The Soros Foundation-Kazakhstan (SFK), part of the worldwide network of the Open Society Foundations (OSF), seeks qualified applicants for the position Chair of the Executive Council (CEC).

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, OSF 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. OSF’s 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. For more information, please see www.soros.org.

Established in 1995, SFK is a non-governmental, non-profit organization that works to promote democracy and strengthen civil society in the Republic of Kazakhstan by promoting partnerships between civil society and the government. Over the years, SFK has worked in a wide range of areas, including education, public health, arts and culture, information, public administration, legal reform, media support, and transparency and accountability. Currently, its priorities include: ensuring responsible and transparent management of extractive sector incomes for the benefit of present and future generations; promoting human rights and civil liberties; ensuring access to information and freedom of expression; and encouraging the active participation by young people in social life and decision-making processes. For more information, please see www.soros.kz.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Based in Almaty and reporting to a local Board of Trustees, the CEC will be responsible for SFK’s overall management, for implementing the policies and directives of the Board, and for ensuring the integrity and quality of the Foundation’s programs.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

  • To assist the Board of Trustees in developing, evaluating and revising the mission, priorities and broad strategy of the Foundation. To ensure that the decisions of the Board are accurately transmitted to Foundation staff and to grant applicants and grantees in a timely manner.
  • To coordinate the development of specific action plans, programs and budgets in response to Board direction, to present these to the Board for formal approval and to oversee the work of Foundation staff in implementing them.
  • To supervise and approve the hiring, evaluation, promotion, compensation and dismissal of all Foundation personnel, and to ensure that job descriptions, personnel policies and office procedures are developed, revised and implemented.
  • In conjunction with the Financial Director, to implement Board policy for payment of grant monies and administrative expenses; to sign all contracts, agreements and memoranda of understanding between the Foundation and other parties.
  • To arrange for independent auditors to review the financial operations of the Foundation, and to take other steps necessary to ensure that the Foundation is operating in compliance with relevant laws and contractual agreements; to notify the Board promptly of any financial or procedural irregularities on the part of Foundation staff, grantees or contractors.
  • To act as the Foundation’s primary representative on operational matters with OSF-New York, other foundations in the OSF network, government agencies, other donors and other institutions; to prepare the Foundation’s Annual Report for submission to the Board and distribution to interested parties.
  • To oversee the Foundation’s public relations strategy and activities; to act as the primary spokesperson for the Foundation to the media and public, in coordination with the Chair of the Board of Trustees.
  • To evaluate the effectiveness of the Foundation’s programs, through formal evaluation procedures and through periodic visits to programs and grantees; to ensure that grant and program opportunities are equitably available to all qualified applicants, and that grant applicants are treated fairly and respectfully.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • At least five years of management experience, including a demonstrable track record of delivery, with management experience in a multilateral or donor organization and/or experience in the non-profit or philanthropic sector a plus;
  • Post-graduate education in a relevant discipline, preferably from the social sciences, humanities, or management sciences;
  • Close knowledge of, and evidence of contributions and personal commitment to, the promotion of transparency, accountability, and justice in Kazakhstan;
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
  • Fluency in Russian and English, with knowledge of Kazakh strongly desired;
  • Independent functionality in regular office computer packages;
  • Strong, demonstrated ability to inspire others and work in a team;
  • Demonstrated experience in managing inter- and intra-organizational relationships in complex organizational environments; and
  • Capacity to work long hours towards multiple objectives in a pressured environment, and willingness to travel extensively.

Start date: No later than May 1, 2012

Compensation: Salary and benefits package commensurate with experience.

How to apply: Please see www.soros.kz to get an Application form. Please email application form, resume and cover letter, including the names and contact information of three references, before February 29, 2012 to cec-search@soros.kz. Include CEC-SFK in subject line.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview.

SFK is an equal-opportunity employer.