Program Officer, Roma Initiatives Office

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 Roma Initiatives Office, a group of coordinating, grant-making, and operational programs within the Open Society Foundations, are dedicated to promoting the equality and integration of Europe’s largest ethnic minority. The Roma Initiatives Office facilitates dialogue and exchange to enhance the grant-making and knowledge of Open Society programs that work with Roma communities. In the area of grant-making, the Roma Initiatives provide general institutional development grants to Roma nongovernmental organizations and grants for specific projects addressing the empowerment of Roma, especially among in youth and women; more effective policy advocacy and civic accountability mechanisms toward governments; and more mutually positive attitudes and forms of co-existence.

Based in Budapest, the Program Officer will work under the supervision of the Director of Roma Initiatives. The work of the Program Officer shall be focused on grant-making work of RIO, including review, monitoring, and evaluation of projects implemented in countries covered by RIO’s strategy. These countries are in Central-Eastern and South-Eastern Europe (primarily but not limited to the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia and Macedonia) as well as western European countries such as Italy, Spain and France.

Purpose of Position

Strategy development and grantmaking for assigned program and for developing the connections between the assigned program and the broader priorities of OSF.  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.

Program-Related:

• Develop, plan and organize program-related events;
• Work with Director and other staff to develop grantmaking strategies, priorities, and guidelines;
• Work with the Director to ensure close collaboration with other program directors and staff, convene cross-program working groups as needed, to advance research and development and rapid response grantmaking opportunities;
• Write and edit program materials and guidelines;
• Stay abreast of developments in the field through research and attendance of conferences and/or meetings;
• Write strategy/position papers that provide direction on policy issues impacting the field and/or offer suggestions about strategic program development for funders and grantees;
• Perform special assignments, including participation with other OSF programs and foundation task forces and working groups;
• Identify joint programming opportunities and efforts with external funders and partners;
• Build and establish strategic relationships with other philanthropic partners and NGO’s.

Grants:

• In conjunction with the Director and other staff/consultants, develop grantmaking strategies, priorities, and guidelines;
• Review and assess letters of inquiry and make funding recommendations and declinations to the Director;
• 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 grant dockets preparation process;
• Perform site visits of prospective and current grantee organizations;
• Monitor grants through site visits and review of narrative and financial reports;
• Ensure that grantees submit narrative and financial reports as required under the terms of the contract;
• Interact with grantees and other field professionals and participate in program- and field-related meetings and convenings;

Budget:

• Manage financial and budget reports to track grant and program spending;
• Assist in the planning and developing of annual budget;

Other:

• Travel will be required;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education / Experience

Bachelor's degree (B.A.) 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, project management, including managing consultants and developing and managing project budgets;
• 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.

Program Specific Requirements

• Advanced degree preferred;
• Knowledge of Romani language being a plus.

Compensation

Commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits package.

Application Instructions

Please email resume and cover letter with salary requirements before December 31, 2012, to: applications_BP@admingroup.hu. Include job code in subject line: RIO-PO.