Freedom House promotes the spread of freedom and democracy around the world through research, advocacy, and programs that support frontline activists. We are a leader in identifying threats to freedom through our highly regarded analytic reports, including Freedom in the World, Freedom of the Press, Freedom on the Net, and Nations in Transit.  

 POSITION SUMMARY

The Program Officer provides implementation support for all aspects of the Ethiopia program team working closely with the Project Director, including coordinating project implementation and administration; providing input into/feedback on relevant tools, resources, and project deliverables; facilitating efficient and compliant financial management; supporting staff, consultants, and partners on administrative issues; conducting outreach to civil society organizations, governmental and non-governmental stakeholders, contributing to monitoring, evaluation, and learning; and identifying funding opportunities and participating in proposal development. This position is based in Addis Ababa and reports to the Ethiopia Program Director 

PRINCIPAL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND EXPECTATIONS:

• Support all aspects of program implementation, including work plan development,
• Identify and manage consultants and sub-grantees, organize workshops, meetings, and events,
• Draft sections of program reports and work with the Project Director to shape communications with donors, civil society partners, government stakeholders and other relevant individuals and groups
• Participate in monitoring and evaluation processes and track and document program activities and impact to ensure project objectives are met
• Conduct rolling context analysis to support program adaptation and enable the Ethiopia program team to develop new programs.
• Support proposal development process for programs including drafting of elements of proposals
• Develop effective professional relationships with a range of external actors in Ethiopia, including peer organizations, donors, the diplomatic community, partners, and grantees.
• Represent Freedom House to external audiences at meetings and events; speak articulately about Freedom House's mission and regional programming as necessary.
• Monitor key developments related to democratic governance in Ethiopia and in the Horn of Africa region, including political developments, elections, status of relevant legislation, and adherence to human rights norms to inform project adaptation as well as broader Freedom House research, advocacy, and engagement

Attributes and Characteristics:

• Eagerness to think creatively about complex challenges
• Willingness to reflect, learn, and adapt
• Exhibit strong and sustained commitment to the mission of Freedom House
• Show good stewardship in the use of Freedom House resources 
• Exhibit ethical, professional conduct at all times
• Consistently use good judgment when dealing with all contacts and constituents
• Exhibit high work standards, adherence to procedures, and responsibility for assigned tasks
• Demonstrate the desire for excellence to inspire others to attain professional excellence
• Assess own strengths and weaknesses; pursue training and development opportunities; strive to continuously build knowledge and skills
• Work as an effective team member and successfully balance responsibilities
• Comply with all policies and procedures

 WORKING CONDITIONS:

• General working office environment. 
• Some long hours including evenings and weekends to complete tasks or attend events.
• Travel within Ethiopia and occasional travel outside of the Ethiopia may be required.

 Reports to: Program Director, Ethiopia  

Department: International Programs Division, Africa Team

Job Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, International Relations, Law, International Development, or related fields & Master's degree preferred

Experience: 

• Three to five years of related work experience; at least one year of experience on programs focused on civil society support, democracy, and human rights promotion in Ethiopia 
• At least two years’ experience working on donor-funded programs including creating and managing budgets and implementing monitoring and evaluation plans strongly preferred
• Knowledge of and commitment to the cause of advancing human rights and democracy
• Superior understanding of political, social and rights dynamics in Ethiopia; understanding of the broader Horn of Africa region desired
• Understanding of USG funding processes, budget forms, rules, and regulations strongly preferred
• Experience developing and drafting funding proposals strongly preferred.

Skills and Competencies:

• Astute political judgment and strategic thinking; excellent judgment in problem solving and decision making 
• Knowledge of international human rights principles and mechanisms, and understanding of international democracy promotion
• Proven ability to multitask and manage time effectively to meet competing deadlines and manage priorities 
• Strong ability to develop, analyze, and manage program budgets and workplans; facility in budget management (including use of Excel)
• Ability to conduct research and apply strong analytical skills
• Mastery of MS Office Suite 
• Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to persuade and facilitate cooperation between individuals with divergent views and to collaborate with others and successfully work as an effective team member  
• Ability to maintain the highest degree of confidentiality regarding all aspects of work
• Ability to represent Freedom House professionally in conduct and personal appearance
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to consistently produce timely and error-free work under tight deadlines
• Excellent timekeeping, attendance, and time management, and ability to work flexible schedule and be available outside of normal business hours for emergency work purposes
• Ability to adhere to and work within strict guidelines and procedures

How to Apply

Interested and qualified applicants may register and upload their CVs via Freedom House’s official job application portal by clicking the following link