Field Organizing Specialist, Mexico

Summary

Solidarity Center is looking for a seasoned bilingual and bicultural union organizer to provide day-to-day organizing support and counsel to Solidarity Center partners and leadership in Mexico. As part of a growing team based in Mexico City, the Field Organizing Specialist will help to design, implement, report on, and evaluate trade union development programs. This person will monitor campaigns and programs to meet budget targets and results. The Field Organizing Specialist will provide advice to field office management regarding assigned programs.

This individual will assist the Country Program Director and Deputy Director on details of programs in Mexico including coordinated work with AFL-CIO affiliates on their participation in Solidarity Center programs.  This might include logistical support for international visitors and participants in country-based programs conducted by the Solidarity Center, affiliates, Global Union Federations (GUFs) and/or other related organizations. This individual must have the experience and presence to represent the Solidarity Center in public and private meetings with donors, partners, and other organizations.

The Field Organizing Specialist must be thoroughly conversant with current events relevant to the on-going political, economic, social and trade union developments in Mexico. In addition, the position requires the cultural sensitivity to tailor strategies and messages to the Mexico labor context. In the absence of senior staff in country, the Field Organizing Specialist may serve as a point of contact between the field office and Washington headquarters. This person will need to gain working knowledge of and experience in USG regulations and procedures related to the funding and management of grants.

Qualifications:

• Fluency in Spanish and English (bilingualism)
• Trade union organizing and recruitment experience
• Experience training and supervising organizers
• Extensive knowledge of international relations and local trade union and socio-economic and political developments
• Ability to work independently and without supervision
• Ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously
• 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
• Computer literacy for word processing and simple spreadsheets
• Good communications and writing skills in English and Spanish

Supervisor:  Country Program Director, Mexico

Specific Duties:

• Work as part of a team to train and advise organizers across Mexico as they advocate for worker rights;
• Coordinate campaign and training activities with the Trade Union Strengthening and other Solidarity Center program departments as required;
• Develop coalition-building contacts with labor, government, and non-governmental organizations in Mexico;
• Conduct issue research for use by headquarters and other field offices;
• Assist Washington office to arrange in-country study tours for U.S. visitors, and set-up meetings with local trade unions, government and non-government organizations involved in efforts to promote labor rights standards and democracy;
• Recommend outside program consultants and other technical staff in accordance with field office needs;
• Provide Washington office with programmatic financial and administrative information and reports;
• Write/edit proposals, reports, letters, and other correspondence;
• Assist and advise Country Program Director on program development and proposal writing;
• Provide technical assistance and support to conduct evaluations of field projects;
• Support field trips by Solidarity Center personnel;
• Monitor programs to meet budget targets;
• Represent the Solidarity Center as directed.

As part of the collective bargaining unit, this position is generously compensated with an annual salary starting at around $82,00 which may be subject to U.S. foreign earned income tax exclusion for American citizens (please consult a tax professional to verify). A robust benefits package includes excellent health and life insurance, a retirement plan/pension, and ample paid time off for holidays, vacation, parental leave, and sick leave. In addition, as an expatriate position, the Senior Specialist is entitled to housing, relocation expenses, annual home leave, and an education allowance for school-age dependents. Field assignments typically last from three to six years, with the option to transfer to another post at the end of the assignment.

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. Job seekers who require a reasonable accommodation to apply should contact us at: information@solidaritycenter.org.

About Us:

The Solidarity Center is the largest U.S.-based international worker rights organization. Its programs are based on the principle that, by exercising their right to freedom of association and forming trade unions and democratic worker rights organizations, working people can collectively improve their workplaces, call on governments to uphold laws and protect human rights, and be a force for democracy, social justice and inclusive economic development. Its programs in more than 60 countries focus on human and worker rights awareness, union skills, occupational safety and health, gender equality, migration and human trafficking and pro-legal strategies, bolstering workers in an increasingly informal economy. Founded in 1997 by the AFL-CIO to tackle the enormous challenges workers face in the global economy, the Solidarity Center works to promote democratic rights and respect for workers; raise public awareness about abuses of the world’s most vulnerable workers; and, above all, help the world’s workers secure a voice in their societies and the global economy.

For Candidates Applying from the AFL-CIO:

Solidarity Center works in partnership with the AFL-CIO on recruiting and filling positions. For that reason, our policy is to notify the AFL-CIO prior to interviewing any of its current employees.