Summary Description
The Women’s Rights Program Officer will develop a grant-making portfolio that advances work to protect, promote, and consolidate the enjoyment of women’s human rights, as part of the
Eastern Africa Office’s Protecting Women’s Rights initiative. The overall goals of this initiative are to support efforts to fully implement national and regional laws and international commitments that address gender inequality and discrimination; build effective women’s networks and human rights organizations that address structural causes of inequalities and gender discrimination; build strong women’s rights movements in East Africa with solid constituencies that will be levers of progressive change; and strengthen the leadership capacity of particularly marginalized women to engage in transformative politics and be effective advocates—articulating the problems that affect their lives, crafting, and where possible, implementing solutions to help solve them. Additionally, the Women’s Rights Program Officer will work closely with colleagues leading other initiatives in the Eastern Africa Office to ensure collaborative and integrative grant-making that impacts women’s overall advancement in the region; and colleagues leading a similar initiative in New York to synergize women’s rights issues across the Foundation’s offices.

Key grant making approaches of this portfolio will include:

• Building capacity of key national and regional multi-issue women’s rights groups; • Developing tools and leveraging resources to support strategic advocacy through national and regional women’s rights funds and women’s priority concerns; • Supporting national and regional networks and organizations of men for gender equality movements; • Developing and expanding national, regional and UN instruments and mandates to address women’s issues at the national, regional and global level; • Supporting training for national and regional women’s rights networks to develop resource pools and identify the next generation of women’s rights activists; • Conducting research to analyze women’s priority concerns and emergent trends in gender relations; • Synthesizing research with advocacy, activism and movement building concerns of women’s organizations; • Building capacity in other initiatives to address the deeply rooted structural causes of inequalities and gender discrimination in all sectors; and, • Supporting programs at the intersections of women’s rights and economic opportunities.

Specifically, the Program Officer will review the current status of the field and the status of the grants in the Foundation’s existing portfolio; formulate plans to implement grant making in the new program strategies; solicit, review, and respond to grant proposals; prepare recommendations for foundation funding. S/he will be expected to provide intellectual leadership in the field of women’s rights and to work closely with other Foundation Program Officers whose work relates to the portfolios’ central missions. S/he also is expected to collaborate broadly with scholars, practitioners, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other donors. The Program Officer will contribute both to the office’s strategic direction for East Africa, and to the foundation’s overall goals related to women’s rights worldwide.

Learn more about our work in Eastern Africa

Qualifications
Over 10 years of professional experience in advocacy of human rights and work in women’s rights networks, think-tanks, or gender equality movements in Eastern Africa and/or other regions of the Global South. (Experience beyond the Global South a plus.) Experience conducting action research on women’s rights, and linking new knowledge with advocacy and policy to support of women’s empowerment. Demonstrated ability to organize and conduct multi-disciplinary research and development initiatives, and work in interdisciplinary teams. A broad understanding of human rights and in-depth understanding of women’s human rights issues. Ability to conceptualize and lead project design and build strong partnerships with CSOs, social movements, private sector, and other funding agencies, to implement a project strategy. An advanced degree in sociology, anthropology, gender studies, law or other relevant discipline is required. Grant-making experience in women’s rights is an advantage. A strong desire to achieve impact; a proven track record of achieving change; excellent oral and written communications skills, including a clear ability to convene and drive a group to action; and the proven capacity to work in teams.

Salary
Salary is based on experience and on the Foundation’s commitment to internal equity. An attractive benefits package is provided.
[scholarships]
Equal employment opportunity and having a diverse staff are fundamental principles at the Ford Foundation, where employment and promotional opportunities are based upon individual capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation/affectional preference, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status or any other protected characteristic as established under law.

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FORD FOUNDATION AFRICAN JOBS

Job Detail
Position    Program Officer, Transparent, Effective and Accountable Government
Application Deadline    01 Mar 2010
Location     Cairo, Egypt

Summary Description
The Program Officer will design, implement, monitor and evaluate a portfolio of grants addressing issues relating to promoting transparent, effective and accountable government in the Middle East and North Africa region. S/he 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 supports:

Improved capacity by 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; Training and educational opportunities to build individual and organizational skills and mechanisms related to promoting governmental effectiveness, accountability and transparency; Research and analysis to fill knowledge gaps and develop new tools for public awareness and advocacy; Strategic communications and advocacy to promote public awareness; Public discourse about the importance of governmental transparency, accountability and effectiveness.

