Program Officer ,
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.
Higher education institutions and actors are instrumental in the establishment and consolidation of open societies committed to inclusion, critical thinking, human rights, justice, and democracy. The International Higher Education Support Program (HESP) is committed to supporting universities and members of their communities by nurturing their capacity and leadership for well-informed, vigorous, and inclusive social deliberation, specifically in societies in transition. To this end, the program promotes academic autonomy and critical thinking, favors innovation and imagination, and aids in building transparent and effective institutional governance and countering “brain drain.”
The International Higher Education Support Program (HESP) supports initiatives that aim to:
- Open Minds: developing academics’ intellectual skills—including critical thinking—to prepare them for high-level work and sustainable impact;
- Open Universities: institutions that function reflexively in line with the values of open societies, where freedom to think and speak critically and to inquire are respected and encouraged;
- Open Teaching: the roles universities play in training intellectually competent and critical students, generating cutting-edge research and cultivating and securing access to the best teaching practices and approaches;
- Public Intellectual Activity: reaching out towards the development of a public intellectual sphere vital for strong and vibrant societies.
The International Higher Education Support Program is seeking a program officer to be based in one of the Open Society Foundations offices in Africa or Europe, reporting to the HESP director.
Purpose of Position
To design, implement and administer the HESP programs in the African continent; to implement and administer the Africa Climate Change Adaptation Initiative (ACCAI). 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.
- In cooperation with the HESP Director, work on the design and the implementation of the HESP strategies and programs in Africa; In cooperation with the HESP Director and the ACCAI interim Director, work on the implementation of the ACCAI strategies and programs in Africa;
- Establish contacts with institutions/departments/scholars in Africa and outside the continent with relevance to African HE;
- Coordinate communication and organize meetings with the relevant stakeholders within and outside the Foundations;
- Coordinate the announcement and advertising process for the various programs, including the design of the call for application and application forms where relevant;
- Coordinate the solicitation and selection procedures;
- Administer the grants of the selected partners;
- Create a database of the programs;
- Prepare the HESP Africa Programs budget;
- Responsible for the implementation of the annual Africa related HESP strategies and prepare report of the actions undertaken for submission to the HESP Sub-Board;
- Prepare reports for the Director, the HESB and other partners and stakeholders;
- Solicit, review and analyze reports;
- Organize program reviews;
- Monitor implementation through correspondence and site-visits;
- Disseminate and cooperate with similar initiatives and potential partners;
- Participate in other HESP activities providing input to other, related programs and projects;
- Travel is required;
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Education / Experience
Bachelor’s degree (BA) from a four-year college or university with a minimum of seven years relevant experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Master’s degree in Humanities or Social Sciences preferred;
- Good understanding of the higher education system and development in Africa;
- Very good written and oral English and French language skills;
- Commitment to the mission of the Open Society Foundations, HESP, and ACCAI;
- University teaching and research background would be an asset.
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;
- Good knowledge of the Foundations’ computerized management systems would be an asset.
Compensation
Commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits package.
Application Instructions
Please email resume and cover letter with salary requirements to:applications_BP@admingroup.hu.
Application Deadline:
December 10, 2012
Email:
Include job code in subject line: PO-HESP-ACCAI
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