Program Officer, Southeast Asia

The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) is a 501(c)3, bipartisan organization that serves as America’s leading foundation for freedom, providing support for democratic activists, civil society organizations, and independent media throughout the world. We seek an experienced, dynamic, and savvy Program Officer to help strengthen the impact of our work and mission.

Position Summary:

The Program Officer (PO), will work with the Asia team leadership to manage the Endowment’s Southeast Asia program, particularly programs related to Cambodia and Vietnam, including monitoring and assessment of projects in the region.

This is an opportunity to join an ambitious institution and team committed to the cause of our time. The ideal candidate will be energized by the idea of being part of an expanding team supporting our brave partners on the frontlines of the fight for freedom and democracy around the world.

Responsibilities:

Work closely and flexibly with a diverse range of regional activists focused on the media, human rights, rule of law, conflict resolution, civic education, and other areas.
Monitor the implementation of NED-approved projects and evaluate the effectiveness and the institutional growth of NED grantees by analyzing grantee reports, providing feedback on implemented activities, maintaining continuous communication over the grant cycle, and conducting regular field visits.
Produce written materials and presentations to provide funding recommendations to NED leadership.
Monitor political developments in the region relevant to the portfolio to inform NED strategies and programming, including reading various US- and regional-based publications, meeting with political analysts and other contacts, keeping abreast of the changing political environment, and actively coordinating with other Asia team members on their country portfolios.
Build and maintain relationships with like-minded organizations, including other donors, NED partners, and regional organizations.
Travel to monitor existing grantees, identify new funding opportunities, and gain an on‑the-ground perspective on the political situation. The visits will include meetings with NED grantees, meetings with core institutes, potential civil society partners, other donors, and political analysts and opinion-makers.
Think creatively about how to improve team effectiveness, grantee-reporting guidelines, communications with other teams at NED, etc.
Liaise with other NED teams; participate in various working groups, and other efforts to improve NED’s overall functioning and effectiveness
The level of responsibility and independence in assigned tasks will increase with experience.
Other responsibilities and projects as assigned.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs, Political Science, International Development, or a related discipline required; Master’s degree preferred.
Relevant experience required: 4+ years
2+ years of living and working in the region preferred.
Experience in financial monitoring and reporting.
Broad understanding of political issues and trends in the Asia region, with a particular focus on Southeast Asia.
Excellent written and oral communications skills.
Full professional proficiency in a Southeast Asian language is preferred.
Exceptional analytical and interpersonal skills.
Ability to maintain professionalism under pressure.
High degree of organization and initiative.
Demonstrated ability to work as a team player, including coordination and facilitation skills.
Ability to travel to countries within the region, as needed.
Authorized to work in the United States.

This position is part of the NED Bargaining Unit.

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The NED is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics covered by applicable law. The NED is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation for all qualified individuals and bases all employment decisions on qualifications, merit, and business need. The NED believes that diversity and inclusion among our team members are critical to our success as an organization operating globally and seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.

For more information, please visit our website at www.ned.org or careers@ned.org.