OSIEA promotes vibrant and inclusive democracies in Eastern Africa. Founded in 2005, OSIEA plays an active role in encouraging informed dialogue about issues of public importance. We promote democratic governance, justice, human rights, equality and non-discrimination, respect for rule of law and protection of rights of minorities. We play a key role in amplifying the voices that promote open society ideals. We do this by supporting individuals, organizations, coalitions, and movements. We do this through grant-making, research, and advocacy. OSIEA works in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Sudan, and South Sudan. (For more details check www.osiea.org)
The Open Society Initiative for Eastern Africa (OSIEA) seeks to recruit a Program Officer for the Equality and non-discrimination program with a focus on disability rights.
Overall job purpose
In collaboration with Open Society Foundation thematic programme, Human Rights Initiative (HRI); the Programme Officer’s core duties will entail provision of technical support in identification and fostering of effective grant making relations in a dynamic, creative and committed manner with emphasis on disability rights.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide a bold vision for innovative work that will add value to the existing efforts in the region by identifying grant-making, operational, and advocacy strategies to advance Equality and non-discrimination programme in Eastern Africa, particularly in relation to Disability Rights
- Work in close collaboration with Human Rights Initiative staff and other relevant Open Society Foundations staff to support the work of organizations and activists that seek to address the human rights concerns of persons with disabilities.
- Support the programme in conducting relevant legal and policy analysis for internal and external audiences.
- Support in the identification of capacity and institutional development opportunities in partner organizations (grantees).
- Support network/coalition/alliance building for joint advocacy with grantees and constituents targeting governments, donor agencies, service providers, and the general public.
- Oversee administrative duties within the program and supervision of consultants.
- Develop partnerships with the rest of the program staff in the identification and evaluation of emerging and key development trends and priorities in a particular region.
- Scan the external environment to ensure programme relevance.
- Engage with civil society actors, attend meetings, solicit and evaluate grant proposals, follow-up with grantees and potential grantees. Conduct site visits as necessary.
- Coordinate meetings, conferences, partnerships.
- Participate in writing, editing or commissioning reports and advocacy documents on the Disability Rights program.
- Conduct advocacy in collaboration with grantees and constituents targeting governments, donor agencies, service providers, and the general public.
- Represent OSIEA at key functions and meetings related to theDisability Rights program.
- Reporting and budget management (portfolio reviews, monitoring programme budget and expenditure etc.)
- Participate in program learning, knowledge generation and management.
Person specifications
- Advanced degree in a relevant field.
- At least six years’ relevant work experience, including demonstrated experience working in the field of disability rights and a nuanced understanding of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English and one other East African language.
- Experience developing and implementing social change strategies through a rights-based approach and substantive knowledge of disability rights issues in the Eastern Africa region.
- Experience in working with community based groups in East Africa on equality & non-discrimination and human rights issues of persons with disabilities.
- Demonstrable commitment to Human Rights and OSIEA values.
- Experience or understanding of grant making work.
- Understanding of Eastern Africa social and economic issues including governance and rights.
- Experience in working with NGOs (desirable).
- Ability to manage several simultaneous projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
- Integrity, team work, diplomacy and professionalism will be essential.
- Willingness to travel frequently as needed.
Suitably qualified candidates should mail their resumes and cover letters to jobs@osiea.org by 16th March 2018. The position will attract a competitive salary with good benefits package.