The portfolio focuses primarily on Egypt but with an emphasis on regional and sub-regional cooperation.

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.”

Learn more about our work in The Middle East and North Africa

Qualifications
Substantive experience in the Middle East and North Africa. Appropriate educational background, including an advanced degree in the social sciences, public policy or law. Significant professional experience working with a range of civil society actors. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to conceptualize program ideas and strategies. Demonstrated analytical, writing and organizational skills. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with colleagues of diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Fluency in Arabic and English.


Salary
is based on experience and on the Foundation’s commitment to internal equity. An attractive benefits package is provided.

Equal employment opportunity and having a diverse staff are fundamental principles at the Ford Foundation, where employment and promotional opportunities are based upon individual capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation/affectional preference, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status or any other protected characteristic as established under law.

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Job Detail
Position    Program Officer, Sexuality and Reproductive Health
Application Deadline    29 Mar 2010
Location     Cairo, Egypt


Summary Description
The Program Officer will be responsible for developing, monitoring and evaluating the Ford Foundation’s work in the field of Sexuality and Reproductive Health (SRH) in the Middle East and North Africa region, with a special focus on Egypt. S/he will develop and oversee grants falling under two Initiatives: 1) promoting youth reproductive health education (under the Foundation’s Education, Creativity and Free Expression Program); and 2) reducing HIV/AIDS discrimination and exclusion (under the Foundation’s Democracy, Rights and Justice Program). The Program Officer will be responsible for continued reorientation of the existing grant portfolio to focus more closely on the above Initiatives, placing special emphasis on women, young people and populations affected by HIV/AIDS. The program currently supports: ? The development and implementation of comprehensive education in communities and schools to advance reproductive health knowledge of youth, including empowering partnerships for advocacy, building organizational capacity, testing and replicating education models and engaging new/diverse partners, including youth oriented organizations, in this work. ? The building of strong professionals, organizations and networks using rights-based, evidence-driven approaches to develop, test and scale up models promoting public advocacy, litigation and services for persons affected by HIV/AIDS; to empower vulnerable populations; and to nurture dialogue among professionals from diverse sectors, including health and human rights. The Program Officer will review the existing initiatives; formulate grant making strategies; 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. S/he is expected to develop and maintain close working relationships with existing and potential grantees, and with relevant leaders in government and civil society, and to promote coordination and cumulative learning among key stakeholders. In addition to coordinating the SRH program for the Cairo Office, the Program Officer will contribute to defining the office’s overall strategic direction for the region, seeking opportunities to cooperate programmatically with other Cairo-based portfolios. S/he will also collaborate with colleagues working on SRH in other Foundation offices worldwide to support regional and global networks and initiatives, and will play a leadership role among Foundation colleagues and key stakeholders outside the Foundation on issues of common concern. The Program Officer will work under the direction of the Representative in Cairo and with the guidance of Initiative Directors in the Foundation’s New York office.


Learn more about our work in The Middle East and North Africa


Qualifications
Significant working experience in the Middle East and North Africa in the field of sexuality and reproductive health, combined with a grounding in a rights based approach to development; a graduate degree in the social sciences, public health or a similar field; the ability to conceptualize program ideas and grant making strategies; excellent analytical, organizational and written and oral communication skills; strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with colleagues of diverse backgrounds and perspectives; and fluency in Arabic and English.

Please send full application materials (consisting of substantive cover letter, c.v., and a 5-20 page sole-authored writing sample in English) to Ms. Sarah Ashton.

Salary
is based on experience and the Foundation’s commitment to internal equity. An attractive benefits package is included.

Equal employment opportunity and having a diverse staff are fundamental principles at the Ford Foundation, where employment and promotional opportunities are based upon individual capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation/affectional preference, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status or any other protected characteristic as established under law.
Apply for this Position

Position Program Officer- Financial Assets Expanding Livelihood Opportunities for Poor Households

Application Deadline 06 Nov 2009

Location Lagos, Nigeria

Summary Description

The Program Officer will be responsible for developing, monitoring, and coordinating grant making activities to improve the livelihoods of poor rural and urban households. The goal of the livelihoods work is to reduce poverty in rural and urban areas by improving access to financial, business development, and organizational development services that promote the establishment and growth of micro and small enterprises, increase their productivity, and connect producers to markets for their goods and services.

