Program Specialist at Open Society Foundations

Deadline: 15 May 2016

Open Society Foundations (OSF) is currently seeking applications from the eligible applicants for the post of Program Specialist in Baltimore, United States.

The Program Specialist will work on initiatives undertaken by the office’s other programs.

OSF works to build vibrant and tolerant societies whose governments are accountable and open to the participation of all people.

Key Jobs Responsibilities

The Program Specialist will perform the following functions-

Supporting programmatic efforts by conducting a wide range of activities related to the grant making process and/or analytical work in support of field development, advocacy, regional consultations, and integrative activities.
Conducting research and collecting large amounts of data/information to be used in decision-making, strategy development, and evaluation of the grants portfolio and other program processes.
Designing and carrying out field scans and on-going field monitoring.
Analyzing grant proposals (including budgets), designing grants (types of support, degree of flexibility, duration, payment structure, reporting/learning expectations, etc.) and drafting grant recommendations.
Developing the concept, agenda, key players, etc. for convening’s, research initiatives, and advocacy efforts and partnering closely with Program Administrative Specialists to ensure effective implementation.
Contributing to assessment of organizations, including primary responsibility for assessment of organizational finances and budgets.
Performing administrative tasks or projects as needed and assigned, including processing grants, developing tools and templates, coordinating event logistics, and processing vendor contracts and consultancy agreements.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must have-

Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or university in a relevant field of study or equivalent experience; graduate degree desirable.
3-5 years of progressively responsible experience in a situation relevant to the duties of this role.
Knowledge and experience in the educational policy and child and adolescent development fields and, ideally, in public/private partnerships.
Strong commitment to social justice and public education and a nuanced understanding of the impact of race, ethnicity, gender, and social class on policies and programs for children and youth.
Highly skills in researching and processing large amounts of information and analyzing its importance in informing Open Society Institute-Baltimore programs and strategies.
Excellent written and spoken communication.
Ability to recognize and work effectively in compliance with internal policies and external constraints.
Willingness and ability to exercise sound professional judgment on issues of sensitivity.
Excellent technological skills, including social media.
Diplomatic, discreet, ability to handle confidential matters with a high level of integrity.
Well-developed emotional intelligence, including self-awareness, self-management, and empathy.