Program Manager, Information Program

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.

Protection of data privacy as well as unfettered expression and are critical open society issues. Threats and opportunities come from several directions: from state surveillance and censorship; from private-sector surveillance, harvesting and manipulation of personal data; from private litigation with chilling effects on our civil liberties; and from the development of new technologies and technical standards which threaten or enhance data-related rights and freedoms. The Information Program employs several strategies for addressing these challenges:

• Supporting expertise-building in digital security for NGOs and development of software tools and tactics to combat online censorship and surveillance;
• Empowering key NGOs to advocate for changes in law and governmental practice;
• Supporting advocacy for human rights compliant corporate behavior in the technology sector;
• Supporting legal challenges to egregious violations of civil liberties.

The program manager will be based in an Open Society Foundations office in London, Washington D.C. or New York.  Geographically, this work will focus primarily on impact in developing and middle income countries.

Purpose of position: The Information Program seeks a full-time Program Manager to help develop and expand the Program’s work on the protection of civil liberties in the digital environment, with a particular focus on surveillance and privacy.

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

• Help to develop and implement the OSF Information Program’s civil liberties  funding and policy advocacy strategy as well as annual work plans and budgets, in close collaboration with Senior Program Managers;  strengthening the Program’s work on surveillance and privacy will be of particular importance;
• Develop a portfolio of grants, including the drafting of requests for proposals, evaluation of proposals, preparation of related documentation, and follow up and monitoring of grantee activities;
• Travel widely and conduct site visits to identify new grantees and partners and to monitor existing grants to ensure progress;
• Build and develop collaborative projects with OSF Programs and local Foundations as well as other funders;
• Represent the Information Program at various fora, including meetings, conferences, partnerships and special events;
• Engage in other projects as assigned.

Education/Experience:  Bachelor's degree and several years’relevant experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Advanced degree preferred.

Skills required:

• Extensive experience, preferably international, in the field of civil liberties in the digital environment;
• An understanding of civil society approaches for conducting advocacy desirable;
• A demonstrated commitment to human rights protection online;
• 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 oral and written English;
• 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;
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills;
• Willingness to travel internationally on a frequent basis.

Start date: ASAP

Duration: Permanent contract

Working hours: full time position, 40 hours per week

Compensation: Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. Excellent benefits package.

To Apply: Please email a cover letter and CV before 30 April 2013 to: recruitment-IP@opensocietyfoundations.org. Include in subject line your name, surname and job code PM-IP

No phone calls, please.The Open Society Foundations is an Equal Opportunity Employer.