SENIOR SPECIALIST       

AMERICAN CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL LABOR SOLIDARITY

BARGAINING UNIT POSITION DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:                   SENIOR SPECIALIST   
CLASSIFICATION:        PROFESSIONAL IV
STATUS:                        EXEMPT

There are two positions available: 
Senior Specialist – Migration and Human Trafficking, and
Senior Specialist – Gender Equity

Summary of Position: The Senior Specialist is the Solidarity Center’s authority in a particular area of expertise, and leads Solidarity Center work in that area. S/he is thoroughly conversant with all aspects of the field, keeps abreast of new developments, and acts as an organizational clearinghouse for information, materials and curricula.

S/he is responsible for developing organizational standards for the area of specialization, and for holding Solidarity Center staff accountable for maintaining those standards. S/he assists in generating funding, both private and government, for Solidarity Center programs in the area of specialization.  S/he designs programs and writes funding proposals, and assists regional and field offices in their efforts.  S/he may be called on to develop curriculum and training materials, and to conduct training for staff and partners to help develop their capacity for work in the field.

The Specialist advises the Solidarity Center on policy and advocacy around the area of specialization, and serves as an area resource to Solidarity Center staff and field programs.  At the direction of the Executive Director, s/he liaises with counterparts in the AFL-CIO and affiliated unions. 

S/he is the primary representative of the Solidarity Center in venues dedicated to the discussion of the issues in his/her specialty -- expanding space for a broad discussion of the field with partners, donors, and within the US and global labor movements.  S/he coordinates with counterparts in Washington-based NGOs, and U.S. Government agencies.

Although the Specialist is not primarily responsible for program implementation, s/he is responsible for monitoring program implementation in his/her area of specialization and reports to the Executive Director on compliance with issue work plans that s/he develops with program managers. S/he monitors these programs to advise on their meeting of budget targets as well as on programmatic results.   S/he may from time-to-time be asked to develop and implement model or pilot projects, or to provide implementation assistance on a short-term basis.  S/he has working knowledge of and experience in US government regulations and procedures related to the funding and management of grants.  S/he produces well-written program reports and evaluations.

S/he assists with and, when necessary, provides logistical support for international visitors and participants in Washington-based programs related to his/her area of specialization conducted by the Solidarity Center, AFL-CIO, affiliates, GUFs and/or other related organizations.

Basic Qualifications: An Area Specialist must have an expert background and strong work history in the area of expertise. S/he must have a demonstrated ability to articulate the union case for work in the particular field, and to generate program funding.  S/he must have the ability to lead, inspire, and develop capacity of co-workers – including managers --and partners around the area of specialization. The individual must be able to work independently and without supervision, and to ensure work is completed within program deadlines.  S/he must be capable of managing multiple assignments simultaneously and of making substantive decisions that impact the programs and image of the Solidarity Center.  Most importantly, s/he must be able to develop and implement and often lead or co-lead--with the appropriate Solidarity Center partners--thematic campaigns that preserve and/or raise standards for working people around the world in the area of expertise for which s/he has been hired.

Candidates for the position will have extensive knowledge of international relations and trade union and socio-economic and political developments in the U.S. and abroad.  Previous trade union experience, and/or experience in the Center as a Program Officer III or equivalent position are required.  Candidates must have, at a minimum, a bachelor’s degree in political science, international relations, labor relations or related fields and/or ten years equivalent work experience.  Good communications and writing skills are a must.  Computer literacy for word processing and simple spreadsheets is required.  S/he must have the ability to work and interact easily with a wide variety of people.  Fluency in a foreign language is a plus.

Supervisor:  Executive Director

Specific Duties:

• Design programs and write/edit proposals, reports, and evaluations;
• Lead or co-lead thematic issue campaigns on the area of expertise and work appropriately with other stakeholders to reach campaign objectives
• Establish standards for SC work in the area of expertise
• Review and recommend approvals for proposals developed by program staff.
• Conduct issue research for use by Center headquarters and field offices;
• Write papers and articles on work in the field.
• Expand the visibility of the Solidarity Center for work in the field, and serve as the chief spokesperson on the issue.
• Broaden the base of funding available for programs in this area of expertise.
• Arrange study tours/exchanges in the U.S. and abroad for individuals working in the field, and conduct meetings with a wide variety of visitors involved in work in the area of expertise. 
• Coordinate activities with the Center’s other program and functional offices;
• Develop coalition-building contacts with U.S. labor, government and non-governmental organizations in the Washington area;
• Provide guidance to field offices on policies and priorities in the area of expertise, and serve as a liaison between the Center and AFL-CIO affiliates, GUFs, ICFTU, its regional organizations and the ILO for this work;
• Assist and advise regional and field offices in program development and proposal writing;
• Recruit outside expert program consultants and other technical staff as needed;
• Provide technical assistance and support to conduct program evaluations of field projects and recruit evaluators;
• Share information on the area of expertise as requested by Washington-based U.S. government offices and Congress;
• Work closely with AFL-CIO affiliates to coordinate their participation in the development and implementation of Solidarity Center programs;
• Monitor programs to meet budget targets;
• Initiate concept papers and program proposals and seek funding for same;
• Perform other related duties as assigned. 

The duration of this position, as with all positions at the Solidarity Center, is contingent upon continued grant funding. 

If interested, please send cover letter and résumé to:

Lisa Humphries
Human Resources Officer
Solidarity Center
888 16th Street, N.W., Suite 400
Washington, D.C.  20006

E-mail: lhumphries@solidaritycenter.org
Fax: (202) 974-8266

The Solidarity Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minority candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Only short listed candidates will be contacted for an interview.
Closing date of application:   When filled.

WHEN APPLYING: Be sure to indicate that you saw this information online at UNIONJOBS.COM. Do not just say the Internet.