Open Society Foundations
The Open Society Foundations work to build vibrant and tolerant societies whose governments are accountable and open to criticism, whose laws and policies are open to debate and correction, and whose political institutions are open to the participation of all people. We seek to strengthen justice and the rule of law; broaden respect for human rights, including the rights of minorities; encourage pluralism and a robust diversity of opinion; deepen democratic practice and participation; expand economic equity; support effective governance; and invest in individuals, public and private organizations, and social movements that advance these goals.
We are a global network of foundations committed to local knowledge and national expertise. Our network includes national foundations, regional foundations, and other geographic programs operating in more than one hundred countries. At the same time, many programs with global reach operate from our four headquarters in Europe and the United States, including programs on digital information, documentary photography, drug policy, early childhood, education, fellowships, fiscal governance, higher education, human rights, international migration, justice, public health, scholarships, think tanks, and women’s rights. In addition to making grants to organizations and individuals, the Open Society Foundations engage in policy advocacy, legal advocacy and litigation, program-related investing, and public communications, as well as providing direct assistance to governments. Most programs and foundations in the network are governed or advised by their own boards.
The Open Society Foundations are the global philanthropies of George Soros, who, as chairman, plays an active role in the work of the foundations.
Job Profile
The purpose of the position is to provide administrative and programmatic support to support the grant making operations of the Office of the President. Work is carried out under general supervision.
Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. The Open Society Foundations may add, change, or remove essential and other duties at any time:
- perform clerical duties, including: responding to incoming calls and requests from the general public, faxing and photocopying, preparing expense reports, and generally assists in program administration
- draft/edit routine correspondence and memoranda; send standard letters to grant applicants; ensure that grant documentation, supporting documentation, and docket memos are in order
- assist in scheduling appointments and calls, and arrange travel and meetings for staff, including coordinating with conference organizers
- organize logistics of meetings and workshops (travel arrangements, materials, minutes)
- process and track contracts and grant payment requests for program initiatives
- coordinate with grants management and follow up with grantees on overdue reports
- maintain and update the relevant department files and databases
- perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications
- bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university, and one to three years of relevant experience or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience
- NGO or foundation experience/interest in human rights preferred
- excellent written, verbal, organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills
- excellent computer skills, proficient in Microsoft Office; familiarity with Salesforce based applications preferred
- 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, works 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
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.
Compensation
Commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits package.
Application Instructions
Please email resume and cover letter with salary requirements by February 13, 2015, to: humanresources@opensocietyfoundations.org. Include job code in subject line: PA-OOP.