Open Society Roma Initiatives Program Officer

• Develop, plan and organize program-related events;
• Work with Director and other staff to develop grantmaking strategies, priorities, and guidelines;
• Work with the Director to ensure close collaboration with other program directors and staff, convene cross-program working groups as needed, to advance research and development and rapid response grantmaking opportunities;
• Write and edit program materials and guidelines;
• Stay abreast of developments in the field through research and attendance of conferences and/or meetings;
• Write strategy/position papers that provide direction on policy issues impacting the field and/or offer suggestions about strategic program development for funders and grantees;
• Perform special assignments, including participation with other OSF programs and foundation task forces and working groups;
• Identify joint programming opportunities and efforts with external funders and partners;
• Build and establish strategic relationships with other philanthropic partners and NGO’s.

2) Grants:

• In conjunction with the Director and other staff/consultants, develop grantmaking strategies, priorities, and guidelines;
• Review and assess letters of inquiry and make funding recommendations and declinations to the Director;
• Invite grant proposals from selected funding applicants;
• Work with applicants to develop and finalize grant proposals; Review grant proposals and participate in the preparation of written grant recommendations as part of grant dockets preparation process;
• Perform site visits of prospective and current grantee organizations;
• Monitor grants through site visits and review of narrative and financial reports;
• Ensure that grantees submit narrative and financial reports as required under the terms of the contract;
• Interact with grantees and other field professionals and participate in program- and field-related meetings and convenings;

3) Budget:

• Manage financial and budget reports to track grant and program spending;
• Assist in the planning and developing of annual budget;

Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or university and five to eight years relevant experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience in grant making, project management, including managing consultants and developing and managing project budgets;
• NGO experience essential;
• Strong background with programs advancing social justice through community organizing, legal advocacy, research or policy reform work.

• Effectively manage to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment, troubleshoot and follow projects through to completion, with strict deadlines and without loss of attention to detail, budget and reporting;
• Excellent written, verbal, organizational, analytical and interpersonal skills;
• Excellent computer skills, proficient in Microsoft Office and experience with internet research and database management;
• Exercise good listening and communication skills with sensitivity to cultural communication differences;
• Effectively work as a team member and independently, with a high-level of self-motivation and ability to set and meet goals;
• Show discretion and ability to handle confidential issues;
• Knowledge of key organizations and networks active in the field;
• Pleasant, diplomatic manner and disposition in interacting with colleagues and the general public.

• Advanced degree preferred;
• Knowledge of Romani language being a plus.