The application deadline is 6 April 2026, and the role follows a hybrid work model, requiring approximately 50% in-office presence.
Role Overview
The Associate, Program Management will support the Higher Education team within the Ideas Workshop. The role focuses on managing grants, supporting institutional partnerships, and strengthening higher education systems aligned with open society values.
The programme aims to:
- Promote academic freedom and critical thinking
- Support universities and research institutions
- Advance inclusion for displaced and at-risk students and scholars
- Strengthen collaboration across global education networks
Key Responsibilities
The role combines programme management, grant administration, and stakeholder engagement. Core responsibilities include:
- Grant Management
- Overseeing the full grantmaking cycle
- Supporting proposal development and reviewing budgets
- Managing payments, reporting, and compliance processes
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Acting as a liaison with grantees and partners
- Providing guidance on processes and requirements
- Conducting site visits and participating in programme meetings
- Programme Development
- Supporting the design of grant selection processes
- Contributing to project planning and implementation
- Assisting in setting annual goals and budgets
- Collaboration and Coordination
- Working with internal teams across programme, operations, and grant management
- Supporting events, workshops, and external engagements
- Operational Support
- Managing consultant contracts
- Supporting logistics and programme administration
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate is a highly organised and analytical professional with experience in programme or grant management, particularly within higher education or development contexts.
Minimum requirements include:
- A degree-level qualification (or equivalent)
- Relevant experience in:
- NGOs
- Universities
- Think tanks
- Philanthropy or development organisations
- Strong skills in:
- Project and programme management
- Strategic thinking and analysis
- Communication and stakeholder engagement
Additional advantages include:
-
- Experience with grantmaking processes
- Exposure to multiple geographic regions
- Knowledge of higher education systems and trends
- Proficiency in data-driven decision-making
Candidates must demonstrate:
- High emotional intelligence and cross-cultural competence
- Strong interpersonal and diplomatic skills
- Commitment to human rights, equity, and democratic values
- Fluency in English (additional languages are beneficial)
Work Environment and Expectations
This is a dynamic, globally oriented role requiring:
- Flexibility to adapt to evolving programme needs
- Willingness to travel (approximately 25%)
- Collaboration across diverse cultural and institutional contexts
The position offers the opportunity to contribute to impactful initiatives in higher education while working within a global philanthropic network.
Benefits and Professional Development
Open Society Foundations offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee well-being and growth:
- Professional development
- Annual learning and training allowances
- Access to expert-led sessions and mentorship
- Health and wellness
- Employer-paid health and dental insurance
- Flexible work arrangements
- Financial security
- Retirement savings plan
- Life insurance coverage
- Work-life balance
- Generous paid leave
- Parental and family support benefits
About Open Society Foundations
The Open Society Foundations is dedicated to building inclusive and accountable democracies worldwide. Its work focuses on:
- Promoting human rights and justice
- Supporting transparent governance
- Advancing equity and inclusion
Through grantmaking, advocacy, and partnerships, OSF engages with governments, civil society, and institutions to drive systemic change.
Why Apply
This role offers a unique opportunity to:
- Work at the intersection of education, policy, and global development
- Engage with international partners and institutions
- Contribute to strengthening higher education systems globally
- Build a career in impact-driven programme management
It is particularly suited for professionals passionate about education, social justice, and international collaboration.
Conclusion
The Associate, Program Management role at Open Society Foundations provides a platform to contribute to meaningful global change through higher education initiatives. With strong emphasis on collaboration, inclusivity, and impact, the position offers both professional growth and the opportunity to support transformative work worldwide.
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply before the deadline.
