Program Associate Northeast Asia Program

Northeast Asia Program
Open Society Institute–New York

Application Deadline: October 20, 2011

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 programmatic support as part of a team; work is carried out under general supervision.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support to the Director;
• Generally assist in program administration and carry out office duties, including: photocopying, faxing, mailings, preparing expense reports, and updating electronic and paper files;
• Coordinate logistics for internal meetings, including scheduling, booking rooms, preparing materials, and setting up conference calls;
• As directed, coordinate travel including arranging itineraries, tickets, visas, and travel authorizations for project staff and non-Open Society Foundations colleagues;
• Handle correspondence for program/department staff as needed;
• Process and track payment requests and budget allocations;
• Provide administrative support to the grants management, legal and finance departments as needed in order ensure smooth and timely processing of grants, contracts and payments;
• 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 reviews 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; produces pro-forma financial reports on grant spending;
• Track and monitor consultancy payments;
• Attend and observe strategy meetings with program staff in order to take notes and complete routine documentation;
• Assist in compiling, editing and drafting program material, including updates to the Open Society Foundations website;
• Perform research and assist with special projects as requested;
• Perform other duties as assigned;
• Travel may be required.

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

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.

Program Specific Requirements

• Mandarin Chinese language ability strongly preferred, Korean or Japanese language ability a plus;
• Basic financial skills related to preparing and monitoring annual administrative budgets;
• Knowledge of Chinese and Northeast Asian politics, economic situation, and social trends, and general political awareness.

Start Date

January 2012

Compensation

Commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits package.

To Apply

Please email resume and cover letter with salary requirements before October 20, 2011, to: humanresources@sorosny.org. Include job code in subject line: PGA/NEAP

OR

Open Society Foundations
Human Resources – Code PGA/NEAP
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.