Open Positions at OSF: Higher Education, Rights and Governance, Policy and Advocacy

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Nov 19, 2013 Region
Open Positions at OSF: Higher Education, Rights and Governance, Policy and Advocacy

Open Positions at OSF: Higher Education, Rights and Governance, Policy and Advocacy

By : Jadaliyya Reports

Position 1: Program Officer, Higher Education Support Program



The Open Society Foundations works to build vibrant and tolerant democracies whose governments are accountable to their citizens. The Open Society Foundations’ Arab Regional Office (ARO) was established in 2006 to support local civil society in its efforts to protect human rights and build vibrant and tolerant societies. Based in Amman, Jordan, the office supports a diverse group of civil society organizations, research centers, universities, and media organizations across the Arab world in Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Tunisia, and Yemen.

Higher education institutions and actors are instrumental in the establishment and consolidation of open societies committed to inclusion, critical thinking, human rights, justice, and democracy. The International Higher Education Support Program (HESP) is committed to supporting universities and members of their communities by nurturing their capacity and leadership for well-informed, vigorous, and inclusive social deliberation, specifically in societies in transition. To this end, the program promotes academic autonomy and critical thinking, favors innovation and imagination, and aids in building transparent and effective institutional governance and countering “brain drain.”

The International Higher Education Support Program (HESP) supports initiatives that aim to advance:

  • Open Minds: developing academics’ intellectual skills - including critical thinking - to prepare them for high-level work and sustainable impact;
  • Open Universities: institutions that function reflexively in line with the values of open societies, where freedom to think and speak critically and to inquire are respected and encouraged;
  • Open Teaching: the roles universities play in training intellectually competent and critical students, generating cutting-edge research and cultivating and securing access to the best teaching practices and approaches;
  • Public Intellectual Activity: reaching out towards the development of a public intellectual sphere vital for strong and vibrant societies.

Reporting to the Director of Higher Education, the Program Officer will focus on the North Africa-Middle East region and will be based in OSF’s Arab Regional Office in Tunis, Tunisia or Amman, Jordan

Purpose of Position

Strategy development and grantmaking for assigned program and for developing the connections between the assigned program and the broader priorities of OSF. Work is carried out independently/under general supervision.

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

Program-Related:

  • 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.

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;

Budget:

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

Other:

  • Travel will be required;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience: 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.

  • Advanced degree preferred;
  • 
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.

Skills Required:

  • 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.

Program Specific Requirements:

  • Minimum seven years work experience in international setting;
• Good understanding of the higher education system and development in North Africa and the Middle East;
• Excellent written and oral English and Arabic;
• Working knowledge of French would be an asset.

Start Date: ASAP

Compensation: Commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits package

How to apply:

Please e-mail resume and cover letter with salary requirements before 30th November 2013, to: OSIMENA.Info@opensocietyfoundations.org Include job code in subject line: PO-HESP-MENA 

 

Position 2: Senior Program Officer, Rights & Governance



The Open Society Foundations works to build vibrant and tolerant democracies whose governments are accountable to their citizens. The Open Society Foundations’ Arab Regional Office (ARO) was established in 2006 to support local civil society in its efforts to protect human rights and build vibrant and tolerant societies. Based in Amman, Jordan, the office supports a diverse group of civil society organizations, research centers, universities, and media organizations across the Arab world in Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Tunisia, and Yemen.

Reporting to the Director of the ARO in Amman, Jordan, the Rights and Governance Senior Program Officer is responsible for providing leadership, content, and direction, ensuring the program’s effectiveness and impact, as well working closely with ARO staff to support civil society more broadly in the Arab region.

