Senior Program Officer

Central Eurasia Project / Middle East and North Africa Initiative
Open Society Institute–New York

Application Deadline: December 15, 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.

The Open Society Central Eurasia Project and Middle East & North Africa Initiative seek a senior program officer to work with their Arab Transitions Forum; based in the New York Office.

Responsibilities

• Provide assessments and analysis, on regular basis, about the regional political environment;
• Produce original policy research and develop working papers series concept; commission papers and organize peer review, work with outside experts and advisors on developing policy research;
• Supervise program of meetings and conferences
• Work with the ARO’s Director and staff to develop policy and advocacy strategies;
• Map and report about civil society and NGO development in priority sectors of the region.
• Liaise with associated Foundations and non-governmental organizations in developing coordinated/complementary strategies and approaches;
• Liaise with program consultants and area specialists to identify opportunities for new projects;
• Participate in meetings/conferences with relevant counterparts, including think tanks, NGOs, governments, and government officials in DC, London, Brussels, and the region;
• Under supervision of Director, develop, execute, and coordinate special projects as required.
• Provide occasional program consulting to other projects and programs activities as needed

Qualifications

• Advanced degree, PhD; background in international affairs, applied policy research human rights, and working with civil society important;
• 5+ years of work experience in policy research, program management experience working in the Arab Region;
• Excellent written and oral Arabic and English; knowledge of French as well highly preferable;
• Flexibility and willingness to work simultaneously and independently on a wide range of tasks and projects and ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment;
• Superior interpersonal, written and organizational skills and ability to compose effective, thoughtful correspondence;
• High level of organization and self-motivation;
• Attentiveness to detail and ability to work well under pressure;
• Commitment to working as a member of a team, pleasant, diplomatic manner and disposition in interacting with senior management, co-workers and external partners;
• Integrity, professional discretion and ability to handle confidential matters;
• Ability to travel extensively as required.

Start Date

Immediately

Compensation

Commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits package.

To Apply

Please email resume and cover letter with salary requirements to: humanresources@sorosny.org. Include job code in subject line: SPO-ATF

OR

Open Society Foundations
Human Resources – Code SPO-ATF
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.