Program Coordinator Youth Initiative

Open Society Institute–New York

Application Deadline: January 13, 2012

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.

The Open Society Youth Initiative is seeking a program coordinator.

Purpose of Position

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

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Participate in the creation, approval, declination and managing of grants;
• Manage and improve small grants fund in the region: manage local consultants, oversee organization of local events, review grant applications and make funding decisions;
• Negotiate and prepare terms of consulting arrangements;
• Coordinate programs special research projects, on-going programmatic needs and grant-making 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;
• Build relationships with and capacity of partners, consultants and grantees and monitor them;
• When travelling, manage logistics and organization of meetings;
• Serve as an informational resource to grantees, consultants, participants and others;
• 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;
• Provide general administrative support to the program;
• Draft and edit internal correspondence, meeting agendas, program publications and other materials;
• Plan, coordinate and oversee local trainings, events and programs including hiring and overseeing necessary consultants;
• Review and monitor budgets and events’ progress;
• Travel may be required;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

The Open Society Foundations may add, change, or remove essential and other duties at any time.

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;
• Demonstrated experience in education or non-profit work and in the sub-Saharan region.

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 Microsoft Office 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, 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.

Program Specific Requirements

• Ability to Maintain familiarity with the work of local foundations, partners, grantees, consultants, other funders and international organizations;
• Proficiency in French, Portuguese and/or African languages;
• Proven ability to provide financial oversight of both grant portfolio and training and event programs.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Essential functions are typically performed in an office setting with a low level of noise. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Start Date

As soon as possible

Compensation

Commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits package.

To Apply

Please email resume and cover letter with salary requirements before January 13, 2012, to: humanresources@sorosny.org. Include job code in subject line: PC-YI

OR

Open Society Foundations
Human Resources – Code PC-YI
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.