Responsibilities include:

  • Manage the portfolio of the Rights & Governance program in the Arab region, including reviewing proposals, identifying promising groups and initiatives, monitoring grant implementation, and liaising with other donors active in the field;

  • Stay abreast of developments in the region that will impact the human rights and governance situation and the work of the program;
• Identify stakeholders in the region, develop, and foster partnerships, and serve as the primary spokesperson for the program;

  • Conduct research as needed to develop effective strategies to support human rights and governance in the region;

  • Spot and develop new ideas that will add significant value to the Rights and Governance program, portfolio, strategy, and goals;

  • Coordinate with other Open Society Foundations programs, projects, and initiatives on human rights issues;

  • Coordinate with ARO policy and advocacy unit to identify opportunities to amplify the advocacy efforts of grantees and partners;

  • Stimulate awareness and exchange regarding developments in the human rights field, both inside and outside ARO;

  • Liaise and collaborate with counterparts in other foundations on a proactive basis;

  • Communicate the work and vision of the Rights and Governance program and ARO more broadly to current and potential partners and others, as helpful;

  • Supervise program staff and coordinate team work to ensure goals and timelines are met;

  • Prepare and manage program’s annual budget, and ensure proper expenditure and reporting;

  • Oversee the collection, organization and updating of grantees’ and partner organizations’ information;
• Travel as necessary to meet with grantseekers, grantees, and other partners in the region;

  • Prepare and provide regular programmatic updates for the ARO Executive Director;

  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements for the position:

  • Advanced degree in human rights, law, or related field;

  • Minimum of five years of relevant experience in the Arab region;
• Knowledge of and experience in the Arab region’s human rights and governance fields;

  • Proven ability to think strategically, to innovate and respond to new opportunities;

  • Excellent analytical skills;

  • Exceptional interpersonal skills, including relationship building and partnership development;

  • Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment, and meet deadlines without loss of attention to detail, budget, and reporting;

  • Excellent time-management and organizational skills;
• Excellent verbal and writing skills, in both Arabic and English. Familiarity with French preferable.

  • Excellent listening and communication skills;

  • Excellent ability to work both as a team member and independently, with a high level of self-motivation and ability to set and meet goals;

  • Integrity, professional discretion, and ability to handle sensitive/confidential matters;
• Enjoys a pleasant, flexible, open-minded, diplomatic manner and disposition;

Start Date: As soon as possible

Salary: Commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits package.

How to apply:

Please email resume and cover letter with salary requirements and three professional references by 30 November 2013, to: OSIMENA.Info@opensocietyfoundations.org . Include job code in the subject line: RGARO No Phone Calls Please.


Position 3: 
Policy and Advocacy Officer



The Open Society Foundations works to build vibrant and tolerant democracies whose governments are accountable to their citizens. The Open Society Foundations’ Arab Regional Office (ARO) was established in 2006 to support local civil society in its efforts to protect human rights and build vibrant and tolerant societies. Based in Amman, Jordan, the office supports a diverse group of civil society organizations, research centers, universities, and media organizations across the Arab world in Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Tunisia, and Yemen.

Reporting to the Director of the ARO in Amman, Jordan, the Policy and Advocacy Officer will develop and oversee implementation of a policy and advocacy strategy to support the work and aspirations of the region’s civil society. Reporting to the ARO Executive Director, the policy and advocacy officer will be ARO’s expert on a broad range of policy issues and will advocate for partners’ open society principles, work with or create coalitions to develop and implement advocacy strategies, produce briefing materials and reports, engage with the media and be a liaison with other offices within OSF working on similar issues.

Purpose of Position

The Arab Regional Office seeks a Policy and Advocacy Officer to develop and oversee implementation of a policy and advocacy strategy in support of civil society partners in the region. Working with the Executive Director, the policy and advocacy officer will: provide expertise on a broad range of policy issues; advocate for partners’ open society principles; work with or create coalitions to develop and implement advocacy strategies; produce briefing materials and reports; and, liaise with other relevant OSF offices and MENA Regional Advocacy Manager.

