Policy Analyst at Open Society Foundation

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.

The International Advocacy Director’s office provides strategic support and co-ordination to the Foundations’ initiatives to influence policy change at the international, regional and national level. The Policy Analyst for International Affairs will help design and implement campaigns for change by providing assessments and analysis and by supporting the Director with briefings and correspondence.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The policy analyst will:

- Provide analysis and briefings to the International Advocacy Director on a wide range of open society issues. These might include emerging political and security situations around the world, challenges to political rights, exclusion and xenophobia, and issues around transparency and accountability.
- Monitor specific security, development and foreign policy initiatives by international organizations and national governments.
- Monitor and follow the preparations for periodic multilateral discussions and conferences, including in various UN bodies, G8, G22, OECD and others.
- Identify emerging policy issues for consideration by the office.
- Prepare and write diverse documents for internal and external use, including summaries, issue briefs, reports, newsletter, blogs and speeches.
- Assist with advocacy in crisis situations.
- Support the Director by reviewing correspondence, participating in meetings, maintaining records, and managing the flow of information about meeting outcomes and follow-up on decisions.
- Undertake special projects as necessary.

QUALIFICATIONS:

- Degree in relevant field (international affairs, development).
- Work experience in security, political or human rights related sectors. Work experience in an international setting an advantage.
- Excellent writing skills.
- Strong analytical skills and ability to analyse complex political issues.
- Proven ability to seek and synthesise data from a variety of sources at short notice.
- High degree of flexibility and willingness to work as a generalist on a wide range of issues.
- Excellent organisational and planning skills.
- Self-motivated and curious – with good judgment.
- Fluency in one international language in addition to English an advantage, particularly Arabic, French or Russian.
- Strong computer skills.

START DATE/DURATION: ASAP

COMPENSATION: £32,000-£38,000. Excellent benefits package.

To Apply
Please email resume and cover letter before 7th August2011, to: recruitment-IA@osf-eu.org
Include job code in subject line: POLAN/IA. Please restrict your CV to no more than two pages.

Interviews:
First interviews will take place on 5 September 2011 in London. Only candidates who are available to attend an interview on this date should apply. All candidates selected for this interview will be notified by 1 September 2011.

No phone calls, please. The Open Society Foundations is an Equal Opportunity Employer.