Program Assistant - Advocacy Office

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.

The OSF 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.

Purpose of Position: Provide administrative and programmatic support to support assigned OSF initiatives. Work is carried out under general supervision.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. OSF may add, change, or remove essential and other duties at any time.

Administrative and programmatic support:

• Provide administrative support to a senior policy analyst and communications officer;
• Draft/edit routine correspondence and memoranda as required;
• Attend meetings, conferences and other relevant events and report as requested;
• Prepare drafting of honorarium letters and expense payment agreements;
• Assist in preparing the annual budget submission department-data and narrative and work with projects to ensure its accuracy;
• 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, calls, and 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 set-ups, order food, break down after meetings);
• Provide general administrative support such as answering front desk telephones, assisting with visitors;
• Assist with office-wide activities as requested;
• Process and track various reimbursements and payment accounts;
• Reconcile American Express statements;
• Liaise with Director of Administration, OSI-Washington, OSI-NY and other partners on administration issues;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience: 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 experience/interest in human rights preferred.

Skills Required:

• Excellent written, verbal, organizational, analytical and interpersonal skills;
• Excellent computer skills, proficient in Microsoft Office;
• 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.

Program Specific Requirements:

• Knowledge of human rights issues and instruments, social and other media trends, writing, blog postings, and updating websites.
• Demonstrated concern for social justice issues.
• Familiarity with legislative processes.

Start Date: ASAP

Compensation: Commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits package.