Ford Foundation - Cairo Office, Program Officer

THE FORD FOUNDATION
CAIRO OFFICE

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Program Officer
Governance, International Relations and Civil Society

Peace and Social Justice Program Middle East and North Africa

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:
The Program Officer will design, implement, monitor and evaluate a portfolio
of initiatives and grants addressing issues of governance, international
relations and civil society in the Middle East and North Africa region. S/he
will be expected to evaluate current strategies against the changing context
and identify new priorities for the future in close consultation with a
broad range of scholars, academics, government officials, activists and
civil society representatives.

The program currently supports:

§ promotion of public debate and quality research on governance and civil
society around such key issues as the role of the state, participatory
processes in governance and the culture of responsible and active
citizenship;

§ inclusion of diverse voices and alternative approaches to democratic
reform;

§ contribution from the region to global debates on security and global
governance;

§ independent policy research institutions and networks; and

§ initiatives that promote democratic processes in peace-building, conflict
resolution and reconstruction, including support for joint and complementary
Israeli and Palestinian peace building activities.

The portfolio emphasizes regional and sub-regional cooperation, with a
special focus on Egypt and Palestine.

The Program Officer is expected to develop and maintain close working
relationships with existing and potential grantees, and with leaders in
governments, research institutions and civil society; identify potential
grantees, both non-governmental and governmental; solicit, review and
respond to proposals; recommend and monitor grants and evaluate lines of
programming; and offer support and guidance as needed to actual and
potential grantees. The Program Officer will contribute to defining the
Cairo office's overall strategic direction for the region, seek
opportunities to cooperate programmatically with other Cairo-based
portfolios, collaborate with colleagues in other Foundation offices to
support regional and global networks and initiatives, and play a leadership
role in the Governance and Civil Society Program's global 'community of
practice.'

QUALIFICATIONS:
Senior and substantive experience in the Middle East and North Africa,
particularly the Mashreq region. Appropriate educational background,
including an advanced degree in the social sciences, public policy or law.
Significant professional experience working with a range of civil society
actors. Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Ability to conceptualize program ideas and strategies. Demonstrated analytical, writing and organizational skills. Strong interpersonal skills and
ability to work with colleagues of diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
Ability to work in Arabic and English.

Location: Cairo, Egypt
Target Date: Early 2007

Salary is based on experience and on the Foundation's commitment to internal
equity. A generous benefits package is provided.

To apply for the position, visit www.fordfound.org/employment or send full
application materials (consisting of substantive cover letter, c.v., and a
5-20 page sole-authored writing sample in English) to Ms. S. Ashton at 320
E. 43rd St., New York, NY 10017, USA, by October 6, 2006.

Equal employment opportunity and having a diverse staff are fundamental
principles at The Ford Foundation, where employment and promotional
opportunities are based upon individual capabilities and qualifications
without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual
orientation/affectional preference, age, national origin, marital status,
citizenship, disability, veteran status or any other protected
characteristic as established under law.