Job Detail

Position	Program Officer- Sexuality and Reproductive Health and Rights
Date Posted	1 February 2010
Application Deadline	29 March 2010
Location	New York, USA

Summary Description

The Program Officer will be responsible for grantmaking, networking and monitoring activities under two initiatives of the Sexuality, Reproductive Health and Rights Unit: expanding access to sexuality and reproductive health education in the United States and creating capacity for policy relevant sexuality research in the US and internationally. The long term goal of the sexuality education initiative is to enable young people to have equal access to accurate information about and space for discussion of sexuality, gender roles and relationships, and sexuality and reproductive health. The research training initiative is comprised of a limited number of grantee partners that are networked to strengthen the capacity of social science researchers to inform public policy and public understanding of sexuality-related issues from a human rights perspective. Both initiatives have a strong focus on reaching young people in communities with limited access to resources.

Supervised by the Director for SRHR and working with other NY and field-office based colleagues, the Program Officer will further refine the strategy for expanding access to rights based sexuality education and will identify other innovative strategies for reaching young people with the information and services they need. This includes work to strengthen and diversify the range of effective advocates for these issues, work with the education sector, support for relevant research, and a robust communications strategy. Scaling up of promising school based and teacher training models is core to the initiative. This is complemented by the research initiative that seeks to create stronger cadres of researchers and research projects that are linked to community and policy outcomes and include a strong communications component to disseminate findings beyond traditional academic venues. In the US, research-training awards are provided through a competitive RFP process. Internationally the portfolio supports research centers and networking opportunities with strong leadership from the Global South.

Working with a grantmaking team, the Program Officer is engaged in all steps of the grantmaking process from proposal solicitation and review, preparation of recommendations for funding, grant monitoring, and ensuring grantee compliance with Foundation administrative processes. Other components include organizing grantee meetings; connecting them with appropriate resource partners and working with them to further develop the evaluation components. The Program Officer is also expected to actively engage with other donors, thought leaders and policymakers in this and related fields, contribute to cross-unit work in the broader SRHR team and participate in Foundation wide endeavors as appropriate. Significant US travel and occasional international travel expected.

---

Qualifications

Significant professional experience working in sexuality education or related SRHR fields with a range of public sector, educational, and/or advocacy programs in sexuality education or related work is required as is a graduate degree in a related social science or public health discipline. A demonstrated ability to conceptualize programmatic ideas and strategies, carry out policy analysis and develop working relations with key stakeholders is essential. Experience with youth leadership or empowerment programs, innovative communications initiatives and an understanding of state and national policy processes and implementation are desired. A track record in the strategic development and use of research findings to influence policy and an understanding of how to bridge academic and public discourse is also important. Excellent analytical, organizational and oral and written communication skills are expected. Strong candidates will be able to demonstrate a commitment to collaboration, evidence of effective accomplishment as part of a team, flexibility and creativity. Candidates must also be willing to manage the more administrative and compliance oriented aspects of the position.

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.

---

Salary

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