The Ford Foundation seeks a dynamic, entrepreneurial individual to design, implement, coordinate, and monitor a grant making program addressing issues relating to promoting transparent, effective and accountable government in the Middle East and North Africa region. The portfolio focuses primarily on Egypt but with an emphasis on regional and sub-regional cooperation.
The Program Officer will be expected to evaluate current strategies against the changing context and identify new priorities for the future in close consultation with a broad range of activists and civil society representatives, government officials, scholars and public policy analysts. The program currently focuses on five strategies: (1) improving capacity of non-governmental and governmental organizations to analyze, monitor and report on government expenditures and policymaking, particularly as they relate to key areas of economic and social policy; (2) training and providing educational opportunities to build individual and organizational skills and mechanisms related to promoting governmental effectiveness, accountability and transparency; (3) promoting research and analysis to fill knowledge gaps and develop new tools for public awareness and advocacy; (4) developing strategic communications and advocacy to promote public awareness; and, (5) promoting public discourse about the importance of governmental transparency, accountability and effectiveness.
More specifically, 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; identify potential grantees, both non-governmental and governmental; solicit, review and respond to proposals; recommend and monitor grants and evaluate programming; and offer support and guidance as needed to actual and potential grantees. The Program Officer will contribute to defining the Cairo office’s overall strategic direction for the region, seek opportunities to cooperate programmatically with other Cairo-based portfolios, collaborate with colleagues in other Foundation offices to support regional and global networks and initiatives, and play a leadership role in the Democratic and Accountable Government Program’s global “community of practice.”
Ideal candidates will have substantive experience working in the Middle East and North Africa with a range of civil society actors. Ideal candidates will also possess an advanced degree in the social sciences, public policy or law; capacity to analyze, conceptualize, design and lead innovative program strategies as well as a strong desire to achieve impact; a proven track record of achieving change; strong written and oral communications capabilities, including a clear ability to convene and drive a group to action; and the proven capacity to work in teams with colleagues of diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Fluency in English and Arabic is required.
Please forward nominations to me by telephone at (212) 573-4666 (212) 573-4666 or email at
Sincerely,
Sarah Ashton
Search Coordinator