Program Officer, OSUN

Program Officer, OSUN

New York/London

Competitive rates of pay apply

Do you want to help make the world a better place with your expertise in global higher education? We’re seeking a Program Officer based in New York or London.

The Open Society Foundations works to build vibrant and inclusive democracies whose governments are accountable and open to the participation of all people. We are active in more than 120 countries, making us the world’s largest private funder of independent groups working for justice, democratic governance, and human rights.

The Open Society University Network (OSUN) is a global network of educational institutions that integrates learning and the advancement of knowledge—in the social sciences, the humanities, the sciences and the arts, on undergraduate and graduate levels—across geographic and demographic boundaries, promotes civic engagement on behalf of open societies, and expands access to higher education for underserved communities. The OSUN team at the Open Society Foundations supports the global network in advancing its strategies, fostering and sustaining collaboration across the network, and working to strengthen the quality and effectiveness of the institution.

OSUN is a companion initiative to the Ideas Workshop - a new hub for critical thinking and inquiry at the Open Society Foundations, offering space for exploration of speculative, “over the horizon” ideas and heterodox viewpoints – and sits within the Education and Ideas Collaborative. Although primarily engaging on OSUN, the Program Officer is also expected to supply and be a part of Education and Ideas Collaborative team efforts.

Job Profile

The Program Officer maintains the OSUN grant making portfolio and related communications with grantees and project leaders. Responsibilities include annual grant planning working with the OSUN Division Director, assessing grant proposals, writing grant recommendations, conducting organizational assessments, negotiating project budgets and contracts, and undertaking periodic reviews of progress with grantees, including site visits.

As a Program Officer at Open Society, you will:

• Oversee and maintain processes and systems for monitoring grant making and related financial and budget reports to track spending and collaborate to planning and development of annual budgets.
• Assess project proposals and organizational capacities of grantees.
• Provide guidance to grantees on OSF processes, procedures, and guidelines.
• Provide expertise, both internally and externally, to support the development of grantee organizations and projects.
• Carry out research and scoping and provide input in support of OSUN grant making and strategic development for existing and new bodies of work.
• Help conceptualize and convene meetings and strategic conversations with relevant partners.
• Manage consultancies, as needed. Build relationships with existing grantees, prospective grantees, and experts in the community.

What we are looking for:

• Experience in higher education and complex understanding of the role of universities as drivers of social change.
• 7-10 years of responsible experience in relevant higher education, civil society, multilateral, development and/or consulting organizations.
• Deep knowledge and experience in the field of global higher education, including understanding of main policies, actors, trends and controversies.
• Experience in more than one geographic region will be a strong asset.
• Complex project management experience.
• The candidate should ideally have grant making experience.
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English.
• Proficient level of another language strongly preferred.

What we offer:

• Ample opportunities to learn and grow, from annual professional development allowances to onsite trainings and brown bag lunches with visiting experts.
• Top-notch benefits and perks designed for your well-being and a healthy work-life balance. With some variability according to location, this includes generous time off, flexible work arrangements, employer-paid health insurance, generous retirement savings plan, paid parental leave, reproductive and family planning support, sabbatical opportunities, and much more.
• A commitment to creating a diverse work environment that enables everyone to bring their full self to work and make a positive impact on the world.

If this sounds like the position you have been looking for, please submit a cover letter that addresses the specific skills and experience that OSF requires for Program Officers and CV; we look forward to learning more about you.

Closing date: 2 October 2022.

Work Authorization: Please note, this position may be eligible for work authorization sponsorship and relocation support.

For London-based employment: We feel our salaries are competitive for our sector. The salary for this position starts at a minimum of £57,100. Your offer will be based on your level of experience.

For U.S. based employment: Open Society requires all US employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 unless an employee requires a reasonable accommodation for medical reasons or for a sincerely held religious belief. If you may require an accommodation, please apply for any roles that interest you and if hired, you will receive information on how to request a reasonable accommodation related to Open Society’s vaccination requirement.

We aim to build an inclusive workforce that is reflective of the populations we support, and actively seek applications from those who are marginalized and underrepresented. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and colleagues with disabilities.