This is an expatriate position. The start date will depend upon COVID19 developments and the feasibility of travel. Once relocation is permitted and confirmed to be safe, the Country Program Director will be deployed to the country of assignment.

Anticipated Start Date: September 27, 2021

Deadline to Apply: Until Filled

Location: Rabat/Remote

Summary

Solidarity Center seeks a trade unionist with experience working internationally and managing grants to be its Country Program Director (CPD) for North Africa. This position manages field offices and designs and implements worker rights programs in Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Mauritania, and potentially Libya. This individual represents Solidarity Center and keeps headquarters informed of significant developments in the assigned countries through periodic program reports and regular communication.  This individual must be conversant in current political, economic, social and trade union developments across North Africa.  The Country Program Director must have sound judgment and a good political sense that facilitate decision-making, particularly for times when headquarters cannot be reached.

The Country Program Director works closely with AFL-CIO affiliates, the ITUC and its regional organizations, and the international trade secretariats to facilitate their participation in Solidarity Center programs.  The CPD also provides logistical support for visitors from the Solidarity Center, AFL-CIO, affiliates, GUFs, the donor agency and/or other organizations.  This individual must have the experience and presence to 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 organizations. This individual will be required to travel regularly to Tunisia, with some travel to Algeria and Mauritania (as health and safety conditions permit) and may fill in for other Country Program Directors on a temporary or indefinite basis.

A significant component of this position includes seeking funds for programs that address the needs of Solidarity Center’s partner trade unions, the AFL-CIO, and the US strategy for the assigned countries.  Thus, the CPD for North Africa must have the ability to write persuasive concept papers and proposals. This individual is expected to develop and maintain positive relationships with the appropriate personnel at the USAID missions and the US Embassies and keep them informed about Solidarity Center’s work in the assigned countries.  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 country, and the ways in which the Solidarity Center program contributes to and enhances their ability to accomplish their strategic objectives.

This individual must have experience in managing grants in order to monitor programs for progress toward expected programmatic results as well as compliance with budget targets

and funding agency requirements. For this reason, a working knowledge of US Government funding regulations and procedures is important and highly desirable.

The Country Program Director manages the operations of the assigned field offices 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 CPD also responsible for compliance with both Solidarity Center policies.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of international relations and trade union and socio-economic and political developments in the U.S. and abroad
• Experience with trade unions, specifically with organizing, collective bargaining, and capacity building/training
• Experience with US Government regulations and procedures related to grant management
• Ability to work independently and without supervision
• 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
• Strong communication 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 written and spoken English and Arabic; fluency in French is also desirable

Supervisor: Regional Program Director, Middle East and North Africa (MENA)

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 country, and ensure they understand the role of labor in development and of Solidarity Center programs in the context of their country 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;
• Develop coalition-building contacts with national and international labor, government and non-governmental organizations in the country or region.

As a field-based assignment within the collective bargaining unit, this position includes compensation to expatriate hires for housing, relocation, home leave, and education for dependents, in addition to a generous annual salary and benefits package. Field assignments typically last from three to six years, with the option to transfer to another post at the end of the assignment.

Hiring for this position is contingent upon donor approval of the candidate.

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.

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.

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For the duration of the global health crisis, all work for this position will be done remotely. All travel will be contingent upon the lifting of government restrictions and confirmation of safe conditions on the ground.

Location: San Salvador

Deadline for Application: When filled

This position is contingent upon donor approval

SUMMARY

Solidarity Center seeks an experienced, creative, and forward-thinking Communications Specialist to fill a newly created position based in San Salvador, El Salvador supporting worker rights programs in Central America. Under the supervision of the Central America Country Program Director (CPD) based in Guatemala, the Communications Specialist will be primarily responsible for overseeing the implementation of an integrated communications and outreach strategy for a USDOL-funded project to “Improve Respect for Workers’ Rights in Agricultural Supply Chains in Honduras and Guatemala, and the Maquila Sector in El Salvador.” Fluent English and Spanish language skills are required.

DUTIES

• Design and oversee a communication strategy that accomplishes Solidarity Center goals through traditional and new media platforms. The Communication Specialist will present an ongoing workplan to the CPD with deliverables and deadlines.
• Provide guidance to strategically deploy worker testimonies in local media, social networks, and for advocacy engagement with employers, third-party stakeholders (like brands and consumers), and national governments.
• Work closely with the project team to gather photos, conduct interviews, and organize training workshops, conferences, and other events.
• Capture and edit photos and video for production materials.
• Design, write and edit publications, broadcast scripts, brochures, newsletters, and feature stories intended for both allies and the public.
• Train workers and staff to be effective spokespeople and storytellers through the use of communications workshops and mentoring programs that build communications capacity into local union organizing.
• Develop curriculum, materials and training for staff and partner organizations on various communications methods as part of the skills transfer and sustainability plan.
• Coordinate all aspects of press conferences and media events, including preparation and distribution of press releases and advisories, collecting information, quotes and contact information and prepping training leaders to speak to the press.
• Make outreach calls to reporters and cultivate relationships with media.
• Contribute to Solidarity Center’s website with specific information about local campaigns in the region.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Minimum of three years of professional experience in communications work relevant to worker rights and/or collective action to protect the interests of underserved communities, preferably in the project’s target countries (Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador) and sectors (maquila and agriculture).
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team;
• Ability to work effectively under pressure, with minimal supervision, while staying well organized and self-motivated.
• Ability to make good use of resources and available tools.
• Ability to work effectively with allies and staff from diverse ethnic, social and economic groups.
• Ability to travel throughout Central America talking to workers and members of the public to gather photos, interviews and conduct/ set up press conferences.
• Sound judgment and ability to manage competing priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, an enthusiastic attitude and a commitment to contribute to a positive work environment.
• Fluent written and spoken English and Spanish language skills

ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED IN ENGLISH

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.

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Please Note: All work for this position will be done remotely for the duration of the global health crisis. Once government restrictions are lifted and office conditions are confirmed to be safe, the Communications Officer III will work at Solidarity Center’s Washington, DC headquarters.

Anticipated Start Date: September 27

Deadline for Application: Until Filled

Summary

Solidarity Center seeks a disciplined self-starter for the role of Communications Officer III to manage content on its web site. This includes drafting, editing, formatting, and posting web stories and other information, maximizing social media sharing of web content. The Communications Officer will draft, edit, proofread, and disseminate reports, press releases, brochures, flyers, letters, and other outreach materials. Other duties will include researching photos, obtaining permissions, and maintaining the Solidarity Center photo library. The Communications Officer will work closely with all departments and field offices and with outside vendors on print and other projects. This individual will help plan organizational events and may represent Solidarity Center at meetings and conferences in the U.S. and abroad with donors, partners, and other national and international public and private organizations.  Pending safe conditions, travel abroad may be required.

The Communications Officer will need to summarize large quantities of information about programs accurately, succinctly, and compellingly.  This individual prepares and exchanges information and coordinates the writing and editing of documents with other sections of the Solidarity Center.

Basic Qualifications:

• Technical skills in Drupal and/or WordPress to oversee the Solidarity Center’s website Experience with social media (Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, YouTube, etc.)
• Thorough knowledge of global political, economic, and social justice issues
• Fluency in English with excellent communications skills, including writing, editing, and proofreading
• Ability to work independently and complete assignments without supervision
• Ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously
• Ability to develop and implement strategies to increase web traffic and reach new audiences, and monitor web analytics
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Ability to work and interact easily with a wide variety of people.
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, English, journalism, political science, international relations, labor relations or a related field and/or ten years of related work experience
• Advanced word processing skills and basic spreadsheet and database skills
• Experience in writing material for the web
• Experience in page layout and design
• Willingness to travel as necessary (10-20% pending safe conditions)

Additional Job Requirements:

• At least five years of experience working in external communications, preferably for a labor rights, human rights or global nongovernmental organization
• Excellent writing, editing and proofing skills
• Ability to analyze data and understand and translate its connection to program and mission
• Proven ability to coordinate complicated projects and to communicate across an organization and with partners and consultants
• Experience initiating, contributing to, and producing communications assets (social media, visuals/videos, and publications such as research reports, fact sheets, blogs, news stories, etc.)
• Ability to thrive and be flexible in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment
• Experience with developing budgets and monitoring expenses for programs, and managing vendor contracts
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team

Experience translating statistical and economic data into common language is a plus, as are photographic and/or video skills, along with familiarity with graphic design, photo editing, and publishing software. Proficiency in a second language is preferred but not required. Previous trade union experience and knowledge of labor issues is highly desirable.

Supervisor: Communications Director

Basic Duties:

• Oversee and update the Solidarity Center web site
• Conceptualize, develop, write, edit, ensure accuracy, and incorporate reviews of stories and information for the web site, outreach materials and other media and Solidarity Center publications
• Interview staff, union leaders, and experts on issues relevant to workers for the web site
• Maximize social media channels for greater outreach
• Coordinate development of Solidarity Center materials with staff
• Research, select, commission (when necessary), and manage rights to use photos/videos and maintain a photo library
• Draft proposals, budgets and reports as requested by supervisor
• Assist with production of reports and other documents as needed
• Travel as necessary
• Provide feedback to staff regarding draft materials to improve the quality of future submissions
• Work with program staff to develop flow of interesting information from the field to the AFL-CIO Now weblog and other vehicles for dissemination of information about Solidarity Center programs
• Write articles, reports and presentations for the Executive Director
• Do page layout and design for organizational brochures
• Edit outgoing correspondence as requested
• Select information from field reporting and synthesize for website or publication
• Write documents that require summarizing large quantities of information
• Exercise quality control function to ensure that all outgoing documents are well written, free of errors, and presented in a professional manner
• Represent the Solidarity Center as directed
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

This is a collective bargaining unit position, generously compensated with a gross annual salary starting at approximately $83,000 USD. A robust benefits package includes excellent health and life insurance, a retirement plan/pension, and ample paid time off for holidays, vacation, and medical leave.

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.

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