The Senior Director Labor Job will play a pivotal role in managing both home office and program staff, ensuring technical, programmatic, and financial compliance with donor-funded programs. Reporting directly to the Senior Vice President, Programs, this position demands leadership, strategic oversight, and in-depth expertise in labor-related issues, particularly concerning child labor, forced labor, acceptable conditions of work, and international labor standards. The ideal candidate will possess a broad understanding of labor dynamics, trade unions, worker organizations, and labor rights, with specialized knowledge of socio-economic and political factors in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Familiarity with labor provisions in U.S. free trade agreements (FTAs) is essential.
Key Responsibilities
The Senior Director will be responsible for a range of duties that contribute to both operational and strategic success, including:
- Donor Engagement and Liaison: Serve as the primary point of contact between POA and various donors, ensuring effective communication and compliance with donor expectations, including U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) and the United States Department of State (DOS).
- Program Oversight: Monitor and manage program work plans, budgets, and staff, ensuring timely and high-quality delivery of milestones. Oversee start-up and closeout procedures for programs, ensuring compliance with donor requirements.
- :Supervisory Role: Lead and supervise program staff, including recruitment, training, and capacity-building efforts. This includes managing remote staff effectively, especially those operating in field offices.
- Monitoring and Compliance: Ensure contractual and financial compliance of projects, conduct spot checks and mini audits of sub-awardees, and manage program budgets and financial reporting.
- Knowledge Management and Reporting: Maintain an organized electronic filing system of program documentation, stakeholder contacts, and deliverables. Ensure the delivery of high-quality monitoring and evaluation (M&E) plans, annual reports, performance reports, technical reports, and other required documents.
- Business Development and Fundraising: Lead the pursuit of new business opportunities, including responding to solicitations and proposals from U.S. government agencies, corporate foundations, and other potential donors. Provide input on fundraising strategies and proposal development processes.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with the private sector, civil society organizations, government bodies, and multilateral institutions. Represent the organization at external events, including speaking engagements and panel discussions.
- Travel and Field Support: Travel to field offices and donor meetings to oversee program implementation, conduct reviews, and provide operations support. Ensure programs meet objectives and timelines.
- Internal and External Reporting: Prepare reports and talking points for the Board of Directors and provide operational support to institutional donors. Approve and review technical reports, proposals, and administrative modifications as needed.
- Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute strategic plans that align with organizational goals, focusing on labor programs, while ensuring accurate budget projections and adherence to spending targets.
Qualifications
To be successful in this role, candidates must meet several key qualifications:
- A Master’s degree in international development, international relations, or a related field.
- A minimum of 15 years of relevant experience in international development, particularly managing large-scale, multimillion-dollar U.S. government-funded programs.
- Proven leadership experience, including the management of remote teams.
- Expertise in labor issues, trade unions, and labor rights organizations, with a strong focus on Latin America and the Caribbean.
- Experience with U.S. government sub-award mechanisms and compliance.
- Strong oral and written communication skills in English and Spanish.
- Proven ability to cultivate relationships with donors, partners, and high-level stakeholders.
- Ability to travel internationally (up to 25%).
Preferred Qualifications
While not mandatory, the following qualifications are preferred:
- A track record of raising public and/or private funds.
- Proficiency in developing high-quality proposals, reports, and other business development materials.
- Experience with conflict management and cross-cultural competency.
- Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
Distribution of Time
The role will involve approximately 75% focus on labor programs and 25% on business development.
Location and Salary
This position is based in Washington, DC. The annual salary range is between $99,711.00 and $149,567.00. The position is hybrid, requiring attendance at the DC office at least once per week.
How To Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and cover letter to Andres Obertello at aobertello@partners.net, using the subject line: “Senior Director, Labor – Candidate Last Name”. Please note that only finalists will be contacted.