OSI Bp, Central European University Liaison Office - Program Assistant

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.

Background
The Central European University in Budapest is a graduate institution in social sciences, humanities, law and management. It is accredited in both the United States and Hungary, and offers English-language Master's and doctoral programs. CEU has a distinct academic and intellectual focus, combining the comparative study of the East Central European region's historical, cultural and social diversity with a global perspective on good governance, sustainable development and social transformation. As part of its educational, research, and civic engagement activities, CEU attaches particular importance to scholarships relevant to public policy.

The Open Society Foundations – Central European University Liaison Office (LiO) is a developer, gatherer and coordinator of ideas for cooperation between Central European University and the Open Society Foundations. It provides management and support services for the implementation of these ideas according to demonstrated need.

Responsibilities
General
The Program Assistant is responsible for providing comprehensive organizational, secretarial and administrative support to the LiO program staff, with a focus on providing assistance to the Program Director. The Program Assistant is expected to develop extensive knowledge of the organizational structure of the Open Society Foundations and Central European University including knowledge of the key personnel in support departments and knowledge of the two institutions’ aims and objectives. The successful applicant will demonstrate high-level organizational and computer skills, and strong interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written, in English. The Program Assistant reports directly to the Director of the LiO.

Programmatic
- Acts as the contact point and corresponds on a daily basis with stakeholders and partners at the Open Society Foundations and Central European University as well as with service providers (consultants) and other relevant third parties;
- Conducts supervised substantive program-related research as assigned by the Program Director;
- Proactively coordinates and drafts outgoing correspondence on both substantive and administrative matters, ensuring deadlines are met;
- Provides assistance in the preparation of materials for various meetings;
- Serves as the contact person for all incoming requests and answering general inquiries about the LiO’s mission, activities and procedures.

Administrative
- Manages office systems including making travel and related arrangements;
- Serves as LiO’s contact person with Open Society Foundations’ support departments;
- Administers LiO grant and other payments;
- Reviews monthly financial reports and produces actual spending reports;
- Organizes small to medium size events (workshops, study visits for individuals and groups, presentations for various audiences);
- Participates at meetings and events as needed taking minutes and assisting participants with logistical issues.

Requirements
Essential Qualifications
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
- University degree preferably in the social sciences;
- Near native fluency in spoken and written English;
- Relevant experience in providing programmatic support to colleagues, preferably in an academic environment;
- Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office);
- Excellent organizational and administrative skills including attention to detail.

Person Specifications
- Diplomatic manner and disposition in interacting with senior management, co-workers, academics, partners and other contacts;
- Flexible, proactive self-starter with problem solving attitude;
- Excellent time management skills including ability to effectively manage simultaneous activities in fast-paced environment and to prioritize accordingly;
- Demonstrates a focus on outcomes and results. Performs under specific direction and works within agreed priorities;
- Demonstrates flexibility, adaptability and focus through day-to-day work and shifting priorities;
- Exercises professional judgment, intelligence, and discretion in conducting all tasks, including ability to handle confidential and sensitive information.

Application deadline: February 21, 2012

To apply: Please send curriculum vitae and cover letter to applications@admingroup.hu

For more information about the Open Society Foundations, please see www.soros.org.
For more information on Central European University, please see www.ceu.hu.

The Open Society Foundations are 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.