Program Assistant

The Washington, D.C., office of the Open Society Foundations seeks a program assistant. The Washington office conducts direct advocacy on a broad range of international and domestic issues, including human rights, civil liberties, drug policy, minority rights, public health, education, judicial independence, government transparency, and criminal justice reform.

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 program assistant will provide administration and programmatic support to the senior policy analyst and the communications officer in the Washington office. The program assistant should have an understanding of immigration, human rights, and counter-terrorism issues, as well as a deep interest in the social media, writing, and journalism. He or she should have a strong eye to detail, ability to work in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple tasks, and be able to deliver on tight deadlines. Work is carried out independently/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.

• Provide administrative support to two policy staff members;
• Draft/edit routine correspondence and memoranda as required;
• Attend meetings, conferences, and other events and report as requested;
• Conduct research on legislative and policy issues and track media reports on relevant issues;
• Assist in preparing the annual budget submission;
• Assist in preparing advocacy documents and in preparing materials for website posting;
• Perform clerical duties, including: responding to incoming calls and requests from the general public, faxing and photocopying, preparing expense reports, and generally assist in program administration;
• Assist in scheduling meetings, appointments, and conference calls, and make travel arrangements for staff, including coordinating with conference organizers;
• Maintain and update working files and databases;
• Organize logistics of meetings and workshops (travel arrangements, materials, minutes, meeting room setups, order food, break-down after meetings);
• Provide general administrative support such as answering front desk telephones and assisting with visitors;
• Assist with office-wide activities as requested;
• Process and track various reimbursements and payment accounts;
• Liaise with director of administration, Washington office, New York office, and other partners on administration issues;
• 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, government, and/or journalism experience;
• Knowledge of/interest in human rights, national security, and immigration policy preferred;
• Familiarity with legislative processes preferred;
• Demonstrated concern for human rights and social justice issues;
• Excellent written, verbal, organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills;
• Excellent computer skills, proficient in Microsoft Office;
• Strong research skills;
• 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 before June 27, 2014, to: humanresources@opensocietyfoundations.org. Include job code in subject line: PA-DC.