Associate, Africa Program

The Rights and Resources Initiative (RRI) is a global coalition of over 150 organizations dedicated to advancing the forest, land, and resource rights of Indigenous Peoples, local communities, Afro-descendant Peoples, and in particular the women within these groups. RRI’s members capitalize on each other’s strengths, expertise, and geographic reach to achieve solutions more effectively and efficiently. RRI leverages the power of its global coalition to amplify the voices of local peoples and proactively engage governments, multilateral institutions, and private sector actors to adopt institutional and market reforms that support the realization of rights.  

If you are passionate about working with Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and Afro-descendant Peoples in the Global South to strengthen their rights, development, and environmental efforts, this could be the place for you. For more information, check out our current openings. 

Studies show people of color, people from Indigenous and local communities, women, and LGBTQ+ persons are less likely to apply for positions unless they meet every qualification. RRI strongly encourages candidates to apply even if they don’t meet every required qualification as all applications will be accepted, reviewed, and evaluated equally. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. 

Associate, Africa Program

The Associate will support the Africa Program's initiatives, focusing on administrative support, sub-granting, operations and logistics. The Associate will work under the supervision of the Program Director for Africa, in close collaboration with all members of the Africa team and coordinating with colleagues across RRI. Professional-level proficiency in English and French is required for this position. 

This is a full-time position based in Washington, DC with the option of teleworking two days per week (Mondays and Fridays). Candidates must be legally eligible to work in the US and located in the DC metro area prior to the start date. 

This is an entry-level position that is classified as non-exempt under the US Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and is therefore subject to compensation for overtime. 

Primary Responsibilities:

1. Manage Contracting Processes (55%): 

• Lead administrative coordination and execution of contracting with partners/collaborators/consultants from initiation to closure.
• Provide orientation to collaborators and consultants on the terms and provisions of their contracts.
• Track and ensure that all contract deliverables are submitted in a timely manner.
• Assist with the monitoring and evaluation of contract activities and outcomes.
• Maintain and regularly update files with contract and related documents such as deliverables and submissions expected from the project.

2. Provide General Programmatic Support (25%): 

• Provide operational, logistical, and administrative support for the Africa Program.
• Draft communications as requested, including internal memos.
• Prepare briefing materials, presentations, and reports for internal and external use.
• Coordinate with regional partners and stakeholders to support program implementation and advocacy efforts.

3. Meetings and Events Support for the Africa Program (10%): 

• Organize logistics for Africa Program meetings, workshops, and events, including travel arrangements, and venue and catering preparations.
• Draft and manage all communications related to event participation, logistical details, and agendas.

4. Budget Management (5%): 

• Assist the Africa Program Director in preparing and managing the program budget. 

5. Coordination and Institution-wide Support (5%):

• Provide logistical and administrative support for institution-wide events, especially to facilitate participation of Africa coalition members. 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant studies preferred. The Africa program will welcome applicants who have equivalent work experience or a combination of formal studies and work experience.
• 1-2 years' work experience required. Experience within an international organization, NGO or with civil society organizations (CSOs) is preferred.
• Professional-level fluency in English and French is required.
• Experience in providing operational and administrative support required. Experience in sub-grant management is preferred.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills with attention to detail and the ability to prioritize competing demands and projects required.
• Effective communication skills; able to communicate complex ideas effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Highly experienced and proficient in the use of basic computer applications (Word and Excel) required. Experience in other computer applications and platforms preferred.
• Effective interpersonal skills; able to work in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Able to work independently or in a team environment, collaborating with and supporting teammates.
• Able to travel overseas, particularly to Africa.

Salary Range: $51,000 - $63,000 USD. 

Benefits

Rights and Resources recognizes the value of benefits to employees and their families. We take great pride in offering our dedicated and committed employees a competitive benefits package. Our comprehensive benefit programs provide you with a reliable, effective, and affordable array of choices that will meet your needs and those of your family.  

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance; dependents and domestic partners eligible 
• 100% coverage of employee premiums for the following: short-term/long-term disability insurance, life insurance, travel insurance, and the employee assistant program 
• If eligible, 401(k) retirement plan (US) with employer match 
• 25+ days of PTO, in addition to paid holidays 
• Flextime and teleworking options 
• Tuition reimbursement up to $1,500 per year after 1 full year of employment 
• Dynamic growth opportunities with merit-based promotion philosophy 

Rights and Resources is committed to creating and maintaining a workplace in which all employees have an opportunity to participate and contribute to the success of the organization and are valued for their skills, experience, and unique perspectives.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, RRG makes all employment-related decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, political affiliation or belief, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, personal appearance, family responsibilities, matriculation or any other category protected by applicable law.