Free the Slaves (FTS) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to ending human trafficking and modern slavery worldwide – with a focus on dismantling the economic, political and social systems that allow slavery to persist. We combine world-class research, innovative frontline community activism, targeted advocacy and compelling communications to alert the world that slavery still exists but can be overcome. We work with grassroots organizations to free people from slavery and help them rebuild their lives. We record and share survivor stories so people in power can see slavery and be inspired to work for freedom. We enlist businesses to clean slavery out of their product supply chains and empower consumers to avoid slavery-tainted products. We work with governments to implement effective anti-slavery laws and hold them to their commitments. We research what works and what does not, so that resources can be efficiently focused. Our headquarters is in Washington; we have operations in India, Nepal, Ghana, Haiti, Brazil and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. To learn more about Free the Slaves, visit: www.freetheslaves.net.

The Program Officer is responsible for supporting successful planning and implementation of Free the Slaves’ strategy for eradicating slavery and child labor in Ghana. This role includes an important component of administrative support. This role includes strengthening the work of Free the Slaves’ local NGO partners, who are bringing people out of slavery, ensuring high-quality aftercare, and improving national and local policy frameworks related to slavery and human trafficking. The Program Officer will be supervised by the Senior Program Manager for Ghana and Nepal (based in Washington, DC). The Program Officer coordinates closely with the FTS Monitoring, Learning and Evaluation team and the FTS Development team on grant proposal writing and reporting. This is an exciting position supporting growth in Free the Slaves’ Ghana program.

Support the development of annual plans and budgets for the Ghana program and for funded grassroots partners;

 Monitor adherence to the plans and budgets, taking corrective action as needed;

 Build excellent relations with donors and support preparation of required programmatic and financial reports to donors.

 Support operations of the Ghana program, including advance processing and expense reporting of grassroots partners and FTS staff in country.

 Communicate the work, progress, challenges and outcomes of the Ghana program to FTS staff, board and the general public.

 Coordinate closely with FTS Monitoring, Learning and Evaluation staff, supporting the implementation of monitoring and evaluation of our Ghana program.

 One trip per year to Ghana may be required.

Requirements:  

 An existing right to work in the U.S. (green card or U.S. citizenship);

 Fluency in English;

 Strong organizational and time management skills

 Program management and operational experience, skills and aptitude;

 Relevant post-graduate qualification (e.g. International Development, Human Rights, Law, Community Work/Social Work) or breadth of work and educational experiences to substitute effectively;

 Passion and commitment to ending modern slavery;

 Innovative spirit and willingness to use creative thinking;

 Determination and ability to sustain positive, respectful and dynamic relationships with overseas partners, alongside expectations of mutual accountability;

 Ability to develop budgets, understand income and expenditure reports and give meticulous attention to financial management;

 Ability to work with limited administrative support;

 Strong English writing skills, including ability to write for different audiences.

Preferred: 

Experience or expertise in the following areas:

 Working in Ghana or elsewhere in Africa;

 Building the capacity of local non-governmental organizations and/or government agencies to combat slavery and child labor;

 Child protection, including shelter and other aftercare to children suffering from traumatic abuse;

 Working with grassroots, community-based organization while based in the Global South;  

 Working on rights-based community organizing and development of decent work 

and income generation opportunities;

 Grassroots-led social change, especially in the anti-slavery and anti-trafficking movement;

 Grant management and program operations management; 

 Knowledge of Ghanaian history, politics and culture;

Salary: Salary will be commensurate with experience.

Applications should include a tailored cover letter that outlines how your interest, skills and experience meet the qualifications for the position, resume and a list of references.  PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR RESUME AND COVER LETTER AS ONE(1) WORD OR PDF DOCUMENT. Please include your last name in the title of the submitted document.   Please indicate the annual full-time salary rate required. 

Free the Slaves is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate in its hiring practices and, in order to build the strongest possible workforce, seeks a diverse applicant pool.