Ford Foundation Jobs Vacancies

Ford Foundation works mainly by making grants or loans that build knowledge and strengthen organizations and networks. These methods of problem-solving reflect our mission and the diverse ways we support grantees. They also describe a model of philanthropy that the foundation has pursued since its inception: To be a long-term and flexible partner with innovative leaders on the frontlines of social change.

We make grants from our New York headquarters and our regional offices in Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Job Details
Position: Program Officer– Addressing Social & Cultural Barriers to Sexual and Reproductive Health
Job Location: Lagos, Nigeria

Summary Description
The Program Officer will be responsible for developing, monitoring and coordinating grantmaking that supports efforts that are Addressing Social and Cultural Barriers to Sexual and Reproductive Health in West Africa, focusing on Nigeria and sub-regional initiatives. The goal of the work is to improve the sexual and reproductive health of young women by improving access to information, services and skills required to reduce HIV/AIDS infections, early marriage, teenage and unwanted pregnancy, maternal mortality and gender violence, that particularly affect millions of girls and young women. The particular emphasis is on programs that effectively address barriers related to gender and economic inequality and their impact on SRHR outcomes.

Under the supervision of the Foundation’s representative of West Africa in Lagos and the Director of Sexuality and Reproductive Health and Rights in New York, the new Program Officer will develop grantmaking and related activities to implement four interrelated strategies to achieve the goals of this work: scaling up of promising adolescents and young women’s reproductive health/HIV programs that with specific attention to those that counter gender violence and harmful social practices that limit the access of adolescents and young women to sexuality and reproductive/HIV information and services; supporting policy analysis and advocacy particularly around unwanted pregnancy and safe motherhood; broadening the role of faith-based leaders and institutions, men, boys, parents policy makers, politicians and leaders of traditional and civic organizations in efforts to counter harmful social practices that limit life options for girls and young women; and using effective communications and research to build evidence, enhance learning and track factors that promote scale and capacity to monitor and evaluate programs, partnerships, media campaigns etc.

Specifically, the Program Officer will review the current status of the field and the status of the grants in the Foundation’s existing portfolio; formulate plans to implement grant making in the new program strategies; solicit, review, and respond to grant proposals; prepare recommendations for foundation funding. S/he will be expected to provide intellectual leadership in the field of sexuality and reproductive health. S/he also is expected to collaborate broadly with scholars, practitioners, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other donors. In addition, the Program Officer is expected to contribute to the attainment of the office’s Field Office Program Strategy which includes work on governance and economic development. The Program Officer will also collaborate with colleagues in the Foundation’s other offices to advance a worldwide agenda around the Foundation’s goals in the sexuality and reproductive health and rights field.
Learn more about our work in West Africa

Job Qualifications
Significant professional experience working with a broad range of public sector and civil society programs in the adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health/HIV fields. Direct work experience with youth leadership, organizing or empowerment programs is desirable. Understanding of program development and demonstrated ability to conceptualize programmatic ideas and strategies, carry out policy analysis and developing working relations with key stakeholders. Demonstrated capacity to interpret institutional, social and cultural dynamics in the Nigerian and West African contexts. Excellent analytical, organizational, and facilitation skills, as well as strong oral and written communication skills in English and French. Demonstrated commitment to collaboration, evidence of effective accomplishment as part of a team and a graduate degree in a related field are required.

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

Application Deadline 30 Oct 2009

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