Senior Program Officer for Asia

Location:  Washington, DC

Application Deadline:  when filled

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.

Summary

The Senior Program Officer is responsible for day-to-day support and counsel to assigned field offices and programs in Asia. This individual must become thoroughly conversant with all aspects of program activities and current events relevant to political, economic, social, and trade union developments in the region. This position serves as the main contact between Washington and the field for assigned countries.

The Senior Program Officer must have working knowledge of and experience in USG regulations and procedures related to the funding and management of grants in order to write persuasive proposals, describe complex activities, and develop budgets for those activities. This individual participates in the development and implementation of trade union development programs, produces program reports and evaluations, and monitors programs to meet budget targets and programmatic results.

The Senior Program Officer prepares and exchanges information and coordinates activities with other departments. This individual provides advice and guidance to Country Program Directors (CPDs) regarding program development and implementation, the drafting and submission of concept papers and project proposals, and the effective management of field offices and programs. The Senior Program Officer is expected to draw on their experience to initiate program proposals and seek funding.

The Senior Program Officer assists and advises the Regional Program Director (RPD) on details of programs in the assigned country(ies) of responsibility. This individual works closely with AFL-CIO affiliates to coordinate their participation in Solidarity Center programs, at the RPD's request. The Senior Program Officer assists with international visitors and participants in Washington-based programs conducted by the Solidarity Center, AFL-CIO, affiliates, GUFs, and other related organizations. The Senior Program Officer coordinates with Washington-based NGOs, and U.S. Government agencies and represents the Center at meetings and conferences in the U.S. and abroad. This requires the experience and presence to accurately and effectively represent Solidarity Center policies and programs in public and private forums.  The Senior Program Officer travels to the region and is able to fill in for CPDs on a temporary basis.

The Senior Program Officer directs the work of other staff in the regional department, and may assume the responsibilities of the RPD in his absence, with the exception of hiring, firing, promotion or discipline.

Qualifications:

• Familiarity with U.S. federal funding regulations with some experience managing government grants
• Extensive knowledge of international relations and trade union and socio-economic and political developments in the U.S. and abroad
• Trade union experience
• Ability to work independently and without supervision
• Ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously and 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

Persons considered for this position must agree to accept temporary assignments in the field, based on the needs of Solidarity Center. Fluency in a relevant 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 for use by Solidarity Center 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 Solidarity Center’s other program and functional offices;
• Assist, as required, in the work of Solidarity Center’s other program and functional offices;
• 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 and advise field offices in program development and proposal writing;
• 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 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 Solidarity Center field office;
• Work closely with AFL-CIO affiliates to coordinate their participation in the development and implementation of Solidarity Center programs, within approved communications guidelines.
• Monitor programs to meet budget targets;
• Represent the Solidarity Center as directed;
• Furnish financial and administrative support services to field offices, and provide advice and guidance to field offices on grants management and funding procedures;
• Initiate concept papers and program proposals and seeks funding for same;
• Direct the work of program officers, assistants and secretaries in the department;
• Assume the responsibilities of the RPD in his absence, with the exception of hiring, firing, promoting or disciplining staff; and
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

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 $99,673 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.