Program Manager (gn) Migration, Europe & Central Asia Program

Do you want to help make the world a better place with your expertise on migration in the Europe and Central Asia region? We’re seeking a Program Manager based in Berlin that will develop programming that includes grantmaking, campaigning, and general advocacy.

The Open Society Foundations work to build vibrant and inclusive democracies whose governments are accountable and open to the participation of all people. We are active in more than 120 countries, making us the world’s largest private funder of independent groups working for justice, democratic governance, and human rights.

Open Society – Europe & Central Asia is a regional program with staff located in Barcelona, Berlin, Brussels, London, and New York. The program supports organizations that promote active participation in democracy and uphold human rights and open society values—particularly in places where civil and political rights are at risk.

The Rights, Civic Space and Migration Division leads Open Society – Europe & Central Asia’s multi-faceted work advancing and protecting the space for civic activism, contributing to the resilience of democracy and the rule of law in the region, and the safeguarding of diverse and independent media, as well as the work on protection of the rights of migrants and addressing demographic change.

The Program Manager is an individual contributor role responsible for undertaking, in collaboration with others both internal and external to OSF, a variety of interventions organized around issue areas that are part of the overall strategy of OSF. The work may include advocacy, grantmaking and/or other OSF tools as they relate to program strategy, and to the design and execution of projects associated with it. Regardless of the mix of tools used, the Program Manager maintains strong relationships with grantees and other OSF partners and key contacts.

• Contribute to the development and implementation of Europe and Central Asia strategy on migration through grant-making and other tools that includes communications and advocacy
• Design and implement other time sensitive special projects related to rights, civic space and migration 
• Identify potential new partners or lines of work that further strategic goals; manage budgets for the efficient allocation of program resources; review and assess grant applications and make funding recommendations.
• Conduct institutional outreach in national capitals and the EU level (i.e. with donors, governmental/intergovernmental agencies) in support of advocacy goals of partner groups as appropriate.
• Monitor and evaluate strategy goals and grant portfolios, monitors grantees’ work through site visits and desk research. 

• 7-10 years’ experience in the field of migration, international human rights standards, and related rule of law issues
• University degree in a relevant field
• Experience with developing campaigns, advocacy, policy research, or grant making.
• Excellent writing and project management skills
• Ability to work efficiently to meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment, and ability to adapt to shifting priorities.
• Willingness to travel frequently, both domestically and internationally.
• Commitment to continuous learning and growth in the areas of diversity, equity, inclusion, antiracism, and social justice.
• Effectively work as a team member and independently, with a high-level of self-motivation and ability to set and meet goals.
• Show discretion and ability to handle confidential issues.
• Knowledge of key organizations and networks active in the field.
• Commitment to listening and working with humility; ways of working that are respectful to all people; and that support space and voice for all diverse perspectives in our workplace.
• Excellent written and oral English, working knowledge of German is desired

• Ample opportunities to learn and grow, from annual professional development allowances to onsite trainings and learning conversations with visiting experts.
• Top-notch benefits and perks designed for your well-being and a healthy work-life balance. With some variability according to location, this includes generous time off, flexible work arrangements, employer-paid health insurance, generous retirement savings plan, progressive paid parental leave, reproductive and family planning support, sabbatical opportunities, and much more.
• A commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that enables everyone to bring their full self to work and make a positive impact on the world.