Egypt: Program Officer

PROGRAM OFFICER
Governance and Civil Society / Ford Foundation
Cairo, Egypt

SUMMARY:
The Program Officer will be responsible for the program in Governance and Civil Society in the Middle East and North Africa region. Under the direction of the Representative in Cairo, the Program Officer will design, implement, monitor and evaluate a portfolio of initiatives and grants addressing a variety of governance and civil society issues.

The current program emphasizes support for independent policy research institutions and networks; promotion of quality research and public debates on governance and civil society around such key issues as the role of the state and the culture of responsible and active citizenship; inclusion of diverse voices and alternative approaches to democratic reform; and contribution of views from the region to global debates on security and global governance. The program also supports research, dialogues and initiatives that promote democratic processes in peace-building, conflict resolution and reconstruction, including support for peace building activities in Palestine and Israel. In addition, the program will emphasize regional and sub- regional cooperation - with a special focus on Egypt and Palestine-and may contribute to the development of a line of grantmaking in the Sudan.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
- The Program Officer is expected to develop and maintain close working relationships with existing and potential grantees, and with leaders in governments, research institutions and civil society.

- S/he is responsible for identifying potential grantees, both non-governmental and governmental; soliciting, reviewing and responding to proposals; recommending and monitoring grants and evaluating lines of programming; and offering support and guidance as needed to actual and potential grantees.

- In addition to coordinating the governance and civil society portfolio, the Program Officer will contribute to defining the office's overall strategic direction for the region, and will seek opportunities to cooperate programmatically with other Cairo Office programs.

- S/he will also collaborate with colleagues in other Foundation offices to support regional and global networks and initiatives, and will be expected to play a leadership role in the Governance and Civil Society Program's global 'community of practice.'

QUALIFICATIONS:
- Senior and substantive experience in the Middle East and North Africa, particularly the Mashreq region.
- Appropriate educational background, including an advanced degree in the social sciences, public policy or law.
- Significant professional experience working with a range of civil society actors.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to conceptualize program ideas and strategies.
- Demonstrated analytical, writing and organizational skills.
- Fluency in Arabic and English.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with colleagues of diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

TO APPLY:
Please apply ONLINE at: http://www.fordfound.org/employment/jobdetail.cfm?id=53
Application Deadline: FEBRUARY 21, 2005