Under the supervision of the Foundation’s Representative in West Africa based in Lagos, Nigeria and the Director of Financial Assets in New York, the new Program Officer will develop grant making and related activities to implement four strategies to achieve the goals of this work: research and development to enable the scaling of successful business development programs, improve business practices, and promote access to markets and financial services and products; building and strengthening livelihood support organizations; where appropriate, supporting public policy analysis and advocacy to improve the enabling environment for urban and rural economies; and building the capacity of networks that link this work globally. The new Program Officer will give particular attention to micro and small enterprise development, including community based enterprises, and strategies to link entrepreneurs to broader markets and value chains. She/he will be expected to keep abreast of the issues, institutions, and key individuals concerned with these issues, provide intellectual leadership in the field, and work closely with other Program Officers throughout the Foundation whose work relates to the central mission of the portfolio. In addition, the Program Officer is expected to contribute to the attainment of the office’s Field Office Program Strategy which includes work on governance and sexuality and reproductive health and rights.

Specifically, the Program Officer will review the current status of the field and the status of the grants in the Foundation’s existing portfolio; formulate plans to implement grant making in the new program strategies; solicit, review, and respond to grant proposals; prepare recommendations for foundation funding. S/he also is expected to collaborate broadly with scholars, practitioners, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other donors.

Learn more about our work in West Africa

Qualifications

Significant professional experience working in the business and enterprise development field and a sound understanding of the impact of public and private sector policies on rural and urban markets, enterprise development and livelihoods. Demonstrated use of financial, business development, and organizational development services to improve rural and urban livelihoods. Understanding of program development and demonstrated ability to conceptualize programmatic ideas and strategies, carry out policy analysis and develop working relations with key stakeholders. Demonstrated capacity to interpret institutional, social and economic dynamics in the Nigerian and West African contexts. Excellent analytical, organizational, and facilitation skills, as well as strong oral and written communication skills in English and French. Demonstrated commitment to collaboration, evidence of effective accomplishment as part of a team and a graduate degree in a related field are required. Experience in West Africa is also desirable.

Salary

is based on experience and on the Foundation’s commitment to internal equity. A generous benefits package is provided.

Equal employment opportunity and having a diverse staff are fundamental principles at the Ford Foundation, where employment and promotional opportunities are based upon individual capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation/affectional preference, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status or any other protected characteristic as established under law.

Apply for this Position

More job vacancies at for foundation

The Ford Foundation Nairobi Kenya is currently recruiting for the underlisted positions
Position Program Officer- Women’s Rights and Sexuality and Reproductive Health & Rights
Application Deadline 30 Oct 2009
Location Nairobi, Kenya
Summary Description
The Program Officer will be responsible for implementing, monitoring, and coordinating grant making activities to advance the goals of two lines of work in East Africa: Protecting the Rights of Women and Girls and Addressing Social and Cultural Barriers to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights. The overall aim of the Protecting the Rights of Women and Girls portfolio is to support efforts to fully implement laws and international commitments that address gender inequality and discrimination; build effective women’s networks and human rights organization that address structural causes of inequalities and gender discrimination; and strengthen the leadership capacity of marginalized women and girls to engage in transformative politics and to be effective advocates—articulating the problems that affect their lives and crafting solutions to help solve them. The Sexuality and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) portfolio will support work that helps young women to realize their sexual and reproductive rights and health by addressing underlying social, cultural and economic factors which limit young women’s abilities to protect and promote their sexual health and well being, including HIV/AIDS.

Under the supervision of the Representative in Kenya and the Directors of the Human Rights, and Sexuality and Reproductive Health and Rights programs in New York, the Program Officer will develop grant making approaches to Protect the Rights of Women and Girls that include: developing resources to support strategic advocacy on women’s priority concerns through development of national and regional women’s rights funds; supporting effective advocacy on a range of women’s rights issues; building capacity of key national and regional multi-focus women’s rights groups; supporting national and regional men for gender equality movements; supporting training for national and regional women’s rights networks to develop resource pools and identify the next generation of women’s rights activists; and developing and expanding national, regional mandates and the use of UN instruments to address and enforce women’s rights issues. Additionally, under the line of work focused on Sexuality and Reproductive Health, the Program Officer will develop grant making approaches that include: conducting research to analyze women’s priority concerns and emergent trends in socio-economic factors that make young vulnerable to poor SRHR/HIV/AIDS outcomes and identifying what contributes toward their resilience; support experiments that address the intersections of HIV/SRHR and economic and gender inequities, including livelihood programs that address gender biases, early marriage and sexuality issues; advancing the role of communities, leaders and young women themselves, in particular young women living with HIV/AIDS, in addressing these issues; mobilizing existing evidence to shift the perspective of key donors, policy makers, social and political leaders in favor of interventions that address socio-economic factors, social norms and cultural values that support young women’s empowerment and SRHR; and developing effective civil society advocacy programs that impact government SRHR programs and budget allocations.

