We seek a dynamic, creative and committed programme officer to lead our East Africa disability rights program.
This is a joint project of the Open Society Initiative for Eastern Africa (OSIEA) and the Open Society’s Disability Rights Initiative (DRI).
The position is housed in OSIEA, and reports to the OSIEA Director and the DRI Legal Advisor.
The Open Society Initiative for Eastern Africa promotes vibrant, tolerant democracies in the region by awarding grants, developing programs, and bringing together diverse civil society leaders and groups.
The Disability Rights Initiative, the Open Society Foundations’ global program on disability rights, promotes national implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), focusing on the most marginalizing practices and marginalized groups through legal and policy reform.
Responsibilities
This is a joint project of the Open Society Initiative for Eastern Africa (OSIEA) and the Open Society’s Disability Rights Initiative (DRI).
The position is housed in OSIEA, and reports to the OSIEA Director and the DRI Legal Advisor.
The Open Society Initiative for Eastern Africa promotes vibrant, tolerant democracies in the region by awarding grants, developing programs, and bringing together diverse civil society leaders and groups.
The Disability Rights Initiative, the Open Society Foundations’ global program on disability rights, promotes national implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), focusing on the most marginalizing practices and marginalized groups through legal and policy reform.
Responsibilities
- Provide a bold and strategic vision for innovative grant-making and program development by adding value to existing disability rights efforts within the organization and the region
- Manage the disability grant-making and advocacy portfolio and identify strategies to advance focus areas
- Incorporate institution building and technical capacity development of grantee organizations into programming work
- Conduct relevant legal and policy analysis on disability rights in the region for internal and external audiences
- Conduct advocacy in collaboration with grantees and constituents targeting governments, donor agencies, service providers, and the general public
- Oversee any administrative duties connected with the program and manage consultants working on disability rights
Qualifications
- Proven commitment to the protection of human rights in the East African region.
- Previous work on disability rights, familiarity with civil society organizations, and experience to promote CRPD implementation strongly preferred
- Relevant advanced degree, preferably in law
- Excellent oral and written communications skills as well as analytical skills to review laws and policies.
- Experience with research and writing for publication
- Extraordinary initiative, creativity and capacity to think strategically
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with a diverse array of people
- Team spirit and respectful working and decision-making style
- Ability to manage multiple liaisons within OSIEA and the larger Open Society Foundations network in a fast paced environment
- Strong organizational skills and close attention to detail
- Integrity, diplomatic manner and professional discretion essential
- Willingness to travel as needed.
For more information: www.soros.org/initiatives/osiea
www.soros.org/initiatives/rights-initiatives/focus/disability
Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
For more information: www.soros.org
Compensation: Competitive salary, with good benefits package
No phone calls, please. Only successful candidates will be contacted
Search Closes: February 20,2012
Send resume and cover letter to jobs@osiea.org
