Job Posting: Policy Advocate, CARE, Washington DC

See the original posting here.

CARE helps alleviate global poverty by empowering women around the world to bring lasting change to their communities. CARE seeks a Policy Advocate within CARE�s Policy Advocacy Unit. Under the direction of the Deputy Director for Government Relations and/or Senior Policy Advocate I/II, the Policy Advocate analyzes USG legislation and administration policies; contributes to the formulation of CARE's policy positions on priority issues; and participates in one or more Issue Teams to support the development and implementation of USG and, where appropriate, global advocacy strategies. REQUIRES: Bachelor�s Degree. 5 years substantive legislative/ congressional similar experience. 3 years international development experience. Demonstrated ability to implement advocacy strategies within the USG and/or international contexts. Solid background and knowledge of legislative environment on Capitol Hill and related Executive branch departments. Knowledge and understanding of issues surrounding international development assistance policy and programs as well as its accompanying budget and appropriations processes. Excellent organizational, written and oral skills. Sound computer knowledge and skills. Desired Skills: Master's degree in political science/ international relations or a related field or equivalent combination of education and work experience as outlined below. 7-10 years or substantive legislative/ congressional experience or advocacy work. 5 years international development hands-on experience such as Peace Corps or NGO programs. Experience in representing an international organization to the US Congress and the Administration. TO APPLY: CARE is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer dedicated to workplace diversity. To apply, please visit www.care.org/careers.

Job Posting: Program Assistant, MENA, Washington DC

See the original posting here.

Description:

The Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) strengthens democracy around the globe through private enterprise and market-oriented reform. CIPE is one of the four core institutes of the National Endowment for Democracy. Since 1983, CIPE has worked with business leaders, policymakers, and journalists to build the civic institutions vital to a democratic society. CIPE's key program areas include anti-corruption, advocacy, business associations, corporate governance, democratic governance, access to information, the informal sector and property rights, and women and youth. The Program Assistant for the Middle East and North Africa is responsible for providing program and administrative support for CIPE's programs for the Middle East and North Africa region, with specific emphasis on Yemen and the Gulf region.


Responsibilities:

• Create and maintain program, financial, correspondence and contract files, both in paper form and electronically
• Process and track payment requests, field office liquidations, travel expense reports, documents for signature, narrative and financial reports, etc.
• Prepare routine correspondence and mailings
• Communication with grantees in Arabic and English, written and spoken
• Assist in writing and compiling quarterly reports, proposals and budgets
• Handle international travel arrangements, events, and local meeting logistics
• Adhere to appropriate office procedures, CIPE and USAID policies and procedures

Qualification:

• Bachelors degree or equivalent required
• 1-2 years of administrative office experience
• Background in international affairs and/or the Middle East with an emphasis on political and economic issues
• Computer skills, proficiency in MS-Office, specifically Word, Excel and Outlook. Internet research skills are highly desired.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal and communication skills in English and Arabic
• Ability to handle multiple, detail-oriented tasks simultaneously with limited supervision
• Fluency in written and verbal English and Arabic is required.

Please do not apply if you do not meet these criteria.

To apply for this exciting opportunity, please send a resume or CV, cover letter, writing sample, and salary history to jobs@cipe.org subject “MENAPA- [YOURLASTNAME]”. No phone calls. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

There is a two-page limit on writing samples. Submissions demonstrating writer's ability to synthesize information are preferred. Applications submitted without writing samples will not be considered.

CIPE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. CIPE offers a salary competitive with other international non-governmental organizations and an excellent benefits package. Applicants must be legally able to work in the United States; CIPE is unable to sponsor employees for work visas.

Writing the Personal Statement

For those of you who might not be aware, Drexel University's writing center offers a number of practical workshops throughout the year. I recently attended "Writing the Personal Statement." During the workshop, the presenter emphasized that a personal statement is basically a persuasive essay. In a personal statement, you are working to emphasize not who you are but how who you are will integrate with the current culture of the graduate program, fellowship, or internship you are seeking. Successfully convincing your readers that you are a truly excellent candidate for a position requires that you understand the organization you are hoping to join (do some online research!) and that you understand who you are and what you might want. Knowing who you are and what you might want requires thoughtfully thinking about who you are and what conditions help you to flourish!   

