The Open Society Foundations’ Arab Regional Office (ARO) was established in 2006 to support local civil society in its efforts to protect human rights and build vibrant and tolerant societies. Based in Amman and 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 executive director of ARO, the Tunisia Representative will have overall responsibility for coordination of in-country activities, management of a local office, input into Open Society’s strategy development, and coordination with local and international organizations in the country and with the Arab Regional Office.
Open Society Foundations
The Open Society Foundations work to build vibrant and tolerant societies whose governments are accountable and open to criticism, whose laws and policies are open to debate and correction, and whose political institutions are open to the participation of all people. We seek to strengthen justice and the rule of law; broaden respect for human rights, including the rights of minorities; encourage pluralism and a robust diversity of opinion; deepen democratic practice and participation; expand economic equity; support effective governance; and invest in individuals, public and private organizations, and social movements that advance these goals.
We are a global network of foundations committed to local knowledge and national expertise. Our network includes national foundations, regional foundations, and other geographic programs operating in more than one hundred countries. At the same time, many programs with global reach operate from our four headquarters in Europe and the United States, including programs on digital information, documentary photography, drug policy, early childhood, education, fellowships, fiscal governance, higher education, human rights, international migration, justice, public health, scholarships, think tanks, and women’s rights. In addition to making grants to organizations and individuals, the Open Society Foundations engage in policy advocacy, legal advocacy and litigation, program-related investing, and public communications, as well as providing direct assistance to governments. Most programs and foundations in the network are governed or advised by their own boards.
The Open Society Foundations are the global philanthropies of George Soros, who, as chairman, plays an active role in the work of the foundations.
Job Profile
- Serve as principal liaison between ARO and Open Society grantees, and with representatives of relevant organizations on issues related to programming and grant making;
- Contribute to the development of ARO program strategies for Tunisia, and the Maghreb region;
- Oversee the development of new initiatives, partnerships and projects in Tunisia;
- Assist with the monitoring and evaluation of ARO-supported programs and initiatives; cultivate new partnerships and coordinate technical assistance where needed;
- Conduct original research, develop working papers, and work with outside experts to produce policy analysis;
- Monitor and report on the socio-political environment and civil society development in Tunisia to inform grantmaking;
- Assist with the recruitment of additional staff and the set-up and administration of the local office;
- Facilitate communication between local grantees and partners and Open Society’s thematic Network Programs in developing program strategies and project implementation as needed;
- Develop, execute, and coordinate special projects as requested by the director of the ARO;
- Organize conferences, working meetings, and events in Tunisia.
Qualifications
- Advanced university degree in development studies, international relations, law, human rights, or any related field;
- Knowledge and experience working in Tunisia and/or the Arab region;
- 5–10 years’ experience working with NGOs, international organizations, and/or grantmaking institutions;
- Excellent organizational and communication skills;
- Ability to work under pressure and as a team member;
- Fluency in Arabic and English; familiarity with French preferable;
- Strong communication skills in face to face exchange, public speaking and writing of diverse materials;
- Flexibility and willingness to work simultaneously on a wide range of tasks, projects and ability to prioritize.
Work Environment and Physical Demands
Essential functions are typically performed in an office setting with a low level of noise. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
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: TUNREP.
