Open Society Foundations , Program Coordinator - Scholarship Programs

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.

General Duties: under direction and close supervision of Scholarship Programs Senior Manager or Deputy Director, the program coordinator works on everyday program administration and program enhancement activities across several scholarship programs.

Specific duties: Programs: UK Programs, Turkmen Program, Educational Advising Center Grants:
• Draft internal correspondence, meeting agendas and other materials; • Process grants in the Grant Tracker System; arrange and monitor payments; • Prepare and process grant-related documents and forms; • Handle/file correspondence with grantees and partner organizations regarding grant payments and reporting requirements; • Monitor grants through review of narrative and financial reports and other communication with grantees; • Monitor grants progress and grant compliance in coordination with OSF grants management and finance staff; • Maintain program databases and participant files; • Provides support to the Program Manager on implementation of program enhancement activities (pre-departure orientation, mid-year conference, mailings); engage in design of the events, correspondence with participants; • Liaise with national foundations through country visits;
• Participate in program recruitment and interview trips; • Perform general duties within department as requested (prepare files for selections, organize staff retreat etc.);

Education and Skills Required: • BA required; background in international affairs, human rights, and/or civil society important; • Work experience in NGO program management; • Experience working in the; region covered by the operations of the Foundations; • Excellent written and oral English; knowledge of other foreign languages is a plus; • Flexibility and willingness to work simultaneously and independently 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; • Extensive skills and high comfort level with computers (expertise with Microsoft Word and Excel required; experience with databases and the Internet preferred); • Superior written and organizational skills and ability to compose effective, thoughtful correspondence; • High level of self-motivation; • Attentiveness to detail and ability to work well under pressure;
• Integrity, professional discretion and ability to handle confidential matters; • Ability to travel internationally when required.

START DATE/DURATION: June 25, 2012

COMPENSATION: Commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits package.

How to apply:

To Apply Please email resume and cover letter before 21 May 2012, to: recruitment-nsp@osf-eu.org Include job code in subject line: NSPPO

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