Senior Program Officer - East & Horn of Africa - Nairobi, Kenya

Through research, effective advocacy, and programs directly supporting frontline activists, Freedom House supports the spread of freedom and democracy throughout the world. Freedom House has been a leader in identifying threats to freedom through its highly regarded analytic reports, including Freedom in the World. Itsdiverse programs have supported the work of civic activists and human rights defenders in over 40 countries. Advocacy and outreach are aimed at encouraging democratic governments, including the United States, to adopt and implement policies that effectively advance human rights and democracy at home and abroad. Freedom House’s annual budget is $18 million, with 13 field offices, and two U.S. offices.

Freedom House seeks a Senior Program Officer for a Project in the East & Horn of Africa to be based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Under the direction of the East and Horn of Africa Project Director, the Senior Program Officer will exercise significant responsibility for all areas of program management including strategic design and implementation, financial management, staff supervision, office management, communications, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting. Furthermore, the Senior Program Officer will assist the Project Director in donor relations, advocacy, and fundraising.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Assists the Project Director in the strategic design, modification, and implementation of current programs including developing trainings and other technical assistance.
• Assumes substantial responsibility for successful program implementation including organizing trainings, assessing needs, financial management, staff supervision, office management, communications, monitoring, evaluation, reporting, and other duties as needed for the success of overall Freedom House East Africa operations.
• Builds and maintains relationships with civil society and human rights organizations in the region
• Reports regularly to the Project Director on program implementation.
• In coordination with the Project Director and Senior Program Manager in DC, identifies and pursues new opportunities for program development and funding
• Prepares responses to requests from donors, governmental organizations, the media and the public regarding program information.
• Supports Freedom House’s ongoing advocacy of democratic governance and human rights issues through occasional contribution to Freedom House publications, articles and other releases.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of democracy and human rights issues in East Africa.
• Knowledge of general office management concepts.
• Knowledge of USG funding sources and program management.
• Knowledge of general accounting procedures as they relate to USG funding sources.
• Ability to communicate effective verbally and in writing.
• Ability to effectively write proposals, reports, procedures, maintain documentation and complete required forms.
• Ability to read, write and speak English.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to use productivity software such as MS Word, Outlook, PowerPoint; proficiency in Microsoft Excel required.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s preferred.
• At least five (5) years of experience conducting democracy and human rights programs;
• Expertise in one or more of the following areas: strategy development, communications, advocacy, negotiations, and/or civic participation
• Experience in providing technical assistance to local organizations in African or other developing countries
• Experience and success in managing and supervising staff.
• Experience working in difficult operating environments
• Experience in the region a plus.

Please send cover letter and resume by email or fax to:

Yolanda Abner

Human Resources Manager

recruiting@freedomhouse.org

Fax: (202) 822-3893

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Interested candidates must submit a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements. If any candidate does not have all required information, he or she will not be considered. Candidates are also requested to state where they viewed the job advertisement in their applications.

Only candidates who have been selected for an interview will be notified. No phone calls, please.

EOE M/F/D/V