The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) is a 501(c)3 grantmaking foundation that receives an annual Congressional appropriation in excess of $310 million and 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 (the International Republican Institute, the National Democratic Institute, the Center for International Private Enterprise, and the Solidarity Center). We seek a Principal for Europe and Eurasia in the Grants Administration team. This position is based in Washington, D.C.
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.
Position Summary:
The International Forum for Democratic Studies at the National Endowment for Democracy is a leading center for research, discussion, innovation, and analysis on the theory and practice of democracy around the world. The Forum is at the cutting edge of topics such as authoritarian influence, disinformation, transnational kleptocracy, and emerging technology – and their impact on democracy around the world.
The International Forum for Democratic Studies seeks a Program Assistant to support the administrative, research, and scheduling needs for NED’s Vice President for Studies and Analysis, and to support the research and convening work of the Forum’s Research and Conferences team. The ideal candidate will have strong attention to detail, be able to handle multiple tasks while maintaining focus on longer-term priorities, solid research and writing skills, experience with organizing events, and an interest in democracy studies and/or related fields such as technology or media.
Responsibilities:
- Provide operational support for various Forum convenings and activities. Assist with scheduling, planning, and running of meetings, as well as follow-up activities.
- Provide scheduling, administrative, and travel support to the NED Vice President for Studies and Analysis.
- Document events by taking notes and producing meeting summaries;
- Assist with the drafting, editing, and proofreading of Forum electronic and print publications, including material for the Forum website and electronic newsletters.
- Assist the Forum vice president and, on occasion, other members of the team with special research projects;
- Work effectively across the Forum team, across internal NED departments, and with external contacts.
- Assist Forum staff efforts with other duties as assigned by supervisor.
- The level of responsibility and independence in assigned tasks will increase with experience.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in political science, international affairs, or a related field required; M.A. desirable.
- 1+ years of paid work experience;
- Experience assisting with events or related activities with significant logistical requirements;
- Computer proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
- Sound understanding of the NED’s mission.
- Strong attention to detail;
- Strong editing and writing skills;
- Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate in a team environment.
- Knowledge of a foreign language desirable;
- Experience living, working, or studying abroad a plus
- Ability to work efficiently in a dynamic environment, take initiative, and juggle competing priorities.
- Ability to quickly learn new software programs to support office operations.
- Authorized to work in the United States.
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. Please, no phone call inquiries.
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 amongst 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 http://www.ned.org/careers or careers@ned.org.
