The Global Fund for Children (GFC) (www.globalfundforchildren.org) envisions a world where all children grow up to be productive, caring citizens of our global society. GFC advances the dignity of young people around the world through its grantmaking program, which funds community-based organizations that serve the health, rights, and development of children and youth in four major issue areas: Learning, Enterprise, Safety, and Healthy Minds and Bodies. GFC’s grantmaking program is an established and expanding program that is poised for growth and diversification. It currently comprises over 200 grassroots grantee partners in over 60 countries, with program grants totaling approximately $3.5 million annually. GFC is currently in a period of institutional growth and strengthening and seeks an exceptional individual to lead and manage the grant support, value-added services, and knowledge initiatives for the Eastern Europe region.
The role of the program officer is to build and strengthen the grantmaking program of The Global Fund for Children. In collaboration with other staff of the grantmaking program, the program officer evaluates, develops, and implements regional program strategy, operations, budget, and partnerships. The program officer’s primary responsibility is the management of a grants portfolio totaling approximately $240,000 and currently comprising 20+ grantee partners in 7 countries. The program officer also coordinates field contacts, evaluators, and other key partner organizations in the Eastern Europe region, currently encompassing Bosnia, Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Serbia, Turkey and Ukraine. In addition, the program officer works with the vice president of the grantmaking program to create materials, expand funding sources, and present GFC’s work and message to national and international audiences. This position is based in Washington, DC, and reports to the vice president of the grantmaking program.
Role and Responsibilities
The responsibilities of the program officer for Eastern Europe include, but are not limited to:
Grantmaking
Identify community-based organizations in Eastern Europe that fall within GFC’s issue portfolios or otherwise meet GFC’s funding criteria
Conduct and maintain due diligence in selecting, evaluating, and managing existing and potential grantee partners
Perform site visits of current and potential grantee partners
Manage semi-annual grants docket, including developing recommendations and rationale for funding of grantee partners, grant amounts, and areas of GFC support
Cultivate relationships with grantee partners through ongoing communication with potential and existing grantees
Assist in the semi-annual distribution of grants totaling approximately $240,000 to a total of approximately 20 grantee partners
Assess and update GFC’s grantmaking guidelines and process, as appropriate, in collaboration with the grantmaking program team
Develop and maintain grants lists
Oversee grant administration, monitoring, and reporting for all Eastern Europe grantee partners
Value-Added Services
Assist grantee partners in leveraging additional funds from other foundations and individuals
Promote GFC’s grantees and grantmaking program, in collaboration with the development team and senior management
Manage ongoing relationships with regional partner(s) for capacity building and grantee support
Knowledge Sharing and Networks
Oversee and collaborate with partners in Eastern Europe in the facilitation of the grantee network, knowledge exchange workshops, and grantee partner organizational development
Contribute to design and oversight of program evaluation
Work in collaboration with consultants and other members of staff to organize research, information, and results from proposals, reports, and surveys
Explore avenues for initial knowledge-gathering program, including results from tracking grants, health and well-being forms, specific issue area and organizational information gathered from grantee partners, evaluations, etc.
Network with individuals, NGOs, and other organizations working in the areas of children’s rights, health and well-being, and education
Communications
Contribute content for grantmaking sections of GFC’s website, annual report, grants list, and other external publications
Contribute to creation, editing, formatting, and dissemination of country descriptions written by external writing consultant. Ensure accurate, relevant, and timely country information and background information for GFC partner countries in Eastern Europe
Qualifications
Candidates should demonstrate the following range of skills, experience, and qualities:
Master’s (MBA, MPP, MA) degree in related field with a minimum of 4 years of relevant professional experience preferred; OR bachelor’s degree in related field with a minimum of 6 years of relevant professional experience
Fluency in English, additional proficiency in Russian or other Eastern European language preferred
Overseas experience in Eastern Europe required
Experience with community-based organizations working with youth, education, social change, rights, or health
Issue area knowledge of child and youth development, social protection, rights, health, and/or education
Familiarity with national, regional, and global civil society actors and issues
Experience with the grantmaking or grant-seeking process preferred
Excellent writing, communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
Critical-thinking skills, including the ability to analyze field-based information
Exceptional attention to detail, organization, and time management
Self-motivated team player with balance and humor
Ability to work in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
Ability to travel independently in developing countries (2-3 international trips per year anticipated); occasional overnight domestic travel
Permanent authorization to work full-time in the US required
Compensation
A competitive salary and excellent benefits will be provided
The Global Fund for Children is an equal-opportunity employer.
Please submit a cover letter and resume to jobs-eur@globalfundforchildren.org. The position is available for immediate hire, with applications considered on a rolling basis. Candidates are encourages to submit applications earliest possible.