All of the advice above applies equally to a cover letter as well as a personal statement. Potential employers want you to do a little work for them--show them how you and your skills integrate with the position as it is advertised.

Writing Resource

I recently learned about Purdue University's Online Writing Lab (OWL). Click on "Job Search Writing" and you will then be able to click into a number of resources about cover letter writing, resumes, and CVs.

Drexel's own Steinbright Career Development Center offers similar resources. Use both, mix and match, and remember to email Monica Fauble mfauble@drexel.edu if you need help writing or editing any job-related resources.

Administrative Assistant: International Relief and Development, Arlington VA

See the original posting here.

International Relief and Development is seeking an Administrative Assistant III who provides analytical and specialized administrative support and information management to relieve Chief, Business Development of complex and advanced administrative duties. Additionally, maintains a high standard of professionalism, efficiency, personal communication, discretion and independent judgment. Essential Job Functions: Preforms a wide range of administrative as well as general support duties of a highly responsible and confidential nature; Works independently with only general guidance on a variety of special projects with considerable latitude for independent judgment and initiative; Screens, prioritizes, directs and archives mail. Flags important information. Forwards informative materials to appropriate contacts and follow up on pending mail/ email; Coordinates calendar and appointments and organizes business meetings in a variety of venues. Frequently coordinates meeting with people from multiple locations; schedules meetings and sets up video/ audio/ net conferences; Provides administrative assistance for on and off-site meetings involving people from multiple locations; Prepares, processes and follows up on expense reports, invoices, and requests for payment; Composes both routines and non-routine correspondence (e.g. minutes, announcements, etc.). Researches prepares and edits presentations and special projects as needed; Establishes, manages and maintains an effective file system; Coordinates with departmental staff to review consultant contracts and invoices, track consultant deliverables, and organizes all within a database; Greets and attends to visitors; and Other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS: High School Diploma or equivalent with 5+ years Administrative Assistant experience with increasing responsibility in a professional office environment. Excellent grammar and language skills, accurate spelling and proofing skills. Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite. Preferred Skills & Experience: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related field. Success Factors: Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Excellent visual attention to detail. Proven ability to learn quickly, take initiative, and be accountable for results in a fast-paced, fluid and challenging work environment. Have a high priority on attention to detail and organization. Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team and in coordination with others. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and represent IRD at the highest level. Travel Requirements: None. Physical Requirements: Normal Office Conditions. TO APPLY: Please apply on-line through the "Careers" section of our website at www.ird.org/careers.

Job Posting: Program Manager, International Relgious Freedom, Washington DC

See the original posting here.

Organization:

Freedom House

Location:

United States (Washington, DC)

Website:

www.freedomhouse.org

Contact Information:

Lorena Castro

Phone:

202.747.7019

Email:

recruiting@freedomhouse.org

Fax:

202.822.3893

Apply online:

Click here to apply online for this position >>

Description:

Freedom House supports the spread of freedom and democracy throughout the world through research, effective advocacy, and programs directly supporting frontline activists. We are a leader in identifying threats to freedom through our highly regarded analytic reports, including Freedom in the World. With 13 field offices and two U.S. offices, we are supporting the right of every individual to be free.
The right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion or belief is one of the most fundamental human rights. Yet protecting and promoting this right remains a significant challenge across the globe. The IRF program promotes international religious freedom norms through social and cultural understanding, as well as seeks legal protections in accordance with those norms. It seeks to build local capacity and link proponents of religious freedom on an international level. This position works directly with the Project Coordinator in Jakarta, Indonesia and reports to the Senior Program Manager for International Religious Freedom.

