Program Assistant, Human Rights

NOTE:  APA operates on a 37.5-hour work week with one hour lunch breaks each day. APA sets salaries based on several considerations, including years of relevant experience, level of education, and previous staff and/or governance experience at APA.

DESCRIPTION:

The purpose of this job is to carry out the mission of the American Psychological Association – to promote the advancement, communication, and application of psychological science and knowledge to benefit society and improve lives by building coalitions to advance psychology in the public interest with a particular focus on the human rights of marginalized and vulnerable populations.  

The Program Assistant, Human Rights supports overall coordination of operations for human rights projects, and coalitions with internal and external stakeholders as assigned by the Senior Director, Human Rights Team and supports APA leadership in the management of human rights issues involving marginalized and vulnerable populations.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, or related social sciences field.
• Proven experience developing operations and processes that drive measurable results.
• Experience that demonstrates broad knowledge of EDI and human rights principles, scholarship, practice, and policy.
• Experience implementing operations, processes, and procedures in order to build systems.
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Analytical and results-driven, with experience in data collection and reporting as well as outcome accountability.
• Strong ability to communicate, coordinate, negotiate, and build effective collaborations with a diversity of people in terms of their culture/ethnicity, social class, perspectives, professional role, and level of professional responsibility.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence across multiple diversity dimensions.
• Some knowledge of human rights principles and/or engagement with human rights mechanisms strongly preferred.

COMPUTER SKILLS:

Microsoft (Advanced User) with proficiency in Microsoft Suite. Experience with virtual meeting technology required (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams).

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist with the planning and implementation of projects, initiatives and coalitions with internal and external stakeholders to further the promotion of human rights.
• Work collaboratively to support and manage projects and externally funded projects. Engage with external partners to ensure timely submission of reports and meeting deadlines for all assigned projects and activities.
• Partner with the Director, Human Rights to submit external funding proposals to promote and advance human rights; with a primary focus on marginalized and vulnerable populations.
• Make recommendations for standard operating procedures, templates, , reports, etc. to support team goals.
• Serve as a resource for APA units engaged in work to promote and advance human rights. Closely coordinate with the Director of Human Rights to support projects and activities aligned with the promotion of human rights for marginalized and vulnerable groups.
• Collaborate with the Director and Assistant Director of Human Rights to evaluate operations, policies and practices including periodic updates for the Senior Director, Human Rights Team on milestones and progress; Use evaluation data to make recommendations for improving processes and procedures for increased impact.
• Lead the maintenance of tracking activities to showcase engagement on human rights issues involving marginalized and vulnerable populations/identity groups.
• Document and monitor strategies to build coalitions with internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop reports, presentations, promotional materials, newsletters, and other communications.
• Work closely with the Administration Team to coordinate meetings and events, including internal and external partners and key stakeholders.
• Work closely with the Administration Team to ensure timely completion of administrative processes, including contract processing and management, invoicing, project tracking, correspondence, and other related activities.
  
  

Other Duties as Assigned:  

Engage in a variety of other activities, as assigned, by the Senior Director, Human Rights Team that serve to promote the goals and objectives of APA and the interests of APA staff, members, and governance.

About APA:

The American Psychological Association (APA) represents 146,000+ psychologists, students, and affiliates, primarily in the U.S. and Canada but also in other countries around the world. APA is a scientific and professional organization with about 500 employees and is categorized as a 501(c)(3) along with its 501(c)(6) companion organization, APA Services, Inc.

Job Location: Remote: APA jobs may be considered for remote work eligibility as defined in APA’s Flexible Work Policy and are subject to approval. Remote work employees may not work from the following states or U.S. territories: Alaska, California, Colorado, Guam, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Montana, Nebraska, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, U.S. Virgin Islands, Washington, Wyoming.

Application Instructions:

Qualified candidates must apply online through APA’s applicant system and attach a resume and cover letter specifying your salary expectations. Applications that are submitted without both documents are considered incomplete and will not be reviewed for consideration. Once your application is submitted, you will receive a confirmation email. Please make sure to check your Spam folder if you do not receive an email from us.

The American Psychological Association is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected categories covered under local law.

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