Open Society Foundations Deputy Director

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 Public Health Program supports marginalized populations to fight discrimination and protect their fundamental rights. The program aims to build societies committed to inclusion, human rights, and justice, in which health-related policies and practices reflect these values and are based on evidence.

The International Harm Reduction Development Program (IHRD), part of the Open Society Public Health Program, works to advance the health and human rights of people who use drugs. Through grantmaking, capacity building, and advocacy, IHRD works to reduce HIV, fatal overdose, and other drug-related harms; to decrease abuse by police and in places of detention; and to improve the quality of health services. IHRD supports community monitoring and advocacy, legal empowerment, and strategic litigation. IHRD's work is based on the understanding that people unwilling or unable to abstain from illicit drug use can make positive changes to protect their health and that of their families and communities.

Purpose of Position

Manage the coordination of management, policy/advocacy, grantmaking, finance/budget for the IHRD program.  Work is carried out independently.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

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

Program Management:

• Directly supervise the work of three program officers and two administrative staff in areas including community organizing, technical assistance to harm reduction services, NGO strengthening, and policy/advocacy efforts;
• Direct IHRD’s approach to external funders, oversee reporting for and compliance with third-party grants;
• Establish and maintain linkages with IHRD partners including government representatives, health and social care providers, community groups and international organizations;
• Participate in the management team of the Public Health Program and represent IHRD as required at meetings of the Open Society Institute, Soros network and at international, regional and national conferences;
• Coordinate conferences and expert consultations related to drug use and HIV;
• Supervise provision of research and technical assistance projects.

Policy and Advocacy:

• Help guide implementation of policy and advocacy initiatives and related strategies at the international, regional and national level throughout the former Soviet Union and Asia;
• Assist the National Foundations in the Soros Network with development, implementation and evaluation of strategies on harm reduction;
• Identify and help manage international consultants working with IHRD to advance policy objectives;

Grantmaking:

• Develop and oversee calls for proposals or grant competitions to support policy initiatives;
• Manage the review process, of proposals, grant reports, and identification of expert committees;

Finance and Budget:

• Produce IHRD’s annual budget and work with program staff on individual program budgets;
• Monitor financial allocations and general program expenditures;
• Track and ensure staff compliance with OSI finance guidelines, procedures and reporting requirements;

Other:

• Travel is required;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education / Experience

• Advanced degree (M.A./M.S) and seven to ten years of relevant experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Relevant work experience in issues related to public policy, human rights, drug use and/or HIV.
• Solid experience in staff, program and grant management, preferably in international public health;
• Experience in grantmaking or program development preferred.

Skills Required

• Demonstrated management skills in not-for-profit organizations, foundations and/or government agencies, particularly in complex organizations;
• Excellent computer skills, proficient in Microsoft Office;
• Leadership expertise in identifying best practices and improvement of internal systems;
• Flexibility and willingness to work simultaneously on a wide range of tasks and projects;
• Experience in managing multiple priorities under pressure and accomplish short- and long- term deadlines with a heavy workload;
• Demonstrated experience in budget, technical and financial management functions;
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills;
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with a wide array of people with diverse backgrounds throughout a complex organization;
• Proven leadership qualities with delivering superior results;
• Professionally competent to make administrative, procedural decisions and judgments on sensitive and confidential issues;
• Effectively interact with staff on all levels;
• Identify and resolve sensitive matters and situations;
• Professional, diplomatic demeanor with the ability to represent a global organization and interact with colleagues from diverse backgrounds;
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated expertise in handling all personnel related issues and information in a confidential manner.

Program Specific Requirements

• International experience in Asia or the former Soviet Union strongly preferred;
• Russian language fluency preferred.

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 to:humanresources@opensocietyfoundations.org.   Include job code in subject line: IHRD-DD.