ABOUT FREEDOM HOUSE
Established more than 80 years ago on the core conviction that freedom flourishes in democratic nations where governments are accountable to their people, Freedom House is a non-partisan, non-profit organization that works to defend and expand freedom globally to help secure a world where all are free. Around the world, repressive regimes are preventing billions of people from exercising their fundamental rights. We identify and analyze threats to freedom, mobilize decision makers to respond to those threats and seize opportunities for progress, and support activists and organizations working to defend and expand freedom. We are dedicated to ensuring that the United States serves as a positive model of democratic practice at home and a consistent champion of freedom globally. By gathering authoritative data and leveraging our global networks, Freedom House is an unwavering beacon in protecting human rights and promoting democratic governance.
All Freedom House employees possess a deep and unwavering commitment to nonpartisanship, with a sustained dedication to the mission of Freedom House. We have a strong work ethic and a keen desire for both personal and professional development. The team is also dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Deputy Director of Policy and Advocacy for Transnational Repression reports to the Vice President of Policy and Advocacy and will play a leading role in crafting Freedom House’s policy agenda and advocacy strategy for responding to transnational repression (TNR), or the targeting of exiles and diasporas by the states they have left. This is a full-time position based in Washington, DC. At present, the Policy and Advocacy team is working in hybrid format, with occasional in-office days required.
Working in close coordination with Freedom House’s in-house experts on TNR, international programs department, and external partners, the Deputy Director of Policy and Advocacy for TNR will play a key role in determining Freedom House’s policy agenda, partner on the crafting of advocacy strategies to advance that agenda, and coordinate the implementation of the advocacy strategies. The advocacy focus for this position will be international and multistakeholder advocacy, as well as national government (including US government) engagement. This position is contingent upon project award; the title, qualifications, and responsibilities may be adjusted based on donor’s final requirements for the position.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead development of advocacy strategies related to transnational repression (TNR), in close coordination with subject matter experts and within the framework of Freedom House’s institutional strategic plan.
- In consultation with internal subject matter experts, determine policy positions to take, which USG and foreign government officials and advocacy targets to meet with, which written advocacy products to produce, how to promote existing publications and move existing policy recommendations forward, etc.
- Author policy recommendations, policy briefs, congressional testimony, op-eds, press releases, talking points, and other advocacy materials as necessary.
- Monitor developments related to TNR, including legislative proposals and advocacy initiatives in key democracies around the world, to keep colleagues informed and recommend policy positions and advocacy interventions.
- Review and recommend whether Freedom House should sign on to advocacy and coalition letters with partner organizations and other stakeholders around these issues. In addition, identify and oversee opportunities for Freedom House to draft and lead on coalition letters.
- Organize and lead meetings, roundtables, and events, and represent Freedom House at high-level engagements related to TNR.
- Develop relationships with civil society organizations and policymakers focused on addressing transnational repression and expanding the work of the coordination group on countering TNR run by Freedom House.
- Prepare human rights defenders working on TNR and Freedom House staff for meetings, hearings, briefings, or speaking engagements on these topics.
- Respond to incoming requests from policymakers for information related to TNR.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in international affairs, political science, human rights, or a related field required. Master’s degree preferred.
Experience:
- 9-12 years of directly relevant experience, including of hands-on policy or advocacy experience and the ability to demonstrate success at moving legislation or policy agendas.
- An eagerness to grapple with complicated policy questions, and previous experience working on human rights issues and advocating to US and international policymakers. Previous employment in legislatures/parliaments or TNR-relevant executive branch departments/ministries strongly preferred, especially European, Canadian, or Australian.
- Understanding of TNR; familiarity with related issues such as protection of vulnerable populations, diaspora engagement, security policy, foreign interference, and protection of civil liberties; and experience working on policy to address emerging human rights issues.
- Proven ability to research, analyze, and report on policy issues, including demonstrated experience drafting legislation, policy memos, and other written products relevant to policy and advocacy work.
- Proven ability to build consensus amongst a variety of diverse stakeholders.
- Track record of strategic leadership.
- Experience working on sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, or the Middle East a plus.
Technical Skills and Abilities:
- Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to plan, organize, prioritize work, and multitask to meet tight deadlines.
- Ability to distill large amounts of complex information into short summaries preserving key points.
- Ability to assess and recommend policy positions based on Freedom House’s lens toward bipartisan, pragmatic solutions.
- Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
- Proven ability to build consensus amongst variety of diverse stakeholders; demonstrated success with coalition work a plus.
- Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.
- Ability to maintain the highest degree of confidentiality and exhibit unquestionable integrity, honesty, and forthrightness.
- Must be able to successfully work collaboratively with all levels of employees, management, external partners, and funders.
- Familiarity with social media for advocacy.
- Familiarity with the MS Office suite of applications.
- Familiarity with Salesforce, KnowWho, and AirTable a plus.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Freedom House established core values are belonging, collaboration, excellence, integrity, and respect. Through these values we prioritize creating a supportive and inclusive environment, emphasize collective efforts for success, are dedicated to high-quality impactful work, uphold trust through courage and honesty, and treat everyone with dignity while appreciating their unique contributions.
- Diversity makes our work stronger. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all background to apply. Diverse experiences and perspectives connected to the various jurisdictions in which Freedom House has programming are a welcome asset.
- Applicants should complete our online application form and submit a resume and a cover letter outlining interests and qualifications for this position.
- Candidates must possess authorization to work in the United States independent from Freedom House sponsorship.
- This position is contingent upon project award; the title, qualifications, and responsibilities may be adjusted based on donor’s final requirements for the position.
COMPENSATION & REWARDS:
- Salaries are commensurate with experience and based on pay grades that prioritize equity across the organization. Salary range for this role is $110,000 to $120,000 annualized, dependent upon experience.
- We are consistently working to retain and attract top talent to contribute to our continual growth. We are proud to offer an excellent benefits package including:
- Multiple medical plans, dental, and vision insurance available on the first date of hire
- 403(b) Retirement Plan with up to a 10% employer match
- $1,500 yearly professional development reimbursement for work-related trainings courses or memberships directly related to employee’s position.
- Generous Leave Programs
- Annual paid time off that grows with your employment: 15 days for 0-2 years, 20 days for 3-5 years, 25 days for 6+ years. Director level and above start at 25 days.
- Sick Leave: 10 days per year, unlimited roll over year to year
- 4 paid holidays with the ability to float the day later within the same calendar year
- Parental leave: 20 days paid
- Bereavement: 3 days paid
- Jury duty: 30 days paid
- Flexible, hybrid work culture with slow down weeks and “no meeting Fridays”
- Supply annual allocation benefit: $210 for the purchase of home office equipment
- Mental health and well-being services through KonTerra Group
- Free gym at the DC office
- Flexible spending accounts
- Short-term and long-term disability
- Supplemental/Voluntary life insurance
- Employee assistance program
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Essential functions are typically performed in an office setting or remote work.
- May require long hours including evenings and weekends to complete tasks.
- Travel to some countries, for business or in some cases personal reasons, while a Freedom House employee, may not be advisable or even possible due to high security risks.
- Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
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