Country Program Director – Central America : Guatemala

Solidarity Center

Country Program Director
Central America

Based in Guatemala City, Guatemala
(work remotely for the duration of the global health crisis)

Country Program Director – Central America
Americas – Guatemala City, Guatemala

THIS IS AN EXPATRIATE POSITION. ALL WORK WILL BE DONE REMOTELY FOR THE DURATION OF THE GLOBAL HEALTH CRISIS. ONCE TRAVEL AND RELOCATION ARE PERMITTED AND CONFIRMED TO BE SAFE, THE COUNTRY PROGRAM DIRECTOR WILL BE DEPLOYED TO THE COUNTRY OF ASSIGNMENT.

The Solidarity Center is the largest U.S.-based international worker rights organization. Its programs are based on the principle that, by exercising their right to freedom of association and forming trade unions and democratic worker rights organizations, working people can collectively improve their workplaces, call on governments to uphold laws and protect human rights, and be a force for democracy, social justice and inclusive economic development. Its programs in more than 60 countries focus on human and worker rights awareness, union skills, occupational safety and health, gender equality, migration and human trafficking and pro-legal strategies, bolstering workers in an increasingly informal economy. Founded in 1997 by the AFL-CIO to tackle the enormous challenges workers face in the global economy, the Solidarity Center works to promote democratic rights and respect for workers; raise public awareness about abuses of the world’s most vulnerable workers; and, above all, help the world’s workers secure a voice in their societies and the global economy.

Summary of Position: The Country Program Director designs and implements field programs in Central America. This individual must draw on their experience to write persuasive concept papers and proposals and seek funding for programs that address the needs of the partner trade unions, the AFL-CIO, and the US strategy for the region. This individual monitors programs for progress toward expected programmatic results as well as compliance with budget targets and keeps headquarters informed of significant developments in the region through periodic program reports and other forms of correspondence.

The Country Program Director works closely with AFL-CIO affiliates, the ITUC and its regional organizations, and the international trade secretariats, within approved communications guidelines, to facilitate their participation in Solidarity Center programs. The Country Program Director provides logistical support for visitors from the Solidarity Center, AFL-CIO, affiliates, GUFs, the donor agency and/or other organizations. This individual has the experience and presence necessary to represent accurately and effectively in public fora and in private meetings with donor organizations, partners, and other national and international organizations, the policies and programs of the Solidarity Center and the AFL-CIO. This individual may be required to travel extensively within the region (once global conditions allow) and may need to fill in for other Country Program Directors on a temporary or indefinite basis.

The Country Program Director manages the operations of the field office and supervises the local-hire field staff. This individual ensures that the operations of the field office conform to the host country labor code and other pertinent laws.

The Country Program Director is responsible for compliance with Solidarity Center policies and US regulations governing grants. This individual is expected to develop and maintain positive relationships with the appropriate personnel at USAID missions and US Embassies and keep them informed about the Solidarity Center’s work in the region. The Country Program Director follows the evolution of country development strategies and ensures that USAID and the Embassy understand both the role of the labor movement in the development of the relevant countries, and the ways in which the Solidarity Center program contributes to and enhances their ability to accomplish their strategic objectives.

Basic Qualifications:

• Ability to work independently and without supervision.
• Extensive knowledge of international relations and trade union and socio-economic and political developments in the U.S. and abroad.
• Previous trade union experience, and/or experience in the Solidarity Center as a Program Officer III or Senior Program Officer.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously and make substantive decisions that have major effects on costs and completion of projects.
• 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.
• Ability to work and interact easily with a wide variety of people.
• Fluency in Spanish.

Supervisor: Regional Program Director

Specific Duties:

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the field office;
• Recruit, select and supervise local hire staff;
• Ensure compliance of the office with Solidarity Center and AFL-CIO policies and procedures and applicable donor and federal government regulations;
• Design, develop and implement country or regional programs, which respond to the strategies, goals and objectives of the donor organizations, the AFL-CIO and the Solidarity Center’s partners in the field;
• Initiate concept papers and program proposals and seek funding for same;
• Prepare timely, well-written reports in accordance with the deadline schedule;
• Monitor program performance and results; discuss substantive changes required with Program Officer/Regional Program Director;
• Monitor program expenditures to meet budget targets;
• Work closely with AFL-CIO affiliates to coordinate their participation in Solidarity Center programs, within approved communications guidelines;
• Manage the logistics for field trips by Solidarity Center, AFL-CIO and affiliate personnel;
• Develop solid relationships with US government personnel in the region, and ensure they understand the role of labor in development and of Solidarity Center programs in the context of their country strategies;
• Share information on regional conditions and labor issues as appropriate;
• Provide assistance and support for program evaluations or audits of field projects/offices;
• Travel on a TDY basis to conduct and/or oversee program development and implementation in other countries in the region;
• Develop coalition-building contacts with national and international labor, government and non-governmental organizations in the region.

The duration of this position, while contingent upon continued grant funding, is anticipated to last from three to six years, with the option to transfer to another post at the end of the assignment. In addition to a generous compensation package, the Solidarity Center will cover the cost of relocation, housing, annual home leave, and an education allowance for dependents.

Apply HERE!

The Solidarity Center is an equal employment opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on 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. Women and minority candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Let’s block ads! (Why?)

Job Posting Courtesy of UnionJobs.com