Program Manager , Open Society Foundation–London

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 Scholarship Programs fund the participation of students, scholars, and professionals from a variety of countries throughout the world in rigorous, competitive academic programs outside of their home countries. The goals of these programs are: to revitalize and reform the teaching of the social sciences and humanities at local universities; to provide professional training in targeted fields unavailable or underrepresented at institutions in the countries served; and to assist outstanding students from a range of backgrounds to pursue their studies in alternative academic and cultural environments. Scholarship Programs bridge the gap between local needs and local potential by giving students and scholars the time and space to develop their critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and international awareness. These programs represent a long-term response to ongoing social and political transformations in the countries served.

Program enhancements encourage cross-cultural tolerance, interdisciplinary dialog, and professional networks. In practice these are summer academic programs, pre-departure orientations, mid-year conferences and professional internships.

Purpose of Position

Under direct supervision of the Deputy Director and with indirect oversight from a New York-based Director, the Manager will handle the administration and program enhancement activities for Masters and PhD level awards tenable at European universities. The Manager will make sure that the programs function efficiently and transparently, in line with both the mission of the Scholarship Programs department as well as the Open Society Foundations overall. He/she will effectively and professionally represent the Department with partner organizations in the beneficiary countries, universities in the hosting countries, and the grantees themselves, as well as within the OSF network. Work is carried out independently/under general supervision.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. OSF may add, change, or remove essential and other duties at any time.

• Advertising: design and produce applications forms and advertisement materials; design and  implement recruitment of applicants, and make on site program presentations.
• Selection: identify and recruit outside experts for multi-tiered application review and selection process; supervise the logistics and the discussion of the selection meetings; be prepared to explain and examine program procedures and OSF policies with program coordinators and committee members; and ensure that applicants and candidates are informed about the results in a timely fashion;
• Monitoring: working with local partners, ensure that scholars have the appropriate visas and can travel to the universities; inform local partners about any problem cases; respond to grantee inquiries and emergency situations; advise universities on OSF policy issues; send circulars to partners to keep them informed of program developments; monitor the academic progress of the grantees; and maintain consistent communication with host university contacts and grantees;
• Legal issues/payments: liaise with Finance and Legal departments regarding Memorandums Of Understanding and award letters; initiate payments to the universities and individuals; assist Finance Officer with allocations to local partners where applicable;
• Enhancement activities: design and supervise Pre-departure Orientations, Mid-year conferences and grantee participation in the Summer School; advise Program Assistant/Coordinator concerning the venue, lists of invitees, grantee payments, agenda and other issues;
• Reports: provide reports on program status to the Deputy Director as requested; monitor and track expenditure of the program budget and advise Deputy Director on surpluses or deficits; prepare and submit a summary report on the scholarship year; present the programs at staff events and to the board upon request;
• Perform other duties as required, including but not limited to those associated with alumni tracking and program evaluation.

Education / Experience

Bachelor’s degree and several years’ relevant experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Advanced degree (MA or PhD) in social sciences or humanities strongly preferred;
• Experience in grant making, project management, including manage consultants, develop and manage project budgets in an international organization or university;
• NGO experience essential;
• Strong background with programs advancing social justice through community organizing, legal advocacy, research, or policy reform work.

Skills Required

• Effectively manage to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment, troubleshoot and follow projects through to completion, with strict deadlines and without loss of attention to detail, budget and reporting;
• Excellent written, verbal, organizational, analytical and interpersonal skills;
• Excellent computer skills, proficient in Microsoft Office and experience with internet research and database management;
• Exercise good listening and communication skills with sensitivity to cultural communication differences;
• Effectively work as a team member and independently, with a high-level of self-motivation and ability to set and meet goals;
• Show discretion and ability to handle confidential issues;
• Knowledge of key organizations and networks active in the field;
• Pleasant, diplomatic manner and disposition in interacting with colleagues and the general public.
• fluent English and familiarity with another European language, preferably Russian, French, or German;
• Ability and willingness to travel internationally on a frequent basis.

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

Salary commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits package.

Application Instructions

Please email resume and cover letter before December 20, 2012, to recruitment-NSP@osf-eu.org. Include job code in subject line: PMNSP.