Specifically, the Program Officer will review the current status of the field and the status of the grants in the Foundation’s existing portfolio; formulate plans to implement grant making in the new program strategies; solicit, review, and respond to grant proposals; prepare recommendations for foundation funding. S/he will be expected to provide intellectual leadership in the field of women’s rights and sexuality and reproductive health and to work closely with other Foundation Program Officers whose work relates to the portfolios’ central missions. S/he also is expected to collaborate broadly with scholars, practitioners, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other donors. The Program Officer will contribute both to the office’s strategic direction for East Africa, and to the foundation’s overall goals related to women’s rights and sexuality and reproductive health worldwide.
Learn more about our work in Eastern Africa
Qualifications
Significant professional experience (ideally over 10 years) in the field of human rights advocacy and with gender equality movements in the global south, particularly East Africa. Demonstrated experience conducting action research on women’s rights, sexuality and reproductive health/rights and HIV/AIDS and linking new knowledge to inform advocacy and policy in support of women’s empowerment. Direct work experience with rights-based youth organizing, advocacy and empowerment. A broad understanding of human rights, specifically women’s human rights issues and the intersection between SRHR and HIV/AIDs. Demonstrated capacity to analyze, research, conceptualize, design and lead innovative program strategies. An advanced degree in sociology, anthropology, gender studies, law or other relevant discipline is required. Demonstrated field experience and expertise in East Africa and/or other regions in the global south. Grant-making experience is an advantage. A strong desire to achieve impact; a proven track record of achieving change; strong communications capabilities, including a clear ability to convene, build strong partnerships with NGOs, CBOs and other funding agencies, and drive a group to action; and the proven capacity to work in teams.
Salary is based on experience and on the Foundation’s commitment to internal equity. A generous benefits package is provided.
Equal employment opportunity and having a diverse staff are fundamental principles at the Ford Foundation, where employment and promotional opportunities are based upon individual capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation/affectional preference, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status or any other protected characteristic as established under law.
Apply for this Position

Position Program Officer- Expanding Community Rights and Voice over Natural Resources

Application Deadline 05 Nov 2009
Location Nairobi, Kenya
Summary Description
The Program Officer will be responsible for implementing, monitoring, and coordinating grant making activities in the Expanding Community Rights and Voice over Natural Resources portfolio, which seeks to support the development of natural resource policies and programs that give poor communities more control over these resources and a stronger voice in decision making on questions facing land reform in East Africa. The work will focus on the most vulnerable groups, including ethnic minorities, women and youth whose access to natural resources is most threatened and will geographically focus and be informed by experiences at the community and national levels in three countries—Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. Grant making in this portfolio will be largely organized to advance the goals of a Foundation line of work entitled: Expanding Community Rights over Natural Resources in Eastern Africa. The long term goal of this line of work is to assist poor rural communities in the region to secure rights and access to natural assets and to create conducive conditions under which their livelihoods can be enhanced through the utilization of these natural assets in order to reduce poverty and injustice in the region.

Under the supervision of the Representative in Kenya and the Director of the Natural Assets unit (based in Nicaragua), the Program Officer will develop grant making and other program activities to implement five strategies to achieve program goals: 1) research and development: supporting research and development efforts designed to generate policy research on key issues of land tenure security for the rural poor, vulnerable and marginalized groups–to inform policy interventions and provide recommendations for reform; 2) pilot experiments that: build the capacity of marginalized communities to understand their legal and constitutional rights to land and natural resources, claim those rights through social and legal action, and secure their right to own, use and control ancestral land, territories and natural resources; test and implement innovative aspects of the land policy to demonstrate benefits and provide concrete examples of the impacts of a revised policy, and; test and develop sustainable land use and management practice for reclaimed land and natural resources; 3) training: develop and implement training programs to improve the skills and knowledge of communities, professionals from support organizations, media professionals, policy-makers and other relevant groups on issues around land and natural resource rights; 4) institutional strengthening: strengthen the capacity and improve the skills and knowledge of local East African institutions, civil society and communities to conduct research and participate in policy formulation, advocacy, monitoring and evaluation of the land policy reform process; and 5) communication: engage with public interest media as an important platform for building new constituencies, framing strategic communication and shifting public discourse on the question of land and natural resource.

