PROGRAM ASSISTANT - CAUCASUS AND CENTRAL ASIA/REVENUE WATCH
DATE: AUGUST 2004

The Open Society Institute, a private operating and grantmaking foundation, aims to shape public policy to promote democratic governance, human rights, and economic, legal, and social reform. On a local level, OSI implements a range of initiatives to support the rule of law, education, public health, and independent media. At the same time, OSI works to build alliances across borders and continents on issues such as combating corruption and rights abuses. OSI was created in 1993 by investor and philanthropist George Soros to support his foundations in Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. Those foundations were established, starting in 1984, to help countries make the transition from communism. OSI has expanded the activities of the Soros foundations network to other areas of the world where the transition to democracy is of particular concern. The Soros foundations network encompasses more than 60 countries, including the United States.

The individual hired for this position reports to the Regional Director, Caucasus and Central Asia, and to the Director of the Revenue Watch Program. He/she will be responsible for providing administrative support to the respective directors of each department by handling the duties listed below.

RESPONSIBILITIES [CAUCASUS AND CENTRAL ASIA]:

• Answer all departmental mail and phone inquiries, directing queries to the appropriate offices and/or programs;
• Maintain effective filing system for all department documents;
• Handle all local travel/accommodation arrangements and coordinate schedules for visitors from national foundations in Central Asia and the South Caucasus;
• Assist Regional Director with correspondence, including proofreading/editing, faxing and telephoning;
• Translate documents and correspondence from Russian to English, or vice versa;
• Monitor news reports and conduct research for relevant information on the region;
• Post and maintain national foundation strategies on central website; assist in annual foundation budget review process;
• Arrange regular conference calls with staff in Central Asia and the Caucasus; participate in calls and write summaries for dissemination.

RESPONSIBILITIES [REVENUE WATCH]:

• Arrange travel, obtain visas, and process expenses for Revenue Watch staff, consultants, and guests;
• Arrange meetings for and otherwise assist guests associated with Revenue Watch project;
• Work with web designer to maintain Revenue Watch website;
• Provide research support, fact-finding, and editing for Revenue Watch reports;
• Track Revenue Watch budget spending year to date;
• Help with distribution of reports (compiling and managing mailing lists, processing orders for reports); maintenance of updated contacts list;
• Coordinate meeting and travel arrangements for advisory board gatherings (including conference room reservation, registration, logistical support, preparation/distribution of materials, etc.);

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES [BOTH PROGRAMS]

• Assist in drafting Revenue Watch and Regional Director departmental budgets;
• Additional tasks such as drafting consultancy contracts, processing payments and directing them to the Accounting Department, and assistance with book purchases, subscriptions and correspondence;
• Maintain and compile mailing/contact lists and Board member lists;
• Other projects as required.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in social science field;
• Fluent English and proficiency in Russian;
• Close attention to detail in performing administrative tasks;
• Extensive computer skills and high comfort level with computers (experience with Microsoft Office suite required);
• Superior interpersonal, writing, and organizational skills and ability to compose effective, thoughtful correspondence;
• Ability to manage several simultaneous projects in a fast-paced environment;
• General knowledge of political and economic developments in Central Asia, the Caucasus and Mongolia or the former Soviet Union more broadly;
• Pleasant, diplomatic manner in interactions with senior management, co-workers and the general public;
• Integrity and professional discretion;
• Ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines.

SALARY: Competitive salary, excellent benefits.

START DATE: September 2004

APPLY TO: Send resume, cover letter, professional references, writing sample and salary requirements, before September 7, 2004, to:

Open Society Institute
Human Resources - Code PA/CCA/REVW
400 West 59th Street
New York, NY 10019
Fax: (212) 548-4675

No telephone calls, please. The Open Society Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.