Field Program Specialist, Uzbekistan

This position is considered key personnel and therefore is contingent upon funding and donor approval

Location: Tashkent

Deadline to Apply: October 7, 2022

Summary

Solidarity Center seeks a Field Program Specialist (FPS) in Uzbekistan for day-to-day support and counsel to the Country Program Director based in Kyrgyzstan. This individual must become conversant in all program activities and current events relevant to the political, economic, social and trade union developments in Uzbekistan.  In the absence of the Country Program Director, the FPS will serve as the main contact between the field office and Washington headquarters.

The FPS will produce program reports and evaluations, which will require some knowledge of US Government funding regulations and procedures. This person will monitor the project to meet budget targets and programmatic results.  In the absence of the Country Program Director, the FPS will prepare information for and coordinates activities with the Europe and Central Asia Department in Headquarters. This person will provide advice and guidance to the Country Program Director for the development and implementation of programs, the drafting and submission of concept papers and funding proposals, and the effective management of the field office. The FPS must have the experience to initiate program proposals.

The Field Program Specialist will assist and advise the Country Program Director on details of programs in Uzbekistan. In coordination with the Country Program Director, this individual will work with affiliates in Uzbekistan on their participation in Solidarity Center programs.  The FPS will assist with logistical support for international visitors and participants in country-based programs conducted by the Solidarity Center, AFL-CIO, affiliates, Global Union Federations (GUFs) and related organizations.  The FPS will represent Solidarity Center at conferences and meetings with donors, partners, and national and international organizations. The FPS will fill in for the Country Program Director on a temporary or indefinite basis.

Qualifications

• Fluency in the following language(s): English, Russian (Preferred: Uzbek)

• Bachelor’s or higher, or 5 years relevant experience

• Extensive knowledge of international relations, international labor standards, supply chain oversight and improvement mechanisms, and/or socio-economic and political developments

• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in project management, supervision, administration, and implementation of cooperative agreement and/or contract requirements

• Experience establishing and maintaining systems for managing project operations

• Experience with designing and implementing results-based monitoring systems for projects focused on capacity building

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously

• Ability to work and interact easily with a wide variety of people

• Computer literacy for word processing and simple spreadsheets

• Good communications and writing skills in English and the local language

Additional Preferences

• Labor/sustainable supply chain management experience

• Experience in Central Asia

• Previous trade union experience and/or experience in international labor affairs

Supervisor: Regional Program Director, in close coordination with the Country Program Director

Specific Duties

• Provide Washington office with programmatic financial and administrative information and reports;
• Write/edit proposals, reports, letters, and other correspondence;
• 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;
• Coordinate activities with other Solidarity Center program departments;
• Develop in-country coalition-building contacts with local and U.S. labor, government, and non-governmental organizations in the region;
• Assist and advise Country Program Director on program development and proposal writing;
• In the absence of the Country Program Director, develop and implement regional and sub-regional programs and programs in countries;
• Keep up to date via Washington headquarters on USAID, NED, and U.S. government rules and regulations that affect program management;
• Recommend outside program consultants and other technical staff in accordance with field office needs;
• Provide technical assistance and support to conduct program evaluations of field projects and recruit evaluators;
• Support field trips by Solidarity Center personnel;
• In the absence of the Country Program Director, share information on country conditions and labor issues as requested by Washington;
• Monitor programs to meet budget targets;
• Represent the Solidarity Center as directed;
• Furnish financial and administrative information as required by Washington headquarters; and
• At the direction of the Country Program Director, initiate concept papers and program proposals and seek funding for same.

In the absence of the Country Program Director, the Field Program Specialist, under the direction of the Regional Program Director, oversees the entire operation of the office, and performs additional duties as required.

As part of the collective bargaining unit, this position is generously compensated with an annual salary starting at around $83,000 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, 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 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.