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The Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA) seeks an entry-level administrative staff person to work with the Mexico program. The Program Assistant (PA) provides administrative, research, and advocacy support to senior staff within a fast-paced human rights organization working in Washington and in Latin America. Qualified candidates will demonstrate initiative, problem-solving skills, and the ability to communicate effectively in both English and Spanish. The PA position brings a committed individual into contact with the human rights, social justice, and foreign policy communities in Washington, D.C. and Latin America. This position will be remote until the pandemic subsides.
WOLA is an organization in which everyone is self-motivated, goal-oriented, and passionate about our work. We are committed to what we do. Our leadership works hard to support us with a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence. WOLA has twice been recognized by Washingtonian Magazine as one of D.C.’s “Best Places to Work” and by The Washington Post as one of D.C.’s best-managed nonprofits. WOLA’s office has a full-time staff of approximately 27, plus seven interns and six fellows.
Reports to: Director for Mexico and Migrant Rights
Supervises: One Intern each semester
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Administrative Work (60%):
- Organize travel, meetings, and scheduling for program staff and delegations to/from the region.
- Coordinate and organize public events and conferences.
- Assist in coordinating and facilitating the activities of coalitions, delegations, and partner organizations.
- Contribute to the program's online presence by drafting social media content and using WordPress to keep the program webpage updated.
- Help with the production, editing, and distribution of reports, memos, and other materials.
- Manage an intern in coordination with the Intern Coordinator and Director.
Research and Writing (25%):
- Monitor developments that take place in Mexico and at the U.S.-Mexico border, as well as developments in U.S. foreign policy toward Mexico. Topics relate to: political developments, human rights, criminal justice reform and the rule of law, military and police reform, insecurity, humanitarian crises, and the situation faced by migrants and asylum seekers in Mexico.
- Draft press materials, in both English and Spanish, and conduct press outreach in coordination with the Communications team.
- Draft letters to Mexican officials on select human rights cases and situations.
- Support fundraising efforts, including providing materials and narratives for grant applications and reports.
- More substantial research and writing duties will be assigned depending on the program’s needs and the PA’s abilities.
Direct Advocacy (15%):
- Attend meetings with Capitol Hill staff, State Department officials, Mexican government officials, and other policy makers.
- Help maintain consistent relations with these officials, by coordinating Hill briefings and meetings, as well as drafting email updates, letters, and other documents.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- A demonstrated commitment to, or experience working on issues related to: human rights, social justice, and democracy in Latin America. Knowledge of Mexico a plus.
- Full written and spoken fluency in English and an advanced level of Spanish required. Ability to conduct simultaneous interpretation a plus.
- Excellent writing, editing, and written translation skills, both in English and Spanish.
- Exceptional organizational and administrative skills, follow-through, and attention to detail.
- Flexibility; ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic office environment with frequent international visitors.
- Event planning and research skills ideal.
- Experience working with Adobe Creative Suite and Wordpress a plus.
- Additional job requirements: overseas travel required; full-time position; some long hours and weekend work required.
Salary and Benefits: $47,500, full health, dental, vision, and life insurance 100% paid by employer; four weeks annual vacation, 5% retirement match at one year of employment and four weeks of sick leave. The office is closed between Christmas and New Year’s.
Deadline: July 6th, 2020
Start Date: Mid to late August 2020
To apply: Please submit, in English, the following items in one PDF document: cover letter, resume, a 2-page English writing sample, and a list of two references with daytime telephone numbers and email addresses to [email protected]. During the interview process, Spanish speaking and writing skills will be tested for proficiency.
-No phone calls, please-
WOLA values a diverse workplace and encourages minority candidates to apply. WOLA is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate based upon race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, or any other status protected by applicable law. Due to the Assistant level of this position, we regret that it is not eligible for a work visa; we can only hire candidates currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
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