Program Officer II for Asia

Please Note: Solidarity Center staff enjoy a hybrid telework/in-person schedule. We also have a mandatory vaccine policy and safety protocols in all our facilities. All candidates applying for this role will be expected to adhere to these policies and to work in the Washington, D.C. office a minimum of three days per week unless an ADA or health-related exemption is approved.

Location: Washington, DC

Application Deadline: When filled

Summary

The Program Officer II will serve as the main contact between Solidarity Center's Washington headquarters and assigned field offices and programs, with responsibility for day-to-day support. This individual is expected to become thoroughly conversant with all aspects of program activities and current events relevant to the on-going political, economic, social and trade union developments in the region.

The Program Officer II will need to write persuasive funding proposals, describes complex program activities, and develops budgets for those activities.  This individual will participate in the development and implementation of education, training, and other programs. The Program Officer II must have the skills to produce well-written program reports and evaluations.  This individual will monitor programs to meet budget targets and programmatic results. The Program Officer II will prepare and exchange information and coordinates activities with other sections of Solidarity Center, as required.

The Program Officer II will assist and advise the Regional Program Director and Deputy Director, as well as Senior Program Officers, on details of programs in the assigned country(ies) of responsibility. This individual will work with AFL-CIO affiliates to coordinate their participation in the development and implementation of Solidarity Center programs, at the request of the Regional Program Director. Based on the needs of Solidarity Center, the Program Officer II may be assigned to any program office on a temporary basis. This individual will assist with and provide logistical support for international visitors and participants in Washington-based programs conducted by the Solidarity Center, AFL-CIO, affiliates, Global Union Federations and other organizations. The Program Officer II will represent Solidarity Center at meetings and conferences and will coordinate with Washington-based NGOs and U.S. government agencies.  This individual will travel to the region and may be asked to fill in for field representatives on a temporary basis.

Qualifications

• Broad knowledge of international relations including trade union and socio-economic and political developments in the U.S. and Asia
• Trade union experience (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 political science, international relations, labor relations or related fields and/or seven years equivalent work experience
• Good communications and writing skills
• Computer literacy for word processing and simple spreadsheets

Persons considered for this position must agree to serve abroad in both temporary and long-term positions, based on the needs of Solidarity Center.  Fluency in a language of the region is a plus but is not required.

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 for use by headquarters and field offices;
• Assist field offices to arrange study tours in the U.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 other program and functional offices;
• Assist other program and functional offices as required;
• Develop coalition-building contacts with U.S. labor, government and non-governmental organizations in the Washington area;
• Provide guidance to field offices on AFL-CIO and Center policies and priorities, and serve as a liaison between the Center and AFL-CIO affiliates, GUFs, ITUC, its regional organizations, and the ILO;
• 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 U.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 to the region by Solidarity Center personnel;
• Share information on country conditions and labor issues as requested by Washington-based U.S. government offices and Congress;
• Travel on a TDY basis to conduct and/or oversee program development and/or implementation in countries without a field office;
• Work closely with AFL-CIO affiliates to coordinate their participation in program development and implementation;
• Monitor programs to meet budget targets; and
• Represent the Solidarity Center as directed.

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 $76,000 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.

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.