Temporary Program Coordinator

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.

Higher education institutions and actors are instrumental in the establishment and consolidation of open societies committed to inclusion, critical thinking, human rights, justice, and democracy. The International Higher Education Support Program is committed to supporting universities and members of their communities by nurturing their capacity and leadership for well-informed, vigorous, and inclusive social deliberation, specifically in societies in transition. To this end, the program promotes academic autonomy and critical thinking, favors innovation and imagination, and aids in building transparent and effective institutional governance and countering “brain drain.”

The International Higher Education Support Program is seeking a temporary program coordinator for approximately one year.

Purpose of Position

Provide administrative support/functions to program/department. Work is carried out independently/under general supervision.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Participate in the creation, approval, declination and managing of grants;
• Participate in the interviews of the grant process;
• Negotiate and prepare terms of consulting arrangements;
• Coordinate programs special research projects, ongoing programmatic needs and grantmaking portfolio;
• Draft/edit correspondence and memoranda, letters to grant applicants, grant documentation and dockets;
• Monitor grants through review of narrative and financial reports and other communication with grantees;
• Oversight of grantees’ work, capacity- and institutional-building with grantees;
• Liaise with national foundations and through country visits, perform site visits of prospective and current grantees while providing professional representation;
• Provide presentations on thematic/regional/programmatic subjects as requested;
• When travelling, manage logistics and organization of meetings;
• Conduct research using web tools to search public sources, as well as conducting research on issues, organizations, and other matters and compile that research into concise, relevant material;
• As needed, contribute blogs, publications, and articles on program-related subject matters;
• Provide support related to the program team, in conjunction with the other members of the support team;
• Assist with logistics, travel arrangements, materials, and other aspects of publications and meetings;
• Draft internal correspondence, meeting agendas, and other materials;
• Provide general administrative support to the program;
• Travel may be required;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education / Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university and three to five years of relevant experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• NGO or foundation experience/interest in human rights preferred;
• Experience implementing systems in philanthropic organizations and/or not-for-profits preferred.

Skills Required

• Proven ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment, to troubleshoot and follow projects through to completion, consistently on schedule, without loss of attention to detail and budget;
• Excellent written, verbal, organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills;
• Excellent computer skills, proficient in Windows 7 and experience with internet research;
• Excellent listening and communication skills with sensitivity to cultural communication differences;
• Show discretion and ability to handle confidential issues;
• High level of self-motivation and at ease working independently when necessary;
• Poised, able to work well under pressure, and attentive to detail;
• 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;
• Proficiency in English.

Program Specific Requirements

• Degree in social sciences or humanities preferred;
• Administrative experience in the not-for-profit sector, preferably within an international organization related to educational, social development, or educational administration;
• Good understanding of the higher education system and development is a plus;
• Excellent presentation skills;
• Proficiency in languages of countries in which the International Higher Education Support Program is present or may expand its work is an asset;
• Readiness to meet the challenges and special needs of working in a multinational and multicultural environment.

Application Instructions

Please submit your CV with a cover letter and salary expectations by February 14, 2014, to applications_BP@admingroup.hu. Include in the subject line: HESP PC.