Specifically, the program officer will review the current status of the field, the recently developed program strategies related to Natural Assets, and the status of the grants in the Foundation’s existing portfolio; formulate plans to implement grant making in the new program strategies; solicit, review, and respond to grant proposals; prepare recommendations for foundation funding; and work with other foundation staff to develop learning strategies related to natural resource policies and policy processes. The Program Officer will be expected to provide intellectual leadership in the field of pro-poor natural resource policies and to work closely with other Program Officers throughout the Foundation whose work relates to the central mission of the portfolio. The Program Officer also is expected to collaborate broadly with scholars and practitioners, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other donors on issues of common program concern. The Program Officer will contribute both to the office’s strategic direction for East Africa, and to the foundation’s overall goals related to natural resources worldwide.
Learn more about our work in Eastern Africa
Qualifications
Significant professional experience (ideally over 10 years) working on gender issues, with a particular focus on women’s land rights, gender and land tenure, and natural resource management in East Africa and/or other regions in the global south. Demonstrated experience conducting action research on land rights of marginalized groups, including women and ethnic minorities, and linking research with advocacy and policy. Direct experience building the capacity of vulnerable groups to understand their legal and constitutional rights to land and natural resources and to claim those rights. A broad understanding of human rights, specifically women’s human rights issues as well as field experience and expertise in East Africa and/or other regions in the global south. Demonstrated capacity to analyze, research, conceptualize, design and lead innovative program strategies. Advanced oral and written communication skills. Graduate degree in social sciences: sociology, anthropology, gender studies, agricultural economics, human geography or other relevant discipline is required. Grant-making experience is an advantage. A strong desire to achieve impact; a proven track record of achieving change; strong communications capabilities, including a clear ability to convene, build strong partnerships with NGOs, CBOs and other funding agencies, and drive a group to action; and the proven capacity to work in teams.
Salary is based on experience and on the Foundation’s commitment to internal equity. A generous benefits package is provided.
Equal employment opportunity and having a diverse staff are fundamental principles at the Ford Foundation, where employment and promotional opportunities are based upon individual capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation/affectional preference, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status or any other protected characteristic as established under law.
Apply for this Position

Position Program Officer- Financial Assets Expanding Livelihood Opportunities for Poor Households

Application Deadline 06 Nov 2009
Location Lagos, Nigeria
Summary Description
The Program Officer will be responsible for developing, monitoring, and coordinating grant making activities to improve the livelihoods of poor rural and urban households. The goal of the livelihoods work is to reduce poverty in rural and urban areas by improving access to financial, business development, and organizational development services that promote the establishment and growth of micro and small enterprises, increase their productivity, and connect producers to markets for their goods and services.

Under the supervision of the Foundation’s Representative in West Africa based in Lagos, Nigeria and the Director of Financial Assets in New York, the new Program Officer will develop grant making and related activities to implement four strategies to achieve the goals of this work: research and development to enable the scaling of successful business development programs, improve business practices, and promote access to markets and financial services and products; building and strengthening livelihood support organizations; where appropriate, supporting public policy analysis and advocacy to improve the enabling environment for urban and rural economies; and building the capacity of networks that link this work globally. The new Program Officer will give particular attention to micro and small enterprise development, including community based enterprises, and strategies to link entrepreneurs to broader markets and value chains. She/he will be expected to keep abreast of the issues, institutions, and key individuals concerned with these issues, provide intellectual leadership in the field, and work closely with other Program Officers throughout the Foundation whose work relates to the central mission of the portfolio. In addition, the Program Officer is expected to contribute to the attainment of the office’s Field Office Program Strategy which includes work on governance and sexuality and reproductive health and rights.

