Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean

We are currently recruiting for a regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean to lead the Open Society Foundations’ engagements there. Created in 2002, the Open Society Latin America Program 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. The regional director directs the Latin America Program and oversees the work of affiliated foundations in the region. At present there is only one such foundation: FOKAL in Haiti.

The regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean will be a member of the senior management of the larger Open Society Foundations. We 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, as well as safeguard fundamental rights. At the local level, the Open Society Foundations support and 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 Foundations rely on the expertise of boards composed of eminent citizens who determine individual agendas sensitive to local context.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Leading a program team, the Regional Director is responsible for coordinating our overall institutional engagement in Latin America and the Caribbean. The Regional Director oversees a robust grant making program, in addition to advocacy with regional and international bodies, multi-lateral and bilateral organizations, and governments.

The Regional Director will serve as a spokesperson for the Open Society Foundations, articulating the values and mission of the Foundations in dealing with academic audiences, journalists, various associations across Latin America, and a wider public, as well as with grantees and other funders.

As a member of the senior management committee, the Regional Director acts as a liaison between senior management and relevant constituencies within the region. The Regional Director will report to the president of the Open Society Foundations and will be accountable to the president and to an advisory board of the Latin America Program for the quality, effectiveness and integrity of all activities.

Education / Experience

• Advanced degree and extensive relevant experience in organizational management and leadership.
• Extensive knowledge of, and experience in, Latin America.
• Experience leading an international team, and ability to collaborate effectively and respectfully with stakeholders inside and outside the organization.
• Experience working with NGOs, international organizations, and/or grant-making institutions.
• Demonstrated capacity to manage in a complex, diverse organization that works in creative partnerships.
• Fluency in English, Spanish and Portuguese.
• Excellent organizational, managerial, and strategic skills and abilities.
• Ability to travel frequently within the U.S., in Latin America, and internationally.
• Expertise in at least one substantive issue area in which the Open Society Foundations work, together with a deep commitment to open society values.

Compensation

Commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits package.

Application Instructions

Qualified candidates should send a CV, a two or three page cover letter describing your interests and experience, and one writing sample to: humanresources@opensocietyfoundations.org.

Please include job code in subject line: RD-LAP (applications will also be reviewed on a rolling basis, and early submissions are strongly encouraged).