Program Officer, Civic DEFENDERS (Maternity Cover)

Internews Network; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 34,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Program Officer to join their team in a fully remote role. This unique position offers the chance to leverage your program management expertise to support a global coalition focused on human rights and technology. You will play a key role in overseeing project implementation, ensuring compliance with policies, and fostering relationships with local and regional partners. If you are passionate about promoting Internet freedom and have a strong background in managing complex projects, this opportunity is perfect for you. Join a mission-driven organization that values your contributions and supports your professional growth.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance programming.
• Strong writing and analytical skills required for effective communication.

Responsibilities

• Oversee project management and implementation for a global Internet freedom initiative.
• Cultivate relationships with partners and support program reporting.

Skills

Project Management

Analytical Skills

Writing Skills

Time Management

Organizational Skills

Education

University degree in relevant fields

Equivalent lived/professional experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Airtable

Job description

Career Stream: Professional

Career Level: Professional Level 3

Department: Global Internet & Technology Initiatives

Job Family: Project Implementation

Job Sub-Family: Project Implementation Management

Location: United Kingdom

Workplace Designation: Fully Remote

Term: 12-months Fixed-Term Contract

Salary: £34,200 - £42,700

Supervisor: Deputy Chief of Party, Civic DEFENDERS

Supervises: Program Associate

GENERAL FUNCTION

The Program Officer will fill a unique, multi-faceted role that offers the opportunity to leverage their program management experience to help lead a complex global coalition at the intersection of human rights and technology. This position will support a global Internet freedom initiative that will support local civil society, independent media, and human rights defenders to better prevent and respond to digital repression in their own contexts, particularly in repressive contexts. The activity focuses on building long-term, local resilience among civil society through a networked approach involving global, regional, and local actors.

Under the guidance of the Deputy Chief of Party and in coordination with the larger project team, the Program Officer will oversee the implementation of activities, ensuring strong coordination with other project objectives and compliance with USAID and Internews policies. The Program Officer will work closely with project partners, support internal coordination efforts, and be responsible for effectively sharing the impact and successes of the program.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

Program/Project Management:

• Provide project management and program implementation oversight, strategic planning, analysis, personnel, grants, procurement and finance tasks as needed.
• Serve as primary point of contact for regional and local partners.
• Assist in the development of team systems, norms and practices.
• Supervise at least one (1) full-time staff, including assigning work, approving timesheets and managing their workload.
• Cultivate and strengthen relationships with international, regional and local partner organizations.
• Support the MEL Specialist and the MEL Partner in developing and implementing strong MEL frameworks and activities.
• Support the development of Associate Award and Buy-In proposals, project start-up and ongoing coordination.

Administration & Finance:

• Manage the implementation, communication and programmatic oversight of all subgrants issued under Civic DEFENDERS.
• Ensure all funder approval request packages are complete.
• Oversee all administrative aspects of the Civic DEFENDERS digital governance activities.
• Ensure program implementation complies with funder requirements and Internews’ policies.
• Oversee the implementation of personal service contracts and outside service contracts.
• Support hiring efforts for project staff and consultants.

Writing & Research:

• Support the writing and compiling of program reporting, including quarterly reports and annual workplans.
• Review and respond to work products from partners.
• Support internal and external communications.
• Represent team and Internews at events, as needed.
• Uphold Internews’ Core Values and demonstrate commitment to fostering a culture of belonging.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• University degree in relevant fields of study OR equivalent lived/professional experience.
• Minimum five years’ relevant prior work experience in Democracy, Human Rights and Governance programming.
• Strong writing skills and proven text-editing proficiency.
• Strong analytical skills; ability to define, communicate, and resolve complex problems.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Experience with project management and working with at-risk and marginalized populations.
• Advanced computer skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Office and Airtable.
• Strong English language proficiency.
• Flexibility to work outside traditional office hours as required.

Preferred:

• Previous experience implementing US Government funded programs.
• Proficiency in languages other than English.
• Experience using secure channels for communication.
• Knowledge of Internet freedom, including current debates and global trends.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS and WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met or may be encountered by an employee performing the essential functions of this job.

Expected office hours are generally Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.

The above noted job description is not intended to describe, in detail, the multitude of tasks that may be assigned but rather to give the associate a general sense of the responsibilities and expectations of their position.