Graduate School of Business

[Full time]

Open Society Foundations

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Program Officer x2, Asia Pacific Regional Office- East Asia Program (APRO). Seoul. Posting Date: 07/01/2022. Deadline: 08/12/2022

Do you want to help make the world a better place with your expertise in managing portfolios and grantee relationship in East Asia? We’re seeking two Program Officers (for China) to represent the foundation in public and make decisions on the allocation of funds. The positions are located in Seoul, South Korea or Taipei in Taiwan.

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 Asia Pacific Regional Office- East Asia Program works with local, regional, and international partners to protect the rights of marginalized communities, to promote human rights-based business practices, to strengthen independent media, and to empower human rights activists.  

As a Program Officer at Open Society, you will:

• Provide a strategic vision for innovative program development in East Asia and manage, with considerable autonomy, program strategies in East Asia including grants, projects, and contracts with diverse organizations/individuals;
• Monitor and research fields of interest to East Asia Program;
• Build and manage relationships with grantees and other social change partners;
• Make funding decisions about new grants within an approved budget and strategy;
• Serve as programmatic focal point/representative on East Asia, and prepare and deliver concise, written reports and presentations for diverse groups including peers, internal boards, and external audiences.

What we are looking for:

• At least 10 years of work experience in, and nuanced understanding of, at least one field related to justice, equality, or human rights;
• Proven record of expertise on China’s human rights environment and/or China’s external relations and global presence;  
• Well-informed, well-educated native-level spoken and written fluency in English and Chinese;
• Progressively responsible experience in a leading role at an NGO, media organization, government agency, or research institution focused on justice, equality, or human rights;
• Ability to effectively communicate with others verbally and in writing in a clear, concise, and compelling manner;
• Ability to work efficiently to meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment, and ability to adapt to shifting priorities;
• Willingness to travel frequently, both domestically and internationally;
• 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):

• Experience in developing and implementing grantmaking or impact investment portfolios in East Asia is a plus, but not a must.

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 a cover letter that addresses the specific skills and experience that OSF requires for Program Officers (guidance is located here) and CV; we look forward to learning more about you.

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.