Program Officer , Open Society Foundations
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.
Strategy development and grantmaking for assigned Project(s) and between the assigned Project(s) and the broader priorities of PHP and OSF. Work is carried out independently/under general supervision.
Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. OSI may add, change, or remove essential and other duties at any time.
Grants:
- In conjunction with Project supervisor(s) and other staff/consultants, develop grantmaking strategies, priorities, and guidelines;
- Invite grant proposals from selected funding applicants;
- Work with applicants to develop and finalize grant proposals;
- Review grant proposals and participate in the preparation of written grant recommendations as part of the docket preparation process;
- Perform site visits of prospective and current grantee organizations;
- Ensure that grantees submit narrative and financial reports as required under the terms of the contract;
- Monitor grants through review of reports, on-going communication and site visits.
Program-Related:
- Develop, plan and organize program-related workshops, trainings and events;
- Work with Supervisor(s) to ensure close collaboration with other Projects, convene cross-program collaborations as needed to advance strategic grantmaking opportunities;
- Write and edit Project materials and guidelines;
- Stay abreast of developments in the field through research and attendance at conferences and/or meetings;
- Write strategy/position papers that provide direction on policy and capacity-building issues impacting the field and/or offer suggestions about strategic Project development ;
- Perform special assignments, including participation in other OSF program and Foundation task forces and working groups;
- Build and establish strategic relationships with other philanthropic partners and NGOs.
Budget:
- Manage financial and budget reports to track grant and Project spending;
- Assist in planning and development of annual budgets;
Other
- Travel will be required.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university and five to eight years relevant experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience in grant making or project management;
- Knowledge of key organizations and networks active in the fields of health and human rights;
- Experience working with or in non-governmental organizations;
- Strong background with programs advancing social justice through community organizing, legal advocacy, research or policy reform work.
- Ability to work effectively and efficiently in a fast-paced environment, to troubleshoot problems and to follow projects through to completion under often-strict deadlines and without loss of attention to detail;
- Excellent organizational and analytical skills;
- Excellent computer skills, proficient in Microsoft Office and experience with internet research and database management;
- Excellent communication skills with sensitivity to cultural communication differences;
- Ability to work effectively both as a team member and independently, with a high-level of self-motivation and ability to set and meet own goals;
- Ability to exercise discretion in the handling of confidential issues;
Pleasant, diplomatic manner and disposition in interacting with colleagues and the general public.
This position is responsible for developing the International Harm Reduction Development program’s work in the area of community documentation and advocacy for access to treatment for people who use drugs in the Eastern European and Central Asian region. The specific requirements for this position are:
- Excellent oral and written English and Russian language skills are a must;
- Direct experience in some aspect of community organizing with marginalized groups, including capacity building, community mobilization, strategic planning and advocacy;
- Commitment to the principles of harm reduction;
- Some familiarity with the practice of harm reduction and the common health and human rights concerns of injection drug users (e.g. syringe exchange, methadone, TB, HIV, stigma, violence.)
- Some familiarity with international funding and advocacy mechanisms to advance the health and human rights of marginalized populations ;
- Some direct work experience in Eastern Europe / the countries of the former Soviet Union is preferred.
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: PO-IHRD.
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