Program Officer, Southeast Asia

Position Title: Program Officer, Southeast Asia Grade Level: Level 5 - Exempt Reports to: Senior Program Manager About NED The National Endowment for Democracy supports freedom around the world. At NED, we deliver on the belief that freedom is a universal aspiration. Headquartered in Washington, DC, NED is a private, nonprofit foundation, mandated by Congress, dedicated to strengthening democratic institutions worldwide. NED reflects an enduring American commitment to stand with those striving for dignity, justice, and opportunity.

In 2025, NED made 1,552 grants totaling $271 million to support the work of nongovernmental organizations advancing democratic goals in more than 90 countries, including some of the world’s most challenging and repressive environments. We seek talented, entrepreneurial professionals motivated by purpose and committed to excellence. At NED, you will join a dynamic team of experts who bring their skills, curiosity, and judgment to a consequential mission at a critical moment for democracy around the world. Our work is guided by our shared values: excellence, respect, empathy, accountability, and adaptability.

Position Summary

The Program Officer will work with Asia program leadership to manage grants and coordinate NED's programming in Southeast Asia, with a particular focus on Thailand and the Philippines. This is a hybrid position based in Washington, DC, and is part of the bargaining unit.

Primary Responsibilities

Work closely and flexibly with a diverse range of activists working on media freedom, human rights, rule of law, public policy, civic education, and other areas. Monitor the implementation of NED-approved projects and evaluate the effectiveness and the institutional growth of NED grantees by analyzing grantee reports, providing feedback on implemented activities, maintaining continuous communication over the grant cycle, and conducting regular field visits. Produce written materials and presentations to provide funding recommendations to NED leadership.

Monitor political developments in the region relevant to the portfolio to inform NED strategies and programming, including reading various US- and regional-based publications, meeting with political analysts and other contacts, keeping abreast of the changing political environment, and actively coordinating with other Asia team members on their country portfolios. Build and maintain relationships with like-minded organizations, including other donors, NED partners, and regional organizations. Travel to monitor existing grantees, identify new funding opportunities, and gain an on‑the-ground perspective on the political situation.

The visits will include meetings with NED grantees, meetings with core institutes, potential civil society partners, other donors, and political analysts and opinion-makers. Think creatively about how to improve team effectiveness, grantee-reporting guidelines, communications with other teams at NED, etc. Liaise with other NED teams…

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