Program Manager- Tech, Global Programs-Expression at Open Society Initiative for Eastern Africa

Do you want to help make the world a better place by holding big technology platforms to account, and by working to help digital technology serve and strengthen democracies and open societies? We’re seeking a strategic and collaborative Program Manager to lead our work on platform accountability: confronting disinformation, hate speech and other harms created by big tech, while harnessing the opportunities presented their technologies present.

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in evolving and implementing our strategy in this area, carry out all relevant stages of grant making, and conduct advocacy on behalf of OSF as appropriate. We expect the candidate to bring sharp strategic thinking, strong communication skills, a commitment to collaboration, and deep knowledge of the issues of disinformation, hate speech, and platform regulation. You can be located anywhere in the world.

The Open Society Foundations work to build vibrant and inclusive democracies whose governments are accountable and open to the participation of all people. We are active in more than 120 countries, making us the world’s largest private funder of independent groups working for justice, democratic governance, and human rights.

The Technology & Society Division in Global Programs-Expression confronts the most significant threats and opportunities for open society spawned by changes in information technology. These technologies are transforming the ways governments and corporations exercise power, and the ways citizens communicate and mobilize to keep that power accountable. The Team supports work to understand the impacts of these technological changes, and to take risks with inventive ways to engage in and shape this fast-changing field.

As a Program Manager At Open Society You Will

• Play a vital role in the development, planning and implementation of the strategy to hold big tech to account, using a range of tools including grant making, advocacy, fellowships, litigation and program-related investments.
• Develop ideas that will best advance our strategies: including by managing, monitoring, and coordinating supportive grants, and by engaging in direct advocacy where appropriate. Responsibilities include: long-term grant planning; identifying and working with prospective grantees to develop proposals for grant recommendations; conducting organizational assessments; undertaking periodic reviews of progress with grantees; and reviewing financial and narrative reports.
• Build collaborative relationships outside OSF (e.g., with existing grantees, prospective grantees, experts and practitioners in communities, foundations, partners, etc.) as well as across the OSF network.
• Stay up to date on the issues of technology policy globally, follow key developments and debates, keep abreast of the academic, industry and popular literature, and share key findings and lessons among colleagues and the field.

What We Are Looking For

• At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in a leading role either in the technology industry, or an NGO, government agency or research institution focused on the interplay between technology, rights and justice.
• Mastery of the key issues in the area of technology, rights, justice, and innovation - including familiarity with current controversies and thinking in the fields of disinformation, hate speech and platform regulation. Experience in corporate advocacy is a plus.
• Demonstrated success in advancing social change strategies, including the ability to adopt those strategies in response to an evolving situation.
• Project management skills, including the ability to direct others to gather evidence and research to support a key decision or judgment
• Commitment to continuous learning and growth in the areas of diversity, equity, inclusion, antiracism and social justice;
• Commitment to listening and working with humility; ways of working that are respectful to all people; and that support space and voice for all diverse perspectives in our workplace.
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English; additional languages are desirable

What We Offer

• Ample opportunities to learn and grow, from annual professional development allowances to onsite trainings and brown bag lunches with visiting experts.
• Top-notch benefits and perks designed for your well-being and a healthy work-life balance. With some variability according to location, this includes generous time off, flexible work arrangements, employer-paid health insurance, generous retirement savings plan, progressive paid parental leave, reproductive and family planning support, sabbatical opportunities, and much more.
• A commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that enables everyone to bring their full self to work and make a positive impact on the world.

See what a day in the life of a Program Officer at Open Society is like.

If this sounds like the position you have been looking for, please submit your cover letter and CV; we look forward to learning more about you.

Work Authorization: Please note, this position may be eligible for work authorization sponsorship and relocation support is provided.

For London-based employment: We feel our salaries are competitive for our sector. The salary for this position starts at a minimum of £57,100. Your offer will be based on your level of experience.

For U.S. based employment: Open Society requires all US employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 unless an employee requires a reasonable accommodation for medical reasons or for a sincerely held religious belief. If you may require an accommodation, please apply for any roles that interest you and if hired, you will receive information on how to request a reasonable accommodation related to Open Society’s vaccination requirement.

Competitive rates of pay apply.

We aim to build an inclusive workforce that is reflective of the populations we support, and actively seek applications from those who are marginalized and underrepresented. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and colleagues with disabilities.