Washington, D.C. Finance Officer

Grassroots Justice
Open Society Institute–Washington, D.C.

Application Deadline: September 30, 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.

About Grassroots Justice

Grassroots Justice is a new international organization dedicated to legal empowerment. Legal empowerment is about strengthening the capacity of all people to exercise their rights and to participate in—and hold accountable—public institutions.

Grassroots Justice will work with governments and civil society partners to implement and evaluate innovative interventions in several countries. Intervention possibilities include: applying a combination of legal and social accountability measures to improve the delivery of health and water services in Nigeria; developing a recognized, nationwide network of community paralegals in Sierra Leone, to confront the abiding challenge of scale in the delivery of primary justice services; using community monitoring to bridge the enforcement gap in environmental law in India; facilitating participation in community land titling mechanisms in Liberia, Mozambique, and Uganda to strengthen the capacity of communities to manage their natural resources in the context of the "land grab" in Africa.

Grassroots Justice will also build a global network of practitioners to foster dialogue, the sharing of tools and resources, and ultimately, a movement for legal empowerment worldwide.

About the Position

We are seeking a strategic, process-minded leader capable of managing all of the organization’s financial and administrative systems, which involve budget development and analysis, tax and accounting functions, benefits policies, recruitment, performance management, and legal needs.

In addition, the Finance Officer will lead the Grassroots Justice team in shaping the nature and scope of the organization's grant-making functions, monitoring grant commitments and cash flow and advising or training local partners in financial management. Finally, the Finance Officer will assist the Director with funding proposals, donor relations and reporting requirements.

Because the Finance Officer is expected to develop sustainable financial and administrative systems for a growing and unconventional organization, the ideal candidate must be incredibly resourceful, conscientious, and creative.

Grassroots Justice is a close-knit yet decentralized organization. While staff are based in intervention countries all over the world, we are committed to maintaining a strong team culture. Candidates should therefore be technologically savvy and capable of flourishing in a virtual working environment, with colleagues hailing from diverse cultures and backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Work with the Director on budget development, analysis, and projections;
• Design and run a system to track expenditures and staff time keeping;
• Review and approve budget reports and expenses for the organization;
• Produce and maintain all financial documents and records, including grant reports;
• Manage accounts payable;
• Liaise with the Open Soceity Foundations' Finance Department to file taxes where necessary;
• Oversee grant-making functions to local partners;
• Advise and train local partners on financial management;
• Review and approve all grant, contract, MOU and other agreements on behalf of Grassroots Justice;
• Prep reports for board meetings;
• Liaise with the Open Society Foundations' Human Resources department in following policies and procedures for matters related to the Grassroots Justice;
• Organize and manage annual staff retreats;
• Process and maintain confidential documents and information;
• Manage foreign registration and taxation issues;
• Liaise with the Office of the General Counsel with legal matters;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience

BA in Finance, Accounting, or related discipline, MBA, CPA and/or CFA and at least five years of relevant experience or training; equivalent combination of education and experience.

Skills Required

Background or experience in management or finance is preferred. In addition, we value the following qualities:

• Excellent computer skills, proficient in Microsoft Office and Quickbooks; experience with internet research and database management;
• Excellent written, verbal, organizational, analytical and interpersonal skills;
• Exercise good listening and communication skills with sensitivity to cultural communication differences;
• Excellent quantitative and critical thinking skills;
• Ability to work under pressure, within deadlines and in a small group environment;
• Discretion and ability to handle confidential issues;
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally when required;
• Pleasant, diplomatic manner and disposition in interacting with colleagues and the general public.

Program Specific Requirements

• Knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting and cost control principles;
• The ability to design, test and implement independent human resources and/or finance and accounting systems for Grassroots Justice during its transition to independent status;
• Following the transition, ability to manage above systems and serve as principal liaison for any outsourced financial/accounting services.

Duration

Approximately 2-3 years

Compensation

Commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits package.

To Apply

Please email resume and cover letter with salary requirements before September 30, 2011, to: humanresources@sorosny.org Include job code in subject line: FO-GJ/DC

OR

Open Society Foundations
Human Resources – Code FO-GJ/DC
400 West 59th Street
New York, New York 10019

FAX: 646.557.2672

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. No phone calls, please. The Open Society Foundations is an Equal Opportunity Employer.