Basic Functions:

• Oversee the day-to-day management of current projects;
• Organize program activities in the US, Southeast Asia, and MENA region, including but not limited to meetings, strategy sessions, and trainings;
• Write initial drafts of reports, funding proposals, and other information on Freedom House projects;
• Provide initial review, and if necessary, recommend corrections and/or amendments to Senior Program Manager on all reporting;
• Manage and track expenses, including filing monthly and quarterly financial reports, drafting project budgets, and coordinating necessary payments and expense documentation;
• Research new funding, project, and advocacy opportunities;
• Develop and maintain copies of up-to-date program information (1-pagers, brochures, project activities, etc.);
• Maintain a database of contacts on International Religious Freedom;
• Conduct outreach to other DC-based organizations working on religious freedom and coordinate regular meetings of these groups;
• Assist in developing relationships on Capitol Hill with congressional staffers interested in religious freedom issues;
• Liaise directly with international and local partners on financial and narrative reporting, program activities, and other projects;
• Represent Freedom House at DC events/meetings relevant to program;
• Support Freedom House¡¦s ongoing advocacy of democratic governance and human rights issues through occasional contribution to Freedom House publications, articles, and press releases when relevant;
• Monitor news and recent developments relating to religious freedom issues around the world, with special focus on Southeast Asia and MENA regions;
• Other duties as assigned.

Field:

• Facilitate, process, and track requests by specific Freedom House Indonesia field staff to Washington and requests from headquarters to field office and their subsequent responses;
• Obtain weekly program updates from field staff and update DC staff on program/country developments at weekly staff meetings;
• Monitor key events in the country backstopped (mainly pertaining to religious freedom, but including other issues such as elections, major news stories, status of particularly relevant legislation, etc.);
• Conduct pre-departure briefings for Freedom House staff members traveling to country backstopped;
• Travel to workshops, meetings, or other events in the field as necessary.

We offer great benefits including

• 100% employer-paid dental Insurance
• 100% employer-paid health insurance; or generously subsidized depending on plan and coverage
• 100% employer paid life insurance and Accidental death Insurance
• 100% employer paid short-term disability and long-term disability insurance
• 403(b) Retirement plan with generous matching funds with 2 year 100% vesting schedule
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care reimbursable expenses
• Transportation pre-tax payroll deduction for metro, and garage parking in DC
• Generous paid vacation leave, sick leave, personal leave, and holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement for graduate studies
• A really nice place to work
• And much more¡K¡K Qualified and Interested applicants
  Please send a resume, and cover letter with salary requirements to: recruiting@freedomhouse.org or fax to (202) 822-3893, Attention: HR. Dept., referencing Req. 2011-007 Only candidates who have been selected for an interview will be contacted.
  EOE M/F/D/V
  
  

  Qualification:

• Bachelor's degree with a focus on international relations, political science, religious studies or related field; Master¡¦s degree strongly preferred
• 2-4 years experience in project management
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills
• Strong interpersonal and inter-cultural communication skills
• Ability to build and cultivate strong partnerships
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, multi-task, and prioritize effectively
• Understanding of U.S. government compliance and funding mechanisms highly desirable
• Knowledge of Sharia law/Islamic legal systems/experience working in Muslim majority countries an asset
• Human rights advocacy experience highly desirable
• Discretion, flexibility, the ability to deal with and negotiate conflict effectively, and a sense of humor

Internship Posting: Latin American Writing Assignment, Work from Home, Unpaid

See the original posting here.

Organization:

Southern Pulse

Location:

(Washington DC (telecommute))

Website:

www.southernpulse.com

Contact Information:

Anna Miro

Email:

applicant@southernpulse.com

Description:

Southern Pulse is a growing information gathering and dissemination organization that uses field contacts and in country media sources to gather open source information on security and politics in Latin America. The internship position(s) will focus you on a particular sub-region in Latin America - Cent Am, the Andes, the Southern Cone, etc. - and involve information gathering from local media sources in Spanish/Portuguese (usually online), producing concise news feeds or "pulses" via a weekly intel cycle, and contributing to other Southern Pulse content collection and preparation.

The position is conducted remotely and usually requires 10-15 hours/week; it is unpaid but provides experience in analyzing security in Latin American, writing and editing, as well as access to the Southern Pulse database and potential future opportunities with the organization and Southern Pulse partner organizations.

Applicants may review the site at www.southernpulse.com.

Qualification:

Applicants should be focused on Latin America and be proficient in reading/translating Spanish-English; knowledge of Portuguese may help. This unpaid internship is for a period of three months, rolling application. Interested candidates may send a cover letter and CV to: americas@southernpulse.com.