Job Description

 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 Ethiopia Finance and Administrative Associate provides programmatic support including finance, logistical, administrative, research, writing and data analysis assistance to Ethiopia programs in-country. This position is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and reports to Freedom House's Addis Ababa-based Ethiopia Program Director.  

PRINCIPAL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND EXPECTATIONS:

• Prepare expense reports for program expenditure in compliance with FH and donor requirements
• Prepare payment requests in full compliance with FH and donor requirements
• Ensure timely approval is obtained for contracts, LOAs, MOUs, work plan documents, etc., track their duration and notify supervisor of imminent expiration
• Track and update program expenditure on a daily basis and maintain database 
• Schedule and arrange meetings and events, and liaise with internal and external contacts appropriately and under supervision
• Assist with travel plans including flight and hotel research and booking, travel authorization, visa application, etc.
• Represent team in meetings and backstopping calls as requested by supervisor, take notes and provide written feedback to team, and provide backstopping support as required
• Create, maintain, update and analyze team databases for contacts, vendors and others as assigned
• Maintain program files and folders for easy access and retrieval 
• Assist in the ordering, receiving, stocking and distribution of office supplies
• Assist with photocopying, scanning, faxing, filing, collating and distributing documents
• Provide general office support and a variety of related tasks to other work teams as directed
• Conduct desk research for assessments, proposals, budget narratives, news updates, etc
• Contribute to the preparation of reports, proposals, grants, press releases, and budgets as required 
• Share knowledge of tasks with interns and assist interns as required
• Resolve all job-related problems promptly, and escalate unresolved issues as necessary
• Ensure all work products comply fully with standards, policies and mission of Freedom House
• Avoid the use of electronic devices such as cell phones while driving on Freedom House assignment
• Other related duties as assigned.

 Attributes and Characteristics:

• Exhibit strong and sustained commitment to the mission of Freedom House
• Show good stewardship in the use of Freedom House resources
• Respond promptly to stakeholder needs, and solicit stakeholder feedback to improve service quality
• Exhibit excellent phone etiquette, pleasant demeanor, and ethical conduct
• Consistently use good judgment when dealing with all contacts and constituents
• Exhibit high work standards, adherence to procedures, and responsibility for assigned tasks
• Demonstrate strong desire for excellence, and desire 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, successfully balance individual and team responsibilities
• Comply with all policies and procedures

 PRIMARY CONTACTS:

• Internal:  Ethiopia and U.S employees on the Africa team
• External: Under supervision of Ethiopia Program Director; partners, funders, donors, government agencies, legislators, the press, vendors, FH Ethiopia board members, members of the general public, etc.

 WORKING CONDITIONS:

• General Working Conditions:
• General working office environment
• Some overtime hours including evenings and weekends to complete tasks or attend events
• Travel to event sites and field offices less than 20% of the time
• Exposed to outside weather conditions when required to attend event venues or travel

 Reports to: Program Director, Ethiopia     

Department: International Programs Division, Africa Team

Job Requirements

Education:     

• Bachelors’ degree in Political Science, International Relations, Finance, Business management or related field 

Training or Certification:

• MS Office Suite, specifically Excel and Word
• Basic Accounting

 Experience:   

• One to three years related experience or combination of education, training and experience
• Experience in non-governmental organizations and work on donor-funded programs preferred

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to communicate in Amharic both verbally and in writing. Ability to communicate in other Ethiopian languages preferred
• Strong knowledge of human rights principles and mechanisms, and understanding of democracy promotion
• Strong understanding of Ethiopia’s political and democracy context and program goals
• Ability to apply accurate and strong database and records management skills
• Knowledge of basic accounting principles and grant-related compliance requirements
• Mastery of MS Office Suite, and ability to accurately type minimum 40 words per minute
• Mastery of numeric and alphabetical skills to successfully organize and complete work
• Ability to coordinate travel logistics, meetings, and use of conference facilities
• Ability to accept and complete administrative tasks with a great attitude
• Ability to consistently apply good judgment in problem solving and decision making
• Ability to maintain the highest degree of confidentiality regarding all aspects of work at all times
• Consistent commitment to excellent partner and stakeholder service
• Strong ability to apply interpersonal skills, and successfully work in a diverse and multicultural environment
• Ability to collaborate with others and work as an effective team member for the success of the team
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, and meet all goals and deadlines
• Strong ability to plan, organize, prioritize work, and multitask to meet tight deadlines
• Strong ability to ask questions, learn, and work under pressure and succeed in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to apply superb attention to detail and consistently produce timely and error-free work
• Excellent time keeping and attendance at all times
• Ability to work flexible schedule and pre-approved overtime as needed
• 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