Program Assistant for the Central America Program
Who we are:
The Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA) is a leading research and advocacy organization
advancing human rights in the Americas. We envision a future where public policies protect human
rights and recognize human dignity. We create strategic partnerships with courageous people making social change: advocacy organizations, academics, religious and business leaders, artists, and government officials. We are passionate about our work and strive to make our organization a healthy and safe space for all to work and feel appreciated. WOLA supports our staff with a culture of innovation, collaboration, understanding, and integrity.
Our Central America Program focuses on the northern triangle countries of Central America and
Nicaragua, promoting a coherent U.S. policy toward the region to strategically respond to
authoritarianism, including closure of civic space and weak electoral systems and human rights abuses. Through research, education and advocacy, the program seeks to promote comprehensive reforms to address the root causes of migration and ensure effective and accountable governments in Central America.
Your role:
This role will provide administrative support to the Director for Central America with program
management, writing, congressional strategy, and general organization skills. 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 DC and Latin America. They should be incredibly organized, thrive being able to multitask across different program topics and priorities, and be familiar with supporting program management.
Reports to: Director for Central America
Supervises: One to two interns a year, in tandem with the Internship Coordinator
Responsibilities:
Administrative Work (60%):
- Coordinate and organize events and conferences, including online, in-person and hybrid events and delegations in the U.S. and abroad.
- Support the execution of meetings, conference calls, and webinars by coordinating logistics, developing agenda, developing content, taking notes, and following up on resulting action items.
- Organize travel, meetings, and scheduling for program staff and delegations to/from the region.
- Manage an intern in coordination with the Intern Coordinator and Directors.
- Monitor contact lists and databases, update them as needed.
- Participation in diverse joint groups or observatories where WOLA participates both in Washington, DC and the region.
- Support various operations and human resources efforts, including credit card receipts, timesheets, requesting payments for translators, and general office duties.
- Support fundraising efforts, including maintaining tracking documents on program activities and outcomes, and drafting and providing materials and narratives for grant applications and reports.
- Support communications efforts, including generating social media content, digital send-outs, and posting pieces to the website.
Research, Writing, and Advocacy (40%):
- Draft and copy-edit a variety of different products including memos, talking points, letters to Congress, and articles.
- Monitor regional, internal/national, and international developments in Central America, with a focus on Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua. Topics include elections, judicial independence, corruption, human rights, civic space, climate justice, and migration.
- Monitor U.S. foreign policy toward the region, particularly anti-corruption task forces and multiple initiatives from the Biden administration.
- Attend meetings with congressional staff, State Department officials, and other U.S. policymakers. Help maintain consistent relations with these officials by coordinating Hill briefings and meetings.
- Assist in advocacy meetings, including note-taking, translations, and participating in calls as needed.
Qualifications:
Note: We view this section as a guide, not a checklist. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t
satisfy every bullet on this list. The ideal candidate must align with our values.
- Full written and spoken fluency in English and Spanish is required.
- A demonstrated commitment to or experience working on issues related to human rights, democracy, and social justice in Latin America, specifically Central America
- At least one year of previous administration experience.
- Excellent writing, editing, and translation skills, both in English and Spanish.
- Exceptional organizational skills and an interest or experience with project management.
- Experience with event planning and working with Congress are highly desirable.
- Flexibility; ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic office environment with frequent international visitors.
- Additional job requirements: occasional international travel required; full-time position; occasional long hours and weekend work required.
Please note: 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 full-time.
Office Culture: Our office setting is flexible and hybrid, meaning you must be in the greater DMV area for advocacy purposes; however, you are not required to work from the office daily. Staff are encouraged to go in 1-2 days a week based on their tasks and program needs. There will be meetings and events that require your in-person attendance.
Salary: Starting salary of $49,000-51,000, dependent on years of previous experience. Benefits include full health, dental, vision, and life insurance 100% paid by WOLA; four weeks of annual vacation, a 5% retirement match at one year of employment, four weeks of sick leave, and twelve weeks of paid parental leave. The office is closed between Christmas and New Year’s.