PROGRAM OFFICER XENOPHOBIA AND INTOLERANCE IN WESTERN EUROPE

POSITION AVAILABLE:
PROGRAM OFFICER
XENOPHOBIA AND INTOLERANCE IN WESTERN EUROPE
Based in Brussels or London

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.

Background on the Program
The Open Society Foundations have for many years supported efforts to combat xenophobia and intolerance in Central and Eastern Europe and the United States. Most notably, over the past three decades the Open Society Foundations have invested over $150 million to address the extreme prejudice towards and marginalization of Roma in Eastern and Central Europe.

Xenophobia is on the rise in Western Europe due to many factors, among them rise in populism and identity politics that is targeting Muslims in particular, and an economic recession that has increased insecurity and led to the scapegoating of immigrants. In 2010, the Open Society Foundations launched efforts to combat xenophobia in Italy in response to the ill-treatment of Roma, migrants and other vulnerable minorities. Initial grant support was provided to groups engaged in the protection of the rights of Roma, protection of the rights of migrants, and monitoring the diversity of opinion on public and private broadcast media in Italy.

The Open Society Foundations, through the Open Society Initiative for Europe (OSIFE) and the Open Society Justice Initiative, is expanding its work to address the causes and the manifestations of intolerance and xenophobia in Western Europe. The grant-making strategy of the new program will build upon the approaches developed under OSIFE and priorities identified by the Open Society Justice Initiative, in particular enhanced monitoring, research, and advocacy by – and on behalf of – victims of ethnic, racial, religious and nationality-based discrimination and violence. In addition to providing grants, the Program will also work (i) with OSIFE on evaluation of the effectiveness of different approaches to tackling xenophobia and intolerance, including by gathering evidence from grant-making activity, and (ii) with the Justice Initiative in empowering marginalized groups to combat discrimination and intolerance.

Position Description
The Program Officer will develop and manage a grants portfolio on xenophobia and intolerance focused on Western Europe, other than Italy where grants will continue to be overseen by staff already in place. The Program Officer will liaise with other Open Society Foundation staff engaging in activities across Europe, and facilitate exchange of information and ideas among the various Open Society Foundation entities concerned with these issues.

The Program Officer reports to the Director of the Open Society Institute-Brussels (where OSIFE is housed) and to an advisory committee comprised of the Open Society International Advocacy Director (IAD), the Director of the Open Society Institute-Brussels, and the Director of the Open Society Justice Initiative. In consultation with the advisory committee, the Program Officer will lead the development of a $3 million annual program. The Program Officer is based in the Brussels or London office of the Open Society Foundations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the ongoing development of the program by establishing its vision, goals, and priorities, in coordination with OSIFE, the Justice Initiative and the advisory committee.
• Lead the planning, development, and implementation of grant-making strategies, priorities and guidelines, in coordination with the Justice Initiative and OSIFE.
• Review and evaluate grant proposals. Respond to inquiries and conduct outreach to potential grantees.
• Conduct site visits and monitor grants.
• Oversee all financial matters including monitoring spending throughout the year and preparing the annual budget.
• Develop plan for evaluating program strategies and their success in advancing the program's mission.
• Proactively explore, initiate, and pursue collaboration with other relevant Open Society entities.
• Encourage strategic alliances among donors and grantees to encourage collaboration among organizations and fields with related goals, constituencies and interests.

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level in a relevant field
• Minimum of five years of experience in related efforts in Europe.
• Ability to develop and implement innovative and strategic grantmaking priorities. Prior grant-making experience preferred but not required.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
• Collaborative approach to coordination with colleagues and other organizations.
• Excellent management skills.
• Excellent writing, verbal, analytical and organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• Self-starter with ability to set and meet goals.
• Creative thinker with strong analytical skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively.
• Additional language skills desirable.

START DATE: ASAP

SALARY: Commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits package.

TO APPLY: Please email resume & cover letter no later than May 27th, 2011 to: recruitment@osf-eu.org. Please include Job Code: XEN/PR.OFF in subject line.

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