Specifically, the Program Officer will review the current status of the field and the status of the grants in the Foundation’s existing portfolio; formulate plans to implement grant making in the new program strategies; solicit, review, and respond to grant proposals; prepare recommendations for foundation funding. S/he also is expected to collaborate broadly with scholars, practitioners, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other donors.
Learn more about our work in West Africa
Qualifications
Significant professional experience working in the business and enterprise development field and a sound understanding of the impact of public and private sector policies on rural and urban markets, enterprise development and livelihoods. Demonstrated use of financial, business development, and organizational development services to improve rural and urban livelihoods. Understanding of program development and demonstrated ability to conceptualize programmatic ideas and strategies, carry out policy analysis and develop working relations with key stakeholders. Demonstrated capacity to interpret institutional, social and economic dynamics in the Nigerian and West African contexts. Excellent analytical, organizational, and facilitation skills, as well as strong oral and written communication skills in English and French. Demonstrated commitment to collaboration, evidence of effective accomplishment as part of a team and a graduate degree in a related field are required. Experience in West Africa is also desirable.
Salary
is based on experience and on the Foundation’s commitment to internal equity. A generous benefits package is provided.
Equal employment opportunity and having a diverse staff are fundamental principles at the Ford Foundation, where employment and promotional opportunities are based upon individual capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation/affectional preference, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status or any other protected characteristic as established under law.
Apply for this Position

Ford Foundation is recruiting for the post of
Position Program Officer- Addressing Social & Cultural Barriers to Sexual and Reproductive Health

Application Deadline 30 Oct 2009
Location Lagos, Nigeria
Summary Description
The Program Officer will be responsible for developing, monitoring and coordinating grantmaking that supports efforts that are Addressing Social and Cultural Barriers to Sexual and Reproductive Health in West Africa, focusing on Nigeria and sub-regional initiatives. The goal of the work is to improve the sexual and reproductive health of young women by improving access to information, services and skills required to reduce HIV/AIDS infections, early marriage, teenage and unwanted pregnancy, maternal mortality and gender violence, that particularly affect millions of girls and young women. The particular emphasis is on programs that effectively address barriers related to gender and economic inequality and their impact on SRHR outcomes.

Under the supervision of the Foundation’s representative of West Africa in Lagos and the Director of Sexuality and Reproductive Health and Rights in New York, the new Program Officer will develop grantmaking and related activities to implement four interrelated strategies to achieve the goals of this work: scaling up of promising adolescents and young women’s reproductive health/HIV programs that with specific attention to those that counter gender violence and harmful social practices that limit the access of adolescents and young women to sexuality and reproductive/HIV information and services; supporting policy analysis and advocacy particularly around unwanted pregnancy and safe motherhood; broadening the role of faith-based leaders and institutions, men, boys, parents policy makers, politicians and leaders of traditional and civic organizations in efforts to counter harmful social practices that limit life options for girls and young women; and using effective communications and research to build evidence, enhance learning and track factors that promote scale and capacity to monitor and evaluate programs, partnerships, media campaigns etc.

Specifically, the Program Officer will review the current status of the field and the status of the grants in the Foundation’s existing portfolio; formulate plans to implement grant making in the new program strategies; solicit, review, and respond to grant proposals; prepare recommendations for foundation funding. S/he will be expected to provide intellectual leadership in the field of sexuality and reproductive health. S/he also is expected to collaborate broadly with scholars, practitioners, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other donors. In addition, the Program Officer is expected to contribute to the attainment of the office’s Field Office Program Strategy which includes work on governance and economic development. The Program Officer will also collaborate with colleagues in the Foundation’s other offices to advance a worldwide agenda around the Foundation’s goals in the sexuality and reproductive health and rights field.
Learn more about our work in West Africa
Qualifications
Significant professional experience working with a broad range of public sector and civil society programs in the adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health/HIV fields. Direct work experience with youth leadership, organizing or empowerment programs is desirable. Understanding of program development and demonstrated ability to conceptualize programmatic ideas and strategies, carry out policy analysis and developing working relations with key stakeholders. Demonstrated capacity to interpret institutional, social and cultural dynamics in the Nigerian and West African contexts. Excellent analytical, organizational, and facilitation skills, as well as strong oral and written communication skills in English and French. Demonstrated commitment to collaboration, evidence of effective accomplishment as part of a team and a graduate degree in a related field are required.
Salary
is based on experience and on the Foundation’s commitment to internal equity. A generous benefits package is provided.
Equal employment opportunity and having a diverse staff are fundamental principles at the Ford Foundation, where employment and promotional opportunities are based upon individual capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation/affectional preference, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status or any other protected characteristic as established under law.
Apply for this Position