Legal Clerk - Office of the General Counsel, New York

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.

Purpose of Position

Provide administrative and research support. Work is carried out under general supervision.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Draft and process expense payment letters, with oversight from legal assistants;
• Maintain and update the department’s central files (paper and electronic);
• Assist in the maintenance of governance files for OSI and related foundations;
• Assist in preparation of materials for trademark applications, and maintenance of related files and deadline tracking;
• Assist in the preparation of materials for trainings conducted by the department;
• Arrange for legal documents to be certified or legalized by the NY Department of State or relevant country embassy/consulate;
• Prepare, scan and file general departmental correspondence;
• Answer main phone line for the Office of the General Counsel and answer lawyer’s lines as requested;
• Perform basic legal research, as requested;
• Provide additional support to the legal assistants and lawyers as required;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

The Open Society Foundations may add, change, or remove essential and other duties at any time.

Education/Experience

• Minimum of High School degree plus one to three years’ administrative/office experience; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 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, experience with database management preferred;
• 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, works well under pressure and attentive to detail;
• 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.

Program Specific Requirements

• Aptitude for learning new computer programs and software essential;
• Interest in legal field preferred.

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.

Start Date: As soon as possible

Compensation: Commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits package.

To Apply

Please email resume and cover letter with salary requirements before September 16, 2011, to: humanresources@sorosny.org. Include job code in subject line: LC-OGC

OR

Open Society Foundations

Human Resources – Code LC-OGC

400 West 59th Street

New York, New York 10019

FAX: 212.548.4675

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