Global: Programme Officer LGBTI Rights Initiative

Position Available

Program Officer

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Transgender, Intersex (LGBTI) Rights Initiative

Open Society Institute, DC

January 2009

The Open Society Institute works to build vibrant and tolerant democracies whose governments are accountable to their citizens. Open societies are characterized by the rule of law; respect for human rights, minorities, and a diversity of opinions; democratically elected governments; market economies in which business and government are separate; and a civil society that helps keep government power in check.  To achieve its mission, OSI seeks to shape public policies that assure greater fairness in political, legal, and economic systems and safeguard fundamental rights. On a local level, OSI implements a range of initiatives to advance justice, education, public health, and independent media. At the same time, OSI builds alliances across borders and continents on issues such as corruption and freedom of information. OSI places high priority on protecting and improving the lives of marginalized people and communities.

Investor and philanthropist George Soros in 1993 created OSI as a private operating and grantmaking foundation to support his foundations in Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. Those foundations were established, starting in 1984, to help countries make the transition from communism. OSI has expanded the activities of the Soros foundations network to encompass the United States and more than 60 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Each national foundation relies on the expertise of boards composed of eminent citizens who determine individual agendas based on local priorities.

The OSI Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Transgender, Intersex (LGBTI) Rights Initiative, part of the Special Initiatives Program, will build off of OSI's vast network of programs and foundations to advance the human rights of LGBTI persons globally. The Initiative works to:

Support strategies that address rights violations faced by LGBTI communities, such as decriminalization, freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, etc.;
Strengthen grass roots and regional organizations working to promote the rights of LGBTI individuals;
Coordinate and support other OSI efforts to address issues faced by LGBTI populations that violate their rights.

The initiative is an opportunity to provide critical core support to LGBTI rights groups at the national and regional levels as well as influence global advocacy and donor agendas on key LGBTI rights issues.  

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:  Ideally based in our DC office, The Program Officer will develop and implement a grant-making and advocacy strategy for the LGBTI Rights Initiative, in consultation with the Director of the Special Initiatives and other relevant OSI program staff. The position requires coordinating with existing OSI efforts in this area and developing new partnerships within the OSI network to advance LGBTI rights. The Program Officer will also identify advocacy opportunities at the regional and international level, engage relevant OSI programs and partners and develop strategies to act upon these opportunities. The Program Officer will manage a grant portfolio, working internationally with a range of civil society organizations at the domestic, regional and international levels in order to support the development of strong projects and organizations. Overall responsibilities will include: developing strategic grant-making priorities, identifying possible partners and working with them to develop appropriate proposals; reviewing and preparing grant portfolios for discussion and decision; participating in relevant conferences and workshops and conducting site visits; communicating and negotiating with network representatives, other donors and grantees to advance LGBTI rights and bring resources to the field; and maintaining contact with grantees to support projects through to completion.

Funding Portfolio:

The Program Officer will assist in the planning, development and implementation of LGBTI Rights Initiative funding strategy. The funding portfolio will seek to advance the rights of LGBTI persons by supporting strategies for the decriminalization of homosexuality and to provide redress for rights violations faced by LGBTI communities; strengthen grassroots, national and regional organizations working to promote the rights of LGBTI individuals; and coordinate and support other OSI efforts that seek to address rights violations faced by LGBTI individuals. The Program Officer will be responsible for the overall implementation of the grant-making efforts, evaluate proposals and projects for presentation to program management, conduct site visits to program grantees and identify resources within the extended network and among partners to support the implementation of effective projects and the development of strong institutions.

Coordination and advocacy:

The Program Officer will coordinate with other OSI programs, projects and initiatives on LGBTI rights issues in order to represent OSI effectively at relevant global and regional meetings, donor affinity groups, and other fora as appropriate. He/she will provide technical assistance to OSI network programs and foundations in integrating LGBTI rights into their advocacy and grant-making portfolios. This could involve convening meetings, seminars and training workshops for OSI staff and/or partners as well as developing resource materials to build expertise on issues of sexual orientation and gender identity. The Program Officer will also work with relevant OSI programs and offices to seize advocacy opportunities, to amplify the advocacy efforts of grantees and partners and to develop partnerships with other donors.

Program Management:

The Program Officer oversees financial requirements of the LGBTI Rights grants portfolio in coordination with program management and the OSI Grants Management team. He/she works closely with both the grantees and the legal and finance departments to ensure procedural compliance. The Program Officer contributes to and supports the development and preparation of program documentation, reporting and evaluation materials. In particular, he/she is responsible for developing and maintaining all documentation of program advisory committee and communicating decisions to the grantees and network. The Program Officer will supervise one program assistant and reports directly to the Director of Special Initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS:

· At least 6 years professional experience in the implementation of policy and advocacy programs to advance LGBTI rights internationally;

· Advanced degree in relevant area of study;

· Demonstrated interest in LGBTI rights particularly in the context of developing countries;

· Understanding of international human rights mechanisms and policy-making bodies;

· Ability to develop and implement innovative funding strategies internationally;

· Experience working closely with civil society organizations in developing countries, building partnerships and facilitating skills exchange;

· Creative thinker and analytical skills;

· Excellent writing, verbal, analytical and organizational skills and an attention to detail;

· Ability to work independently and to set and meet goals in fast-paced environment and to prioritize accordingly;

· Team spirit and collegial and respectful working and decision-making style;

· Familiarity with Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union and/or Sub-Saharan Africa;

· Availability and willingness to travel internationally.

Salary: Commensurate with experience and ability. Excellent benefit package.

Start Date:  As soon as possible

To Apply:

Email resume, cover letter and salary requirements, before March, 3, 2009

to [email][email protected] Include job code in subject line: PO/LGBTI/DC

OR

Open Society Institute
Human Resources – Code PO/LGBTI/DC
400 West 59th Street
New York, New York 10019

Fax: 212.548.4675

No phone calls, please. The Open Society Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.