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Identify, build and manage relationships and networks with policymakers, opinion leaders, and partners in the Arab region;
• Prioritize and analyze policy debates within the region to feed into regional advocacy strategies;

  • Contribute to the development of criteria, indicators and benchmarks to assess progress in meeting ARO policy and advocacy objectives;

  • Generate ideas and discussions on new advocacy or research projects that will make substantive contributions to policy in the Arab region;

  • Analyze governments’ policies in specific and significant areas, as the need arises;

  • Contribute to developing advocacy strategies and related materials to move government policy on specific issues through effective public engagement and contacts with key decision-makers;

  • Work closely with other organizations and OSF grantees to help build effective coalitions on the local and regional levels;
• Provide support and training to key OSF grantees to enhance advocacy capacities and assist with development of organizational advocacy strategies.

  • Represent OSF in meetings with partners, decision-makers, and the media;

  • Cobtribute to producing a range of documents, including articles, issue briefs, reports, memoranda, OpEds, blog posts, and other written and electronic content;

  • Prepare and manage assigned budget, and ensure proper expenditure and reporting;

  • Supervise program staff and coordinate team work to ensure goals and timelines are met;

  • Supervise staff and consultants on special projects;

  • Work with the communications officer on media strategies and outreach on related issues;

  • Travel in the region as required;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education / Experience

  • Advanced degree (MA/MS) and a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience;
  • Experience in policy fields, advocacy and government relations;
  • Knowledge of one or more substantive areas including human rights, governance, women’s rights, information and media, and policies of Arab governments in those areas;
  • Excellent knowledge of political processes and experience working with civil society groups to advocate for change.

Skills Required


  • Excellent communication skills, including a demonstrated ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing in English and Arabic. Familiarity with French preferable;
  • Background in developing and implementing advocacy strategies;

  • Excellent research skills, including the ability to find, analyze, synthesize, and present information;
• Strong self-motivation and an ability to set and achieve goals;

  • Flexibility and willingness to work on a range of tasks;

  • Ability to handle multiple tasks under tight deadlines;
  • Proven ability to build effective and cohesive teams;

  • Expert in identifying and resolving complex issues;
• Integrity, professional discretion, and ability to handle sensitive/confidential matters;
• Strong analytical skills;

  • Ability to develop and implement innovative and strategic priorities and ability to connect issues to broader trends and new paradigms;

  • Proven commitment to the Open Society Foundations mission and values.

Compensation
Commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits package


Start Date: As soon as possible

How to apply:

Please email resume and cover letter with salary requirements and three professional references by 30th November 2013, to: OSIMENA.Info@opensocietyfoundations.org Include job code in the subject line: P&A ARO No Phone Calls Please.

The Open Society Foundations is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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Jadaliyya Reports By :
Jadaliyya Reports

Past is Present: Settler Colonialism Matters!

On 5-6 March 2011, the Palestine Society at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in London will hold its seventh annual conference, "Past is Present: Settler Colonialism in Palestine." This year`s conference aims to understand Zionism as a settler colonial project which has, for more than a century, subjected Palestine and Palestinians to a structural and violent form of destruction, dispossession, land appropriation and erasure in the pursuit of a new Jewish Israeli society. By organizing this conference, we hope to reclaim and revive the settler colonial paradigm and to outline its potential to inform and guide political strategy and mobilization.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is often described as unique and exceptional with little resemblance to other historical or ongoing colonial conflicts. Yet, for Zionism, like other settler colonial projects such as the British colonization of Ireland or European settlement of North America, South Africa or Australia, the imperative is to control the land and its resources -- and to displace the original inhabitants. Indeed, as conference keynote speaker Patrick Wolfe, one of the foremost scholars on settler colonialism and professor at La Trobe University in Victoria, Australia, argues, "the logic of this project, a sustained institutional tendency to eliminate the Indigenous population, informs a range of historical practices that might otherwise appear distinct--invasion is a structure not an event."[i]

Therefore, the classification of the Zionist movement as a settler colonial project, and the Israeli state as its manifestation, is not merely intended as a statement on the historical origins of Israel, nor as a rhetorical or polemical device. Rather, the aim is to highlight Zionism`s structural continuities and the ideology which informs Israeli policies and practices in Palestine and toward Palestinians everywhere. Thus, the Nakba -- whether viewed as a spontaneous, violent episode in war, or the implementation of a preconceived master plan -- should be understood as both the precondition for the creation of Israel and the logical outcome of Zionist settlement in Palestine.

