OSI Think Tank Fund - Senior Program Officer (Budapest based)

The Think Tank Fund, a program of the Open Society Institute based in Budapest, provides core and institutional support and project funding to independent public policy centers working to promote inclusive policy change and to combat threats to liberal democracy in Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. The Think Tank Fund not only engages in grant-giving but works closely with grantees providing technical and programmatic assistance to build robust and independent think tanks capable of delivering a diverse portfolio of research and advocacy projects.

Position Summary
The Senior Program Officer is responsible for the oversight, development, evaluation and administration of selected projects and grant portfolios for the Think Tank Fund in consultation with the Program Director. The Senior Program Officer is involved in all stages of project review, development and evaluation. The position requires working closely with policy centers supported by the program to promote organizational development and enhance capacity. In order to be effective in this position, the Senior Program Officer must stay abreast of relevant developments in the target countries and in thematic fields related to the program’s work. Overall responsibilities will include: reviewing project proposals and preparing summaries for discussion with the Program Director; administering and monitoring the grants process; conducting site visits; communicating and negotiating with Soros foundations network representatives, other donors and grantees to follow up project proposals under review or development; evaluating grants and maintaining contact with grantees to support projects through to completion; initiating, organizing and supporting capacity building events for the grantees, representing the Fund in front of other donors and stakeholders in the field. The Senior Program Officer reports directly to the Fund Director.s

Primary Responsibilities and Duties
- Ensure effective grants management of the Think Tank Fund portfolio, being involved as necessary in project review, development and evaluation. The Senior Program Officer will review project proposals and prepare summaries for discussion with the Director; will assist the program director in preparations and follow up the regular meetings of the Think Tank Fund Sub-Board; will conduct independent communication with the network representatives and grantees to follow up on ongoing and proposed projects; will maintain communication with applicants and grantees to support projects through to completion; and will secure proper grant administration of the projects under his/her supervision.
- Support the Director or take a lead in the organization of capacity-building events. The Senior Program Officer will support the development of technical assistance programs as well as provide all necessary support in the planning and management of events;
- Support the Program Director with administration and logistics necessary for the effective management of the Think Tank Fund;
- Coordinate the preparation of materials for the Think Tank Fund Sub-Board, organize meetings and provide support as necessary in ensuring appropriate documentation of the meetings.

Communication
- The Senior Program Officer supports the Director in representing the Think Tank Fund in the Soros foundations network, with national Soros foundation staff, and internally vis-a-vis program staff and OSI management.
- The Senior Program Officer takes part in communicating Think Tank Fund priorities, Think Tank Fund Sub-Board decisions and program information to the Soros foundations network as well as to independent policy centers interesting in funding and cooperation with the Fund.
- The Senior Program Officer also supports the Program Director in maintaining and developing the program’s external relations with international organizations and project organizers through meetings, visits and correspondence. As appropriate and in consultation with the Program Director, the Senior Program Officer should be prepared to negotiate with these external contacts on behalf of the program and to facilitate cooperation.

Financial Reporting
- The Senior Program Officer administers relevant grants portfolio in coordination with the Program Director and OSI legal and budget departments. The Senior Program Officer works closely with both grantees and the financial and accounting departments to ensure procedural compliance. The Senior Program Officer will also provide support to the Program Director and prepare required documentation to the Program Assistant in administering program grants and grant portfolios.

Administration and Documentation
- Provides grant administration for the projects under his/her direct supervision
- Provides general administrative support for the program, including email, filing and assigned office management tasks; supports the organization of meetings and other events
- The Senior Program Officer has a major role in development and preparation of program documentation, reporting and evaluation materials.

Qualifications
- General knowledge of the region in which the Think Tank Fund operates and in-depth knowledge either in the in the countries created after the demise of the former Soviet Union countries (focus on Ukraine, Moldova and South Caucasus) or Central East Europe (countries accepted in the European Union after 2004)
- University degree in a relevant area of study, with expertise in governance, public policy or related topics (Masters degree in a relevant field is a plus)
- Minimum four years of relevant experience required
- Familiarity with the policy research and the think tanks in Central and Eastern Europe and countries
- Fluent written and oral English required (knowledge of Russian, both oral and written is an advantage)
- Standard office computer skills required
- Ability to compose effective, thoughtful and sensitive correspondence
- Superior interpersonal, written and organizational skills
- Ability to manage effectively simultaneous activities in a fast-paced environment and to prioritize accordingly
- Pleasant, diplomatic manner and disposition in interacting with senior management, co-workers and grantees
- Integrity and professional discretion
- Willingness to travel

Please send applications in English, including a cover letter and curriculum vitae, to applications@admingroup.hu.

Application deadline: August 1, 2010

For more information about the Think Tank Fund, please see http://www.soros.org/initiatives/thinktank

OSI is an Equal Opportunity Employer which supports diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnicity, nationality, gender, age, disability, or sexual orientation.