Founded in 2000, Free the Slaves is a pioneer and leader in the global effort to eradicate slavery. Our mission is to liberate those in slavery and to change the conditions that allow slavery to persist. Free the Slaves works at the grassroots to empower vulnerable individuals and communities to resist slavery. We work with and through local partners to build national capacity to combat slavery and trafficking.

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., with programs in Ghana, Haiti, India, Nepal, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Free the Slaves has an annual operating budget of approximately $3 million, a talented and dedicated staff of 26, including 11 in its country offices and field programs, and a highly engaged and supportive Board of Directors. For more information, see: www.freetheslaves.net.

This position is appropriate for individuals who are interested in developing a career in the fields of international development and human rights and who possess strong organizational skills as well as an aptitude for working with basic financial data. The Program Operations Officer will be responsible for ensuring smooth operations of FTS’ vibrant country programs, supporting the financial and administrative management of a 16-member Programs Team, and ensuring consistency of operations with FTS and other relevant policies and regulations. The successful candidate will assist the Programs and Finance & Administration teams to maximize the country offices’ performance in operations, play a key role in developing and managing program budgets, support financial reporting to FTS donors, and review grantee budgets and financial reports. She/he will be a member of the Programs Department and work closely with the country offices, including full- and part-time financial and administrative staff based in 4 of the country offices. She/he will also closely collaborate with DC-based staff of all Free the Slaves departments, including Finance; Development (Fundraising); Communications; and Monitoring, Learning and Evaluation. The Program Operations Officer will maintain strong and positive relations within the Programs Team and between FTS and grantee partners, vendors and contractors.

Responsibilities:

• Support the development of grantee budgets and review partner financial reports

• Review monthly expense reports and cash advances to FTS country offices

• Initiate and track cash transfer requests to country offices and partner grantees

• Support grantee financial monitoring

• Support NGO registration of country offices

• Support country office compliance with national regulations governing registered NGOs

• Draft budgets for grant proposals, in collaboration with the Development Department, and for country programs

• Support budget monitoring

• Support the improvement of Programs operational functions, including by creating written guidance for Programs and other FTS staff, in close collaboration with the Department of Finance and Administration

• Support operational aspects of bringing to fruition an exciting new joint venture launched in Haiti with a sister anti-slavery NGO

• Other relevant tasks, as assigned

Requirements:  

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

• Strong English and French verbal and written proficiency

• Strong organizational and time management skills

• Operational and budgeting experience (desired) 

• Aptitude to work comfortably with budgets and basic financial reports (required)

• Familiarity with international development and/or human rights

• Passion and commitment to ending modern slavery

• Determination and ability to sustain positive, respectful and dynamic relationships with staff of country offices and overseas partners 

• Ability to work with limited supervision and across various countries and cultural contexts

• While international travel is not expected for this position during 2016, the candidate should be enthusiastic to undertake a small amount of travel to country programs, if needed

Salary: Salary will be commensurate with experience. Candidates early in their careers, with the relevant aptitudes, are encouraged to apply.  

How to Apply

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 APPLICATION MATERIAL 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.

Deadline for Applications: 

Applications received by February 22, 6:00 p.m. EST will receive full consideration. Applications received thereafter may be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Free the Slaves is an equal-opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.