Sunday, 25 March 2012

Open Society Foundations Program Associate Job Vacancy in New York, USA

The Open Society Foundations work to build vibrant and tolerant democracies whose governments are accountable to their citizens. To achieve this mission, the Foundations seek to shape public policies that assure greater fairness in political, legal, and economic systems and safeguard fundamental rights. On a local level,
the Open Society Foundations implement a range of initiatives to advance justice, education, public health, and independent media. At the same time, we build alliances across borders and continents on issues such as corruption and freedom of information. The Foundations place a high priority on protecting and improving the lives of people in marginalized communities.

Investor and philanthropist George Soros established the Open Society Foundations, starting in 1984, to help countries make the transition from communism. Our activities have grown to encompass the United States and more than 70 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America. Each Foundation relies on the expertise of boards composed of eminent citizens who determine individual agendas based on local priorities.

OSF’s U.S. Programs supports people and organizations that advance a more open society within the United States and around the world. U.S. Programs envisions a society that allows all people to participate actively and equitably in political, economic, and cultural life; encourages diverse opinions and critical debate on public issues; protects fundamental human rights, dignity, and the rule of law; and promotes broadly shared prosperity and human security. U.S. Programs supports grant making, programming, and policy initiatives to reduce the over-reliance on incarceration and punishment; to secure equal justice; to develop new leaders and encourage civic engagement, especially among people and communities who have been historically underrepresented; and to increase the transparency, integrity and accountability of institutions vital to open society. U.S. Programs is also currently spearheading special initiatives to restore human rights and secure progressive national security policies, and to advance opportunities for African American boys and men.

The Democracy Fund (fka the Democracy and Power Fund) develops grant making strategies that are informed by the expertise of community and advocacy leaders and makes investments in multi-issue advocacy organizations. These organizations advance strategies to expand access to democracy for all and build power to advance lasting social and systemic change. In partnership with its grantees, the Fund seeks to inspire public participation on a wide range of open society priorities through grassroots advocacy, non-partisan voter participation, and idea generation, with a particular emphasis on social and economic policies.

Purpose of Position: Provide administrative and programmatic support as part of a team; work is carried out under general supervision.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
OSI may add, change, or remove essential and other duties at any time.
• Provide administrative and programmatic support to the Program Director and/or Program Officers;
• Generally assist in program administration and carry out office duties, including: photocopying, faxing, mailings and updating electronic and paper files;
• Coordinate logistics for some internal meetings, including scheduling, booking rooms, preparing materials, and setting up conference calls;
• Handle correspondence for program staff as needed;
• Process and track grant payment requests and budget allocations;
• Act as a point of contact (telephone and/or e-mail) for grant- and program-related inquiries and respond to routine telephone and written inquiries from applicants and others;
• Assist in the preliminary review of the quality and completeness of documentation of proposals and request additional information from applicants as directed;
• Prepare necessary internal paperwork to ensure timely payment of grants; ensure that proper documentation has been completed and submitted; produce pro-forma financial reports on grant spending;
• Attend strategy meetings with program staff, grantees and potential grantees;
• Assist in compiling, editing, and drafting program material, including updates to the OSI website;
• Perform research and assist with special projects as requested;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience: Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university and minimum of two to three years of relevant experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• NGO or foundation experience/interest in human rights preferred.

Skills Required
• Excellent written, verbal, organizational, analytical and interpersonal skills;
• Excellent computer skills, proficient in Microsoft Office;
• Excellent listening and communication skills with sensitivity to cultural communication differences;
• Show discretion and ability to handle confidential issues;
• High level of self-motivation and at ease working independently when necessary;
• Poised and works well under pressure, attentive to detail and prioritizes and works well under pressure;
• Flexibility and willingness to work simultaneously on a wide range of tasks and projects and ability to prioritize tasks;
• Pleasant, diplomatic manner and disposition in interacting with senior management, co-workers and the general public.

Work Environment and Physical Demands
Essential functions are typically performed in an office setting with a low level of noise. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Program-Specific Requirements
• Demonstrated concern for social justice issues;
• Experience with online research;
• Familiarity with nonprofit advocacy strategies and tactics;
• Awareness of demographic trends and policymaking processes.

Start Date: June 1, 2012
Compensation: Commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits package.

To Apply
Please email resume and cover letter with salary requirements before April 11, 2012, to: humanresources@sorosny.org Include job code in subject line: PGA-USP/DF
OR
Open Society Foundations
Human Resources – Code PGA-USP/DF
400 West 59th Street
New York, New York 10019
FAX: 646.557.2672

No phone calls, please. The Open Society Foundations is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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