Program Specialist

Job Description

The Open Society Scholarship Programs support individuals passionate about improving their knowledge and ability to advance positive social change in their home countries. We prioritize grants to individuals in countries particularly challenged by repressive governance and a lack of democratic practice. Using transparent, open and merit-based competitions, we offer awards for advanced study in the social sciences and humanities. Our work extends to preparatory summer programs, regional conferences, and internship opportunities, all of which are designed to cultivate an international community of open society leaders.

Job Profile

We are looking for a Program Specialist to join our team based in London. The successful candidate will provide advanced programmatic support in implementing Scholarship Programs’ strategy, focusing on ensuring a positive experience for grantees during all phases of programs, including during competition, while on academic program, and as program alumni.

We are interested in candidates with experience in the area of higher education as a pathway for implementing positive social change, the intersection of higher education with civil society, and university engagement in the community.

Working under the supervision of a Program Officer and the Division Director, the Program Specialist will provide support in the coordination of the Civil Society Leadership Awards. Additionally, the Program Specialist will provide support as needed in the coordination and administration of other Scholarship activities, including Summer School, Regional Conferences, Alumni Initiatives, and data tracking. The position requires international travel.

Essential duties, responsibilities and areas of further learning will include:

• a wide range of activities related to the scholarship competition, support of grantees on program, community-building and integrative activities;
• processing large amounts of data/information to be used in decision-making, strategy development, and evaluation of programs;
• entering and monitoring grants through review of narrative and financial reports and other communication with grantees;
• developing agendas and working with stake holders for conventions, alumni initiatives, and other community-building and integration efforts;
• contributing to assessment of programming, of partner universities as grantee hosts and of the experience of grantees at partner institutions;
• helping with ad hocadministrative tasks when required;
• potentially participating in preparation and presentation of portfolio reviews.

Candidate Profile

• 3-5 years of progressively responsible experience in a situation relevant to the duties of this role is typically required to develop the skills required for this role;
• bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study or equivalent experience/education; graduate degree desirable;
• knowledgeable of and experienced with higher education institutions in Europe, especially UK and Germany;
• able to manage work-load and deadlines, flexibility and multitasking skills;
• knowledgeable of issues relating to the higher education and positive social change, university engagement in the community, and the intersection of higher education and civil society;
• highly skilled in researching, processing large amounts of information, and analyzing its importance in informing Scholarship Programs operations and strategy;
• diplomatic, discreet, able to handle confidential matters with a high level of integrity and able to exercise sound professional judgment;
• organized, self-directed on work initiatives, attentive to detail;
• proficient in written and spoken communication in English;
• experienced in intercultural communication in a multi-national working environment.

We are strengthened by the diversity of our colleagues across the Open Society Foundations. We welcome applications from people of all cultures, backgrounds, and experiences, and are committed to providing reasonable adjustments so that colleagues with disabilities are able to fulfill the essential functions of the job.

About the Organization

The Open Society Foundations work to build vibrant and tolerant societies whose governments are accountable and open to the participation of all people.

We seek to strengthen the rule of law; respect for human rights, minorities, and a diversity of opinions; democratically elected governments; and a civil society that helps keep government power in check.

We help to shape public policies that assure greater fairness in political, legal, and economic systems and safeguard fundamental rights.

We implement initiatives to advance justice, education, public health, and independent media.

We build alliances across borders and continents on issues such as corruption and freedom of information.

Working in every part of the world, the Open Society Foundations place a high priority on protecting and improving the lives of people in marginalized communities.