This is an expatriate position. Due to the global health crisis, deployment to Guatemala will be contingent upon the lifting of travel restrictions and confirmation of safe conditions on the ground. Until that time, all work will be done remotely.
Location: Guatemala City, Guatemala
Target Start Date: October 17, 2021
Deadline for Application: When filled
Summary:
Solidarity Center seeks a Deputy Country Program Director (Deputy or DCPD) with strong management skills and a commitment to social justice to serve as the primary support person to the Country Program Director (CPD) in our Guatemala field office. In the absence of the CPD, the Deputy will assume represent Solidarity Center with donors and partners and take responsibility for managing the field office, including local staff. This individual must be conversant in events relevant to the political, economic, social and trade union developments in Central America. The Deputy must have sound judgment and political sense for making decisions when the Country Program Director and headquarters cannot be reached for consultation. This individual will need a working knowledge of and experience in US Government regulations and procedures related to the funding and management of grants.
The Deputy assists in designing and implementing field programs that address the needs of our partner trade unions and the AFL-CIO. This includes writing and editing concept papers and proposals and seeking funding opportunities. This individual assists the CPD in program monitoring to measure and evaluate progress and ensure budgetary compliance. The Deputy may be assigned primary responsibility for implementing and monitoring specific programs within the country/regional program portfolio. The Deputy liaises with the CPD on significant developments in the country or region through meetings, reports and other communication.
The Deputy supports the work of the CPD with AFL-CIO affiliates, the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and its regional organizations, and global union federations (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 other organizations. The Deputy may be required to fill in for a CPD on a temporary basis. Some travel will be required within Central America (Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica).
The Deputy assists the CPD in ensuring 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 development 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 Central America;
- Experience in a trade union, specifically with grassroots organizing and campaign design;
- Experience and skill in strategic planning;
- Experience with proposal development and reporting, ideally in the context of U.S. government grants;
- Bachelor’s degree in political science, international relations, labor relations or related fields and/or five years equivalent work experience
- Ability to implement projects alongside partners
- Ability to work independently on project start-up, with limited supervision, while collaborating with and coordinating teams;
- Ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously and make decisions that have major effects on costs and completion of projects
- Good communications and writing skills
- Good interpersonal skills
- Fluency in written and spoken Spanish
- Computer literacy for word processing and simple spreadsheets
Supervisor: Regional Program Director
(Country Program Director will direct the work of the Deputy on a day to day basis)
Specific Duties
- Assist the CPD in managing 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; and
- Guided by CPD, develop coalition-building contacts with national and international labor, government and non-governmental organizations in the country or 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.
As part of the collective bargaining unit, this position is generously compensated with an annual salary starting at around $90,300, 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.
