Open Society Foundations Senior Advocacy Officer

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.

The International Advocacy Director’s office, based in London, provides strategic support and co-ordination to the Foundations’ advocacy initiatives at international and regional level.

Purpose of Position

The Senior Advocacy Officer, based in London, will focus on the issues which relate to discussions that OSF is seeking to encourage within the emerging global governance architecture (in particular within the G20 forum and the T20 group of think tanks that supports agenda-setting by the G20). The geographic areas of particular interest are:

• Turkey (in part given the forthcoming Presidency of the G20 in 2015 but also because of Turkey’s growing global role);
• The emerging powers of Asia (particularly India and Indonesia); and
• The Latin America member countries of the G20 (Argentina, Brazil and Mexico).

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

This post is responsible firstly for informing the International Advocacy Director of the key issues pertaining to the G20 that have arisen in the countries specified above and secondly building a program of advocacy work around these key issues. Specifically, the Senior Advocacy Officer will:

• Conduct analysis of the key players in specific emerging powers in relation to the G20 agenda (as well as issues from emerging powers which have yet to make it to the G20 agenda in which OSF would take a particular interest);
• Conduct analysis of the debates both within emerging powers and about emerging powers among key international policy thinkers/commentators;
• Select appropriate policy areas in which the Open Society Foundations could collaborate with civil society and think tanks to engage with the G20 process;
• Develop a program of work to engage with key stakeholders within the G20, supporting the G20, and outside of the G20 process.

Other:

• Extensive travel is required;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education / Experience

• Graduate level degree or equivalent preferably in international affairs, international law, international development or a relevant regional studies field;
• Several years relevant experience in International Advocacy;
• Extensive experience of working in at least two of the countries/regions listed above in relation to foreign policy, preferably in relation to the G20;
• Sound understanding of policy processes and effective advocacy work at local and international levels;
• Experience of advocacy capacity building work an asset;
• Project and/or program management experience in the field of international affairs including managing contracts/consultants;

• Flexibility and willingness to work simultaneously on a wide range of tasks and projects which will often throw up competing deadlines;

• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with a wide array of people with diverse backgrounds throughout a complex organization;

• Outstanding written and spoken English and fluency in another relevant language required;
• Exceptional analytical and organizational skills;
• Excellent computer skills, proficient in Microsoft Office;
• Commitment to the aims of the Open Society Foundations.

Compensation

Commensurate with skills and experience. Excellent benefits package.

Application Instructions

Please send a cover letter and CV before Thursday, September 13, 2012 torecruitment-ia@osf-eu.org and include job code in subject line: AAADVO