Moreover, it is this same logic that sustains the continuation of the Nakba today. As remarked by Benny Morris, “had he [David Ben Gurion] carried out full expulsion--rather than partial--he would have stabilised the State of Israel for generations.”[ii] Yet, plagued by an “instability”--defined by the very existence of the Palestinian nation--Israel continues its daily state practices in its quest to fulfill Zionism’s logic to maximize the amount of land under its control with the minimum number of Palestinians on it. These practices take a painful array of manifestations: aerial and maritime bombardment, massacre and invasion, house demolitions, land theft, identity card confiscation, racist laws and loyalty tests, the wall, the siege on Gaza, cultural appropriation, and the dependence on willing (or unwilling) native collaboration and security arrangements, all with the continued support and backing of imperial power. 

Despite these enduring practices however, the settler colonial paradigm has largely fallen into disuse. As a paradigm, it once served as a primary ideological and political framework for all Palestinian political factions and trends, and informed the intellectual work of committed academics and revolutionary scholars, both Palestinians and Jews.

The conference thus asks where and why the settler colonial paradigm was lost, both in scholarship on Palestine and in politics; how do current analyses and theoretical trends that have arisen in its place address present and historical realities? While acknowledging the creativity of these new interpretations, we must nonetheless ask: when exactly did Palestinian natives find themselves in a "post-colonial" condition? When did the ongoing struggle over land become a "post-conflict" situation? When did Israel become a "post-Zionist" society? And when did the fortification of Palestinian ghettos and reservations become "state-building"?

In outlining settler colonialism as a central paradigm from which to understand Palestine, this conference re-invigorates it as a tool by which to analyze the present situation. In doing so, it contests solutions which accommodate Zionism, and more significantly, builds settler colonialism as a political analysis that can embolden and inform a strategy of active, mutual, and principled Palestinian alignment with the Arab struggle for self-determination, and indigenous struggles in the US, Latin America, Oceania, and elsewhere.

Such an alignment would expand the tools available to Palestinians and their solidarity movement, and reconnect the struggle to its own history of anti-colonial internationalism. At its core, this internationalism asserts that the Palestinian struggle against Zionist settler colonialism can only be won when it is embedded within, and empowered by, the broader Arab movement for emancipation and the indigenous, anti-racist and anti-colonial movement--from Arizona to Auckland.

SOAS Palestine Society invites everyone to join us at what promises to be a significant intervention in Palestine activism and scholarship.

For over 30 years, SOAS Palestine Society has heightened awareness and understanding of the Palestinian people, their rights, culture, and struggle for self-determination, amongst students, faculty, staff, and the broader public. SOAS Palestine society aims to continuously push the frontiers of discourse in an effort to make provocative arguments and to stimulate debate and organizing for justice in Palestine through relevant conferences, and events ranging from the intellectual and political impact of Edward Said`s life and work (2004), international law and the Palestine question (2005), the economy of Palestine and its occupation (2006), the one state (2007), 60 Years of Nakba, 60 Years of Resistance (2009), and most recently, the Left in Palestine (2010).

For more information on the SOAS Palestine Society 7th annual conference, Past is Present: Settler Colonialism in Palestine: www.soaspalsoc.org

SOAS Palestine Society Organizing Collective is a group of committed students that has undertaken to organize annual academic conferences on Palestine since 2003.

 

[i] Patrick Wolfe, Settler Colonialism and the Transformation of Anthropology: The Politics and Poetics of an Ethnographic Event, Cassell, London, p. 163

[ii] Interview with Benny Morris, Survival of the Fittest, Haaretz, 9. January 2004, http://cosmos.ucc.ie/cs1064/jabowen/IPSC/php/art.php?aid=5412