The Open Society Foundations work to build vibrant and tolerant democracies whose governments are accountable to their citizens. The Open Society Foundations’ Arab Regional Office (ARO) was established in 2006 to support local civil society in its efforts to protect human rights, address issues of media and information, women’s empowerment, education and arts and culture. Based in Amman, with a satellite office in Tunis, the office supports a diverse group of civil society organizations, research centers, universities, and media organizations across the Arab world in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and Tunisia.
Reporting to the director of the ARO in Amman, Jordan, the food security program manager (in the Context of Climate Change in North Africa) is responsible for providing leadership, content, and direction ensuring the program’s effectiveness and impact, as well as working closely with ARO staff to support civil society more broadly in North Africa in this field.
The incumbent will assist ARO in developing its work and portfolio under Open Society’s Shared Framework on Food Security in the Context of Climate Change in Africa. ARO’s contribution to Open Society’s shared framework seeks to build small farmers’ knowledge, skills and technical capacities, and strengthen their role in advocating for alternative sustainable policies and models of agricultural development in North Africa. The project manager will contribute to strengthening ARO’s knowledge of the field, building partnerships and networks, and supporting country and regional level actions guided by ARO’s strategy on Food Security in the Context of Climate Change in North Africa Program.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Provide technical expertise to develop ARO’s Food Security in the Context of Climate Change in North Africa Program with special attention to Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco;
- Contribute to the development and roll out of ARO’s strategy on Food Security in the Context of Climate Change in North Africa Program and its implementation according to objectives, goals and work plans approved;
- Identify stakeholders in the region, and develop and foster partnerships to develop ARO’s knowledge and programming in Food Security in the Context of Climate Change in North Africa;
- Review, analyze and provide input as requested on potential grantees, concept notes and proposals considered under the program;
- Provide support to grant making under the program and advising on it;
- Conduct assessments, including field visits, as needed to map stakeholders, assist grantees, and monitor approved grants under the program; in addition to attending Open Society events and other related activities;
- Conduct research and policy analysis as needed to develop effective strategies to support ARO’s Food Security in the Context of Climate Change in North Africa Program;
- Stay abreast of trends and developments in the region that will impact the food security situation in North Africa and the work of the program;
- Spot and develop new ideas that will add significant value to the program, portfolio, strategy, and goals;
- Ensure close coordination and timely reporting to ARO staff as well as liaise and collaborate with other Open Society Foundations programs, projects, and initiatives on Food Security in the Context of Climate Change in Africa Shared Framework;
- Stimulate awareness and exchange regarding developments in the food security field, both inside and outside ARO;
- Communicate the work and vision of the Food Security in the Context of Climate Change in North Africa Program and ARO more broadly to current and potential partners and others, as helpful;
- Prepare and provide regular programmatic updates for the ARO executive director;
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Education / Experience
- Advanced degree in Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture, Environmental Studies, or a related field;
- Proven knowledge of food security policy issues and stakeholders in North Africa, as well as understanding of human rights–based approaches is desired;
- Minimum of five years of relevant experience;
- Experience in the Arab region in the field of food security and climate change is a plus.
Skills Required
- Proven ability to think strategically, to innovate and respond to new opportunities;
- Excellent analytical skills;
- Exceptional interpersonal skills, including relationship building and partnership development;
- Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment, and meet deadlines without loss of attention to detail;
- Excellent time-management and organizational skills;
- Excellent verbal and writing skills, in both Arabic and English. Familiarity with French preferable;
- Excellent listening and communication skills;
- Excellent ability to work both as a team member and independently, with a high level of self-motivation and ability to set and meet goals;
- Integrity, professional discretion, and ability to handle sensitive/confidential matters;
- Enjoys a pleasant, flexible, open-minded, diplomatic manner and disposition;
- Previous CSOs and advocacy experiences is a plus.
Compensation
Commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits package.
Application Instructions
Please email resume and cover letter with salary requirements and three professional references to:osimena.info@opensocietyfoundations.org. Include job code in the subject line: FSARO.
