OSI Budapest, Global Drug Policy Program - Program Assistant

The Open Society Foundations work to build vibrant and tolerant democracies whose governments are accountable to their citizens. To achieve this mission, the Foundations seek to shape public policies that assure greater fairness in political, legal, and economic systems and safeguard fundamental rights. On a local level, the Open Society Foundations implement a range of initiatives to advance justice, education, public health, and independent media. At the same time, we build alliances across borders and continents on issues such as corruption and freedom of information. The Foundations place a high priority on protecting and improving the lives of people in marginalized communities.

Investor and philanthropist George Soros established the Open Society Foundations, starting in 1984, to help countries make the transition from communism. Our activities have grown to encompass the United States and more than 70 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America. Each Foundation relies on the expertise of boards composed of eminent citizens who determine individual agendas based on local priorities.

Background

Launched in 2008, the Global Drug Policy program (GDPp) aims to shift the paradigm of drug policies around the world from today’s punitive approach to one rooted in public health and human rights. Broadly speaking, such reform would reduce reliance on criminal justice systems to address problems associated with drugs or drug use, ideally limiting criminal sanctions solely to those offenses involving harm to others and eliminating criminal penalties for mere drug possession; ensure that penalties for crimes associated with drugs or drug use are proportional; provide appropriate care for those seeking treatment for drug dependence; and take into account the livelihoods of those implicated in illicit crop production.

GDPp is a grantmaking program that supports organizations worldwide in advocating for rational, evidence-based policies at the national, regional, and international level.

The Program Assistant will support GDPp and report to the Finance and Grants Officer. The post is based in Budapest, Hungary.

Responsibilities

• Prepare consultancy and grant contracts in coordination with program staff;
• Process and track payment requests and budget modifications in cooperation with program staff;
• Maintain program files and database of contacts;
• Report on expenses of the director;
• Arrange travel itineraries;
• Administer program website;
• Assist program staff in communicating with other programs, departments and consultants of the Open Society Foundation;
• Draft routine correspondence;
• Arrange meetings, phone calls and assist in conference preparations;
• Assist program staff with special projects as they arise;
• Undertake other duties from time to time as requested.

Requirements

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree;
• Minimum 2 years of relevant job experience;
• Excellent command of English both verbal and written, other languages a plus;
• Good communication and organizational skills;
• Ability to prioritize and work simultaneously on a wide range of tasks and projects;
• Superior attention to detail and ability to work well under pressure;
• Flexible, proactive self-starter with problem solving attitude;
• Excellent computer skills (proficient usage of Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer) are required;
• Professional and diplomatic manner in interacting with senior management, co-workers, partners, and the public.

Preferred

• Experience working with NGOs;
• Experience in grant administration.

Application deadline: March 22, 2012

Start Date: Immediately

To apply: Please send curriculum vitae and motivation letter to applications@admingroup.hu

For more information about the Open Society Global Drug Policy program, please see www.soros.org/initiatives/drugpolicy.

The Open Society Foundations are an Equal Opportunity Employer which supports diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnicity, nationality, gender, age, disability, or sexual orientation.

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