Unit Manager, Crisis Advocacy Open Society Foundations at Open Society Initiative for Eastern Africa

Do you want to help make the world a better place with your knowledge of advocacy and crisis response? We’re seeking a Unit Manager based in Amman, Berlin, Brussels, London, Nairobi, New York, Rio de Janeiro or Washington D.C. to design and deliver crisis response.

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 Advocacy Department reports to the Global Director for Advocacy. It integrates, coordinates, and catalyzes Open Society’s policy and advocacy priorities through campaigns and through network-wide collaboration.

https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/newsroom/open-society-names-natalie-samarasinghe-as-global-director-for-advocacy

As a Unit Manager of Crisis Advocacy at Open Society you will:

• Developing a robust, flexible and innovative crisis response framework anchored in Open Society principles, including theory of change, range of tools and methodology for monitoring and evaluation
• Coordinating international advocacy efforts for crisis response, as well as responses to unexpected challenges or opportunities;
• Providing additional capacity, organization, and expertise to complement Regional Programs;
• Bridging communications and advocacy gaps in crisis planning and responses;
• Participate and contribute to committees and teams focused on advocacy and crisis work.

What We Are Looking For

• At least 10 years’ external advocacy and communications experience in an international organization, NGO, foundation or similar – including crisis experience, preferably with cross border teams;
• Experience of working across core Open Society concerns, such as human rights, democratic governance, justice and accountability, in roles that have required varied advocacy and communications tactics to achieve progress;
• The ability to manage multiple stakeholders, interests, complex political and cultural factors, and to balance long- and short-term goals; and
• A skilled people manager and project leader, capable of supporting staff members and contributing to departmental development;
• Diplomatic manner and ability to adapt to a range of cultures and experiences in interacting with program management, colleagues at all levels, contacts, and the public;
• 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.

Desirable (but Not Required)

• Additional languages
• Willingness to travel frequently for work

What We Offer

• Ample opportunities to learn and grow, from annual professional development allowances to onsite trainings and learning conversations 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.

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.

For London: We feel our salaries are competitive for our sector. The salary for this position starts at a minimum of £67,300. Your offer will be based on your level of experience and internal equity.

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

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.