This is an expatriate position. Due to the global health crisis, deployment to Cambodia is contingent upon the lifting of travel restrictions and confirmation of safe conditions on the ground. Until that time, all work will be done remotely.
Anticipated Start Date: October 18, 2021
Deadline to Apply: Until Filled
Location: Phnom Penh
Summary
Solidarity Center seeks a Deputy Country Program Director to assist in advancing its mission in Cambodia. The Deputy Country Program Director (Deputy CPD, Deputy, or DCPD) reports to the Regional Program Director (RPD) for Asia while serving as the primary support person in the field office to the Country Program Director (CPD), in whose absence the Deputy will represent Solidarity Center and take responsibility for managing the office and local staff. The Deputy must have sound judgment and political sense for decision-making, particularly when the Country Program Director and headquarters cannot be reached. This position requires a working knowledge of and experience in US Government regulations and procedures related to the funding and management of grants. This individual also works in close partnership with AFL-CIO affiliates and labor federations, global union federations (GUFs), unions and worker organizations in Cambodia, and must be conversant in both program activities and events relevant to the political, economic, social and trade union developments in Cambodia.
The Deputy assists in the design and implementation of field programs including the writing and editing of concept papers and funding proposals for programs that address the needs of the partner trade unions and the AFL-CIO. This individual will assist the CPD in program monitoring to measure and evaluate progress and ensure budgetary compliance. The Deputy may be assigned primary responsibility for the implementation and monitoring of specific programs in the Cambodia portfolio. This individual liaises with the CPD on significant developments in the country or region through meetings, reports and other communication.
The Deputy, within approved communications guidelines, supports the work of the CPD with AFL-CIO affiliates, the ITUC and its regional organizations, and GUFs, to facilitate their participation in Solidarity Center programs. The Deputy provides logistical support for visitors from the Solidarity Center, AFL-CIO, affiliates, GUFs, the donor agency and/or other organizations. In the absence or at the direction of the CPD, the Deputy shall represent accurately and effectively the policies and programs of the Solidarity Center and the AFL-CIO in public and private meetings with donors, partners, and other national and international organizations. This individual may be required to travel extensively within the region and is able to fill in for CPDs on a temporary basis.
The Deputy assists the CPD to ensure compliance with Solidarity Center policies, US regulations governing grants, and host-country law. At the direction of the CPD, the Deputy shall develop and maintain positive relationships with the appropriate personnel at the USAID mission and the US Embassy, including completing requisite reporting requirements regarding Solidarity Center work. With the CPD, the Deputy monitors developments to ensure that USAID and the Embassy understand organized labor’s role in the development process, and how Solidarity Center programs contribute to and enhance their ability to accomplish their strategic objectives.
Basic Qualifications
- Knowledge of international relations and trade union, socio-economic and political developments in the U.S. and abroad
- Previous trade union experience, and/or experience in Solidarity Center as a Program Officer III or Senior Program Officer
- Ability to work independently and with limited supervision
- Ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously and make 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 five years equivalent work experience
- Good communications and writing skills
- Good inter-personal skills
- Computer literacy for word processing and simple spreadsheets
- Fluency in a foreign language is a plus and may be highly desirable for some Deputy positions.
Personal Qualities
The successful candidate will bring a sense of passion about the country and its politics, a strong social justice orientation, and a clear understanding of gender equity as a critical component of workers’ rights. This individual will have good judgment regarding U.S. and international political environments and the confidence, tenacity, energy, patience, and drive to work with others in this multilayered international organization to advance the cause of workers around the world.
Supervisor: Regional Program Director
The Country Program Director will have lead person responsibilities and direct the work of the Deputy.
Specific Duties
- Assist the CPD in managing of the field office;
- Under the direction of the CPD, supervise local-hire staff;
- Ensure compliance with Solidarity Center and AFL-CIO policies and procedures, applicable donor and federal government regulations, and host-country law;
- With the guidance of the CPD, design, develop and implement country or regional programs that respond to the strategies, goals and objectives of the donors, 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 as assigned by the CPD; discuss substantive changes required with CPD/Program Officer/Regional Program Director;
- Monitor program expenditures to meet budget targets;
- At the direction of the CPD and within approved communications guidelines, work closely with AFL-CIO affiliates to coordinate their participation in Solidarity Center programs;
- Manage the logistics for field trips by Solidarity Center, AFL-CIO and affiliate personnel as requested;
- Under the direction of the CPD, develop relations with US government personnel in country to ensure they understand the role of labor in development and of Solidarity Center programs in the context of their strategy;
- Share information on country 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;
- Guided by CPD, develop coalition-building contacts with national and international labor, government and non-governmental organizations in the country or region;
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Hiring for this position is contingent upon donor approval of the candidate. 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.
As part of the collective bargaining unit, this position is generously compensated with an annual salary starting at around $88,500, which may be subject to U.S. foreign earned income tax exclusion for US citizens (please consult a tax professional to verify). A robust benefits package includes excellent health and life insurance, a retirement plan/pension, and ample paid time off for holidays, vacation, and sick leave. In addition, as an expatriate position, the Deputy Country Program Director is entitled to housing, relocation expenses, annual home leave, and an education allowance for dependents.
For Candidates Applying from the AFL-CIO: Please be advised that we will inform the AFL-CIO when any of its current employees apply for positions with Solidarity Center. This notification is a matter of policy for all candidates, regardless of each individual’s qualifications and competitiveness for a specific opportunity.
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.
