Open Society Foundations Program Associate

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 Equality and Opportunity Fund engages in grantmaking and supports programmatic initiatives to ensure justice and equality, prohibit arbitrary and discriminatory government action, and to lift barriers that prevent people from participating fully in economic, social, and political life.  The Fund supports advocacy, legal, communications and organizing efforts to achieve the following principal outcomes:

• People of color, immigrants and other marginalized groups have an equal opportunity to learn, enjoy equal protection of the laws, and are well-positioned to participate as full members in society.
• Economic systems are fair and transparent and financial decision-making accounts for the needs of people of color, immigrants and other marginalized groups.

The Fund also house the Campaign for Black Male Achievement, a program that seeks to address, and help reverse, the ways in which black men and boys are stigmatized, criminalized, and excluded from the U.S. economic and political mainstream.

Purpose of Position

Provide administrative and programmatic support as part of a team; work is carried out under general supervision.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

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

• Provide administrative support to the Director and/or Deputy Director;
• Generally assist in program administration and carry out office duties, including: photocopying, faxing, mailings, preparing expense reports, and updating electronic and paper files;
• Coordinate logistics for internal meetings, including scheduling, booking rooms, preparing materials, and setting up conference calls;
• As directed, coordinate travel including arranging itineraries, tickets, visas, and travel authorizations for project staff and non-OSI colleagues;
• Handle correspondence for program/department staff as needed;
• Provide administrative support to the grants management, legal and finance departments as needed in order ensure smooth and timely processing of grants, contracts and payments;
• Processes and tracks payment requests and budget allocations;
• Act as a point of contact (telephone and/or e-mail) for grant- and program-related inquiries and respond to routine telephone and written inquiries from applicants and others;
• Assist in the preliminary reviews of the quality and completeness of documentation of proposals and request additional information from applicants as directed;
• Prepare necessary internal paperwork to ensure timely payment of grants; produces pro-forma financial reports on grant spending;
• Track and monitor consultancy payments;
• Attend and observe strategy meetings with program staff in order to take notes and complete routine documentation;
• Assist in compiling, editing and drafting program material, including updates to the OSI website;
• Perform research and assist with special projects as requested;
• Perform other duties as assigned;
• Travel may be required.

Education / Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university and minimum of two to three years of relevant experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• NGO or foundation experience/interest in human rights preferred.

Skills Required

• Excellent written, verbal, organizational, analytical and interpersonal skills;
• Excellent computer skills, proficient in Microsoft Office;
• Excellent listening and communication skills with sensitivity to cultural communication differences;
• Shows discretion and ability to handle confidential issues;
• High level of self-motivation and at ease working independently when necessary;
• Poised and works well under pressure, attentive to detail and prioritizes and works well under pressure;
• Flexibility and willingness to work simultaneously on a wide range of tasks and projects and ability to prioritize tasks;
• Pleasant, diplomatic manner and disposition in interacting with senior management, co-workers and the general public.

Program Specific Requirements

Demonstrated concern for social justice issues.

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 beforeJanuary 31, 2013 to: HumanResources@opensocietyfoundations.org  Include job code in subject line: PGA-EOF.