Deadline: June 27, 2014
The Open Society Foundation at Washington D.C. office seek a Program Assistant. 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.
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.
Job Details
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.
Compensation
Commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits package.
Responsibilities:
Essential duties and responsibilities include the following;
- 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.
Eligibility
- 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;
Criteria
- 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;
- 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.
Application Procedure
Email resume and cover letter with salary requirements before June 27, 2014, to: [email protected]. Include job code in subject line: PA-DC.
For more information, visit Program Assistant at Open Society Foundation
