Program Coordinator , New York and Washington, D.C.

The Open Society Foundations work to build vibrant and tolerant societies whose governments are accountable and open to the participation of all people.

We seek to strengthen the rule of law; respect for human rights, minorities, and a diversity of opinions; democratically elected governments; and a civil society that helps keep government power in check.

We help to shape public policies that assure greater fairness in political, legal, and economic systems and safeguard fundamental rights.

We implement initiatives to advance justice, education, public health, and independent media.

We build alliances across borders and continents on issues such as corruption and freedom of information.

Working in every part of the world, the Open Society Foundations place a high priority on protecting and improving the lives of people in marginalized communities.

The Open Society Foundations are currently recruiting for various program coordinator roles for the Latin America Program to be based in New York and Washington, D.C. Created in 2002, the Open Society Latin America Program (LAP) currently makes grants and conducts advocacy in the areas of government accountability and transparency, public access to information, citizen security, human rights, and migration, but the program could develop in other directions over time.

Purpose of Position

Provide administrative support/functions to the program/department.  Work is carried out independently/under general supervision.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. The Open Society Foundations may add, change, or remove essential and other duties at any time.

• Participate in the creation, approval, declination and managing of grants;
• Participate in the interviews of the grant process;
• Negotiate and prepare terms of consulting arrangements;
• Coordinate programs special research projects, on-going programmatic needs, and grant-making portfolio;
• Draft/edit correspondence and memoranda, letters to grant applicants, grant documentation, and dockets;
• Monitor grants through review of narrative and financial reports and other communication with grantees;
• Oversight of grantees work, capacity building and institutional building with grantees;
• Liaise with national foundations and through country visits, perform site visits of prospective and current grantees while providing professional representation;
• Provide presentations on thematic/regional/programmatic subjects as requested;
• When traveling, manage logistics and organization of meetings;
• Conduct research using web tools to search public sources, as well as conducting research on issues, organizations, and other matters, and compile that research into concise, relevant material;
• As needed, contribute blogs, publications, and articles on program related subject matters;
• Provide support related to the program team, in conjunction with the other members of the support team; assist with logistics, travel arrangements, materials and other aspects of publications and meetings;
• Draft internal correspondence, meeting agendas, and other materials;
• Provide general administrative support to the program;
• Travel may be required;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education / Experience

Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university and three to five years of relevant experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• NGO or foundation experience/interest in human rights preferred;
• Experience implementing systems in philanthropic organizations and/or not-for-profits preferred.

Skills Required

• Proven ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment; to troubleshoot and follow projects through to completion, consistently on schedule, without loss of attention to detail and budget;
• Excellent written, verbal, organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills;
• Excellent computer skills, proficient in Microsoft Office and experience with Internet research;
• Excellent listening and communication skills with sensitivity to cultural communication differences;
• Show discretion and ability to handle confidential issues;
• High level of self-motivation and at ease working independently when necessary;
• Poised, work well under pressure and attentive to detail;
• 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.

Program Specific Requirements

Program Specific Requirements: 

• Master’s degree in relevant discipline preferred;
• Fluency in Spanish and English (strong written and verbal skills), with Portuguese highly desirable;
• Experience/interest in governance;
• Knowledge of and interest in Latin American politics also highly desirable.
• Individuals who both take initiative when appropriate and work well in a team;
• A passion for the work of the Open Society Foundations, in particular areas of: citizen security and human rights, access to information, transparency and accountability, drug policy, and migration.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

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.

Compensation

Commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits package.

Application Instructions

Please email resume and cover letter with salary requirements (indicating office location) to: humanresources@opensocietyfoundations.org.

Application Deadline:

December 31, 2012