Program Officer II 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 of Position:

Solidarity Center is seeking a program officer to provide day-to-day support and serves as a point of contact for assigned programs in the Asia region. The ideal candidate will have experience building and coordinating global networks and coalitions on migration, trafficking, force labor, and global supply chains, and will have some skills in an Asian language.

The Program Officer II will be asked to write persuasive proposals that describe complex activities, and develops corresponding budgets. This will require becoming thoroughly conversant in all aspects of program activities and current events relevant to the on-going political, economic, social and trade union developments in the assigned country or region. This individual will participate in the development and implementation of education, training and other programs. The Program Officer II must have the writing skills to produce well-written program reports and evaluations. This individual will monitor programs to meet budget targets and programmatic results. In addition, the Program Officer II will prepare and exchange information and coordinate activities with other Solidarity Center departments.

The Program Officer II will assist and advise the Regional Program Director, Senior Advisor, or Senior Program Officer on details of programs in the assigned country(ies) of responsibility. This individual will work closely with AFL-CIO affiliates to coordinate their participation in the development and implementation of Solidarity Center programs. Based on the needs of the Solidarity Center, the Program Officer II may be assigned to a field office on a temporary basis. This individual will assist with and provides logistical support for international visitors and participants in Washington-based programs conducted by the Solidarity Center, AFL-CIO, affiliates, GUFs and/or related organizations. The Program Officer II represents Solidarity Center at meetings and conferences and coordinates with Washington-based NGOs, and U.S. government agencies. Travel to the region may be required.

Basic Qualifications:

• A Program Officer II must have broad knowledge of international relations including trade union and socio-economic and political developments in the U.S. and abroad.
• Previous trade union experience is highly desirable. This individual must be able to work independently and complete assignments with limited supervision.
• The Program Officer II must be capable of managing multiple assignments simultaneously.
• This individual must have, at a minimum, a 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 are a must.
• Computer literacy for word processing and simple spreadsheets is required.
• The Program Officer II must have the ability to work and interact easily with a wide variety of people.
• Persons considered for this position must agree to serve abroad in both temporary and long-term positions, based on the needs of the Center.
• Fluency in a foreign language is a plus and may be a requirement for some Program Officer positions.

Supervisor: Regional Program Director

Specific Duties:

• Provide programmatic financial and administrative support on assigned programs;

• Write/edit proposals, reports, letters, and other correspondence;

• Conduct issue research for use by Center headquarters and field offices;

• Assist in arranging 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 the Center’s other program and functional offices;

• Assist with Solidarity Center’s other program and functional offices as needed;

• Develop coalition-building contacts with U.S. labor, government and non-governmental organizations in the Washington area;

• Provide guidance to field staff 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 in program planning;

• 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 Center field office;

• Work closely with AFL-CIO affiliates to coordinate their participation in the development and implementation of Solidarity Center programs;

• 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.