Program Officer Economic Transformation at Open Society Initiative for Eastern Africa

JOB PURPOSE       

The Program Officer – Economic Transformation is an individual contributor role reporting directly to the Opportunity and Equity Program Manager and is responsible for managing a portfolio of grants, developing strategies for the portfolio and maintaining relationships with grantees and key contacts. The role provides the program with technical and administrative services relating to projects/grants and program administration and implementation as well as a variety of support in the area of information collection.

The Program Officer – Economic Transformation represents the foundation in the public and makes decisions on the allocation of funds according to the strategy within their portfolio.

The Program Officer – Economic Transformation should have demonstrable knowledge in natural resource governance, economics and international development.

The role seeks to provide thought leadership on Africa-International economic relations. The Program Officer – Economic Transformation supports Africa’s ambition for transformative, equitable and inclusive economy.

As a Program Officer – Economic Transformation at Open Society-Africa, you will be responsible for:

• Supporting economic alternatives to the neo-liberal economic model, building knowledge and organizing progressive thinking within African policy spaces.
• Supporting partnerships, advocacy and campaigns that advance the values of Open Society-Africa.
• Attending official meetings and engaging with government officials, NGOs and private sector representatives on economic topics.
• Budgeting
• External Communications and Advocacy
• Internal Communications
• Project Management
• Research and Recommendations
• Strategic Planning
• Grantmaking to Individuals
• Grantmaking to Organizations
• Knowledge Management

TECHNICAL SKILLS

Analytical Processes, Assessment, Planning and Organizing, Presentation Skills, Reporting, and Writing Skills.

INDIVIDUAL COMPETENCIES

Advancing Diversity and Inclusion, Expertise, Getting the Right Things Done, Leading Change, Managing Time and Money, Strategic Thinking, Working Well with OSF Colleagues, and Working Well with Others.

EDUCATION

Preference will be given to candidates with a Master’s degree in Economics, International Development, Public Policy or any other relevant discipline.

EXPERIENCE

• Substantial work experience, including proficiency in field of expertise.
• Minimum number years of relevant working experience—7 years.
• Experience in grantmaking and managing multi-country programs in West Africa.
• Proficient in English and French.