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.

Program: New technologies, a proliferation of communication channels, and the rising flood of data are changing the nature of advocacy, policy-making, and governance. The “Skills and Capabilities” initiative of the Information Program supports an emerging field of technology strategists, data scientists, security experts, designers and organizations experimenting with new approaches to public participation, advocacy and policy change with the goal of magnifying the impact of the human rights and transparency/accountability sectors.

The program manager will be based in an Open Society Foundations office in London 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 develop and expand the Program’s work to support the nascent digital advocacy field, and the strategic use of new technologies and data by the human rights and transparency/accountability sectors.

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 strategy addressing the threats and opportunities to the human rights and accountability sectors brought about by advances in new technologies and data;
• In close collaboration with senior program staff, develop annual budgets and workplans;
• Take the lead in managing a portfolio of grants to international organizations, including the drafting of requests for proposals, evaluation of proposals, preparation of related documentation, and follow up and monitoring of grantee activities;
• Conduct international site visits to identify new grantees and partners, and to monitor existing grants to ensure learning and 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;
• Work with administrative departments of OSF to ensure policies and procedures are being followed;
• Stay up-to-date with developments in the field through research and attendance of conferences and/or meetings;
• Build and establish strategic relationships with other philanthropic partners;
• Travel is required;
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree and several years’ relevant experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Master’s degree in a relevant field strongly preferred;
• Experience in grant making, project management, including managing consultants and developing and managing project budgets;
• NGO experience essential.

Skills required:

• Extensive experience, preferably international, in the human rights, transparency/accountability, and/or the use of new technologies for social change;
• An in-depth understanding of the emerging field experimenting with technology and data’s role in advocacy and policy change, including key players and approaches;
• Hands-on experience in technical project management, data analysis, or software development a plus but not required;
• A demonstrated commitment to open society values;
• Ability 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.
• Excellent oral and written English; knowledge of one or more major regional languages (Spanish, Arabic, French, Russian, etc) desirable.

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 19 October 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.