Program Assistant , International Harm Reduction Development Program
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 Public Health Program supports marginalized populations to fight discrimination and protect their fundamental rights. The program aims to build societies committed to inclusion, human rights, and justice, in which health-related policies and practices reflect these values and are based on evidence.
The International Harm Reduction Development Program (IHRD), part of the Open Society Public Health Program, works to advance the health and human rights of people who use drugs. Through grantmaking, capacity building, and advocacy, IHRD works to reduce HIV, fatal overdose, and other drug-related harms; to decrease abuse by police and in places of detention; and to improve the quality of health services. IHRD supports community monitoring and advocacy, legal empowerment, and strategic litigation. IHRD's work is based on the understanding that people unwilling or unable to abstain from illicit drug use can make positive changes to protect their health and that of their families and communities.
Provide administrative and programmatic support to support to the International Harm Reduction Development Program. Work is carried out under general supervision.
Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. OSI may add, change, or remove essential and other duties at any time.
- Provide administrative support to the Director, Deputy Director, Senior Program Officer, and/or Program Officers;
- Generally assist in program administration and carry out office duties, including: preparing expense reports, and updating electronic and paper files, photocopying, faxing, mailings;
- 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-OSI colleagues;
- Handle correspondence for program/department staff as needed;
- 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;
- Coordinate logistics, materials, and program for medical education seminars (including liaising with American-Austrian Foundation) and related Russian-language seminars, workshops and convenings;
- Review, track and report on contracts with Russian speaking consultants;
- Monitor and summarize key developments in Russian language media, community listservs, health conferences, and peer-reviewed publications
- Conduct background research and compile summaries and literature reviews on topics related to harm reduction as requested;
- Regularly populate and update IHRD Russian language website;
- Assist in the organization of special events such as speaker series, advisory meetings, film screenings and others as requested.
- Processes and tracks payment requests and budget allocations;
- Act as a point of contact (telephone and/or e-mail) for grant- and program-related inquiries from Russian-speaking grantees and respond to routine telephone and written inquiries from applicants and others;
- Prepare necessary internal paperwork to ensure timely payment of grants; produces pro-forma financial reports on grant spending;
- Track and monitor consultancy payments;
- Attend strategy meetings with program staff in order to take notes and complete routine documentation;
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university, and one to three years of relevant experience or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
NGO or foundation experience/interest in human rights preferred.
- 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;
- Shows 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;
- 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.
- Russian language required;
- Interest and experience in harm reduction, HIV/AIDS, and drug policy desirable.
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.
Please email resume and cover letter with salary requirements. Include job code in subject line: PA-IHRD.
Open Society Foundations
Human Resources – Code PA-IHRD
400 West 59th Street
New York, New York 10019
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