Community Services and DevelopmentFull-TimeSenior-level(6+ yrs)
Job Description
The Program Manager at Open Society Foundations will work jointly with other members of the team to manage day‑to‑day coordination with grantees and collaborators in Nairobi and Mombasa in Kenya, and Benue and Bayelsa States in Nigeria. This role involves establishing vibrant and inclusive democracies where governments are accountable to their citizens. The operating model organizes grantmaking around specific, time-limited projects, developed alongside support for established partners, promoting human dignity, equality, and rights.
Key Responsibilities
Grant-Making Management: Effectively manage the grant-making process by communicating with grantees for proposal submission, assisting in grant record preparation, processing, payments, and reporting.
Relationship Management: Manage relationships with partners, in close coordination with Geographic Policy Groups, to achieve OSF’s strategic objectives.
Strategy Development: Work collaboratively in developing, assessing, and revising program strategies and contribute to larger opportunity strategies.
Compliance: Maintain grant-making practices aligned with OSF's approach and in compliance with organizational and external standards and regulations.
Portfolio Maintenance: Assist in the construction, maintenance, and assessment of grant-making portfolios.
Operational Oversight: Process and oversee the progress of consultant contracts.
Monitoring and Reporting: Monitor progress implementation, project risks, and other status updates, communicating regularly to the Director of Programs.
Relationships
Internal: Director of Programs; Managing Director Programs; Core Security and Rights team members, Partners, Special Advisors, Grants Management, and Operations.
External: External Partners and grantees.
Requirements and Qualifications
Experience: At least 7 years of professional experience working on issues connected to public safety, security sector accountability, community‑led safety models, or related areas in East and/or West Africa.
Regional Knowledge: Direct experience working in Kenya and/or Nigeria, with a strong understanding of the sociopolitical and security landscapes in these contexts.
Sector Expertise: Prior experience supporting civil society organizations, movements, or community actors working to address state security abuses, community safety challenges, or rights‑based security related reforms.
Institutional Background: Experience operating within non‑profit, multilateral, philanthropic, advocacy, research, or community‑based environments.
Languages: Fluency in English is required. Proficiency in one or more local languages relevant to Kenya or Nigeria (e.g., Swahili, Tiv, or Ijaw) is highly desirable.
Programmatic Experience: Experience supporting or implementing people‑centred public safety initiatives, including community‑level pilots, participatory research, or narrative‑change work.
Technical Familiarity: Familiarity with strategic litigation, legislative reform, or accountability mechanisms related to policing, military, or intelligence services.
Engagement: Experience engaging with movements, youth‑led networks, creatives, or local leaders.
Analytical Skills: Experience documenting community experiences of insecurity and translating them into actionable programmatic insights or advocacy messages.
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