Program Assistant Position with Open Society Foundations Appropriate for Recent Grad

Program Assistant Position with Open Society Foundations Appropriate for Recent Grad The Washington DC office conducts direct advocacy on a broad range of international and domestic issues, including human rights, civil liberties, drug policy, minority rights, public health, education, judicial independence, government transparency, and criminal justice reform.  Job Profile The Program Assistant will provide programmatic and administrative support to the Communications Officer in the Advocacy Office and a Senior Policy Analyst who works on the impact of U.S. counterterrorism assistance on human rights and democratic governance abroad. The Program Assistant should have an understanding of the policymaking and legislative process, familiarity with and interest in U.S. foreign policymaking and the media environment, and prior experience working on security assistance, human rights, or governance issues. The candidate should be able to write well, have strong research skills, and be able to manage multiple tasks, including administrative tasks, for two supervisors, under tight deadlines. § provide high-level administrative support to two senior staff members § draft/edit routine correspondence, memoranda, advocacy documents, and blog posts as required § attends hearings, briefings, meetings, and conferences and prepares summaries § conduct research and analysis of legislative and policy issues; track media reports on relevant issues; analyze media coverage § assist with vetting potential grantees and consultants and prepare related write-ups and assessments § perform clerical duties, including responding to incoming calls and requests from the general public, faxing and photocopying; preparing expense reports and generally assist in program administration § assist in scheduling meetings, appointments, calls, and travel arrangements for staff, including coordinating with conference organizers § maintain and update working files and databases § organize logistics of meetings, special events and workshops (travel arrangements, materials, minutes, meeting room set-ups, catering, break down after meetings) § assist in preparing annual budget submissions § assist in preparing advocacy documents and in preparing materials for website posting § assist with office-wide administrative duties as requested, such as answering front-desk telephones and assisting with visitors § prepare expense reports and process and track various reimbursements and payment accounts § perform other duties as assigned Qualifications § bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university, and one to three years of relevant experience or training or equivalent combination of education and experience § previous work for an advocacy organization or branch of government § demonstrated knowledge of or interest in human rights, security assistance, governance, or media § familiarity with federal legislative process § excellent written, verbal, organizational, analytical and interpersonal skills § excellent computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office § excellent attention to detail and follow-through on tasks § excellent listening and communication skills with sensitivity to cultural communication differences. § strong research skills § discretion and professionalism § cross cultural sensitivity § strong organizational skills § initiative and ability to work proactively and independently when necessary § ability to prioritize, think nimbly, and troubleshoot § willingness and ability to work simultaneously on a wide range of tasks and projects and ability to prioritize tasks § professionalism in interacting with colleagues and the general public Apply by June 18.  Read more and see other positions here.