New Employment Opportunity!

Northeast Asia Program

Open Society Institute–New York
Application Deadline: December 30, 2011
The Open Society Foundations work to build vibrant and tolerant democracies whose governments are accountable to their citizens. To achieve this mission, the Foundations seek to shape public policies that assure greater fairness in political, legal, and economic systems and safeguard fundamental rights. On a local level, the Open Society Foundations implement a range of initiatives to advance justice, education, public health, and independent media. At the same time, we build alliances across borders and continents on issues such as corruption and freedom of information. The Foundations place a high priority on protecting and improving the lives of people in marginalized communities.
Investor and philanthropist George Soros established the Open Society Foundations, starting in 1984, to help countries make the transition from communism. Our activities have grown to encompass the United States and more than 70 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America. Each Foundation relies on the expertise of boards composed of eminent citizens who determine individual agendas based on local priorities.

Program Officer Position

The Northeast Asia Program seeks a full-time Program Officer, based in Hong Kong (with a possibility of being based in the OSI-New York office). The program officer will report to the Northeast Asia Director, and will work in collaboration with other Open Society Foundations staff. The core of the Program Officer’s work will focus on legal reform.

Responsibilities

• Work with the Program Director of the Northeast Asia Program to develop grantmaking strategies, priorities, and guidelines;
• Review and assess letters of inquiry and make funding recommendations and declinations to the Director;
• Work with applicants to develop and finalize grant proposals;
• Review grant proposals and participate in the preparation of written grant recommendations as part of grant docket preparation process;
• Perform site visits of prospective and current grantee organizations;
• Monitor grants through site visits and review of narrative and financial reports;
• Ensure that grantees submit narrative and financial reports as required under the terms of grant agreement;
• Participate in the development, planning, and organization of program-related events;
• Stay abreast of developments in the field through research, dialogue with key partners, and convenings;
• Write strategy/position papers that provide direction on policy issues impacting the field and/or offers suggestions about strategic program development for funders and grantees;
• Interact with grantees and other field professionals and participate in program and field-related meetings;
• Build and establish strategic relationships within OSF and with other philanthropic partners.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years relevant work experience;
• Advanced degree in relevant field preferred;
• Direct experience in working with community groups on the development and implementation of advocacy strategies and campaigns with demonstrable impact ;
• Ability to listen and communicate effectively with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds;
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team;
• Excellent oral and written English skills;
• Excellent oral and written Mandarin Chinese skills;
• Self-starter with ability to set and meet goals;
• Creative thinker with strong analytical skills; and
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively.

Start Date

January 2012

Compensation

Commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits package.

To Apply

Please email resume and cover letter with salary requirements before December 30, 2011, to: humanresources@sorosny.org. Include job code in subject line: NEAP/PO
OR
Open Society Foundations
Human Resources – Code NEAP/PO
400 West 59th Street
New York, New York 10019
FAX: 646.557.2672
No phone calls, please. The Open Society Foundations are an Equal Opportunity Employer