Introduction to NED: The National Endowment for Democracy supports the democratic aspirations of people worldwide who are working to advance fundamental freedoms, justice, and human rights through grantmaking, research, and solidarity. We are united as a team in the pursuit of a world in which people determine their own future and are free to participate with dignity in their societies, endowed with equal rights and without repression.
As a 501(c)3 grantmaking foundation that receives an annual Congressional appropriation, NED is governed by a private, bipartisan Board of Directors. This unusual arrangement positions NED to play a unique role as America’s leading foundation for freedom, empowering the institution to be nimble, innovative, and risk-taking in support of democratic activists, civil society organizations, independent media, and the NED family core institutes (International Republican Institute, National Democratic Institute, Center for International Private Enterprise, and the Solidarity Center).
Our Approach to Talent: We recognize that our most important asset is our people. That’s why NED seeks team members who are purpose-driven with an enduring belief in freedom; reliable, able to build and sustain relationships of trust; experts, who know their business; respectful, who show up with integrity and lead with grace; curious, with a learning mindset; results-oriented, who get stuff done; and optimistic, whose positive outlook is anchored in reality.
At NED, democracy is our North Star, and our values – Excellence, Respect, Empathy, Accountability, and Adaptability – guide everything we do. We hold ourselves to the highest standards of performance and integrity, embrace pluralistic voices, and foster a welcoming environment that taps the potential of each team member. By championing innovation, continual learning, and prudent risk-taking, we strive to deliver on our mission with dedication and curiosity each day.
If this resonates with you, we invite you to apply and join our team at this consequential moment for democracy around the world.
We are currently seeking a Program Officer to work with the Asia team leadership to manage the Endowment’s Southeast Asia programs, including monitoring and assessment of projects in the region with a focus on Thailand and the Philippines.
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.
- Mentor junior staff, where applicable.
- The level of responsibility and independence in assigned tasks will increase with experience.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs, Political Science, International Development, or a related discipline required; Master’s degree preferred.
- A minimum of 4 years of relevant professional experience, including at least 2 years of living and working in the region.
- Significant experience in nonprofit work.
- Experience in financial monitoring and reporting.
- Knowledge of program evaluation techniques.
- Broad understanding of political issues and trends in the Asia region, with a particular focus on Southeast Asia;
- Full professional proficiency in a Southeast Asian language is preferred;
- Ability to travel to countries within the region, as needed;
- Excellent written and oral communication skills;
- Ability to communicate complex ideas effectively, both verbally and in writing.
- 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.
- Authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or transfer sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
This position is part of the NED Bargaining Unit.
To Apply:
Applications must include a cover letter, resume, desired salary, and contact information for three professional references, of which one should be a supervisor.
Located in Washington, D.C., the salary range for this role is $64,500 – USD 102,750, plus a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off. The final offer will be determined by a combination of factors, including, but not limited to, skill set, level of experience, education, and market considerations. We have a hybrid workplace model.
NED is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on 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.
For more information, please visit our website at www.ned.org or email us at careers@ned.org.