center programs in the context of their country strategy;
• Share information on country conditions and labor issues as appropriate;
• Provide assistance and support for program evaluations or audits of field projects/offices;
• Travel on a TDY basis to conduct and/or oversee program development and implementation in other countries in the region;
• Develop coalition-building contacts with national and international labor, government, and non-governmental organizations in the country or region.

The Country Program Director is a collective bargaining unit position, generously compensated with a gross annual salary starting at approximately $118,369 USD. A robust benefits package includes fully paid health insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan plus a pension fund, life insurance, and ample paid time off for holidays, vacation, and medical leave. Relocation allowances, including housing, dependent education, and annual home leave are provided to employees assigned outside their home country of residence.

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!