Public Health Program
OSI-New York

Application Deadline: May 23, 2008

The Open Society Institute (OSI) works to build vibrant and tolerant democracies whose governments are accountable to their citizens. Open societies are characterized by the rule of law; respect for human rights, minorities, and a diversity of opinions; democratically elected governments; market economies in which business and government are separate; and a civil society that helps keep government power in check. To achieve its mission, OSI seeks to shape public policies that assure greater fairness in political, legal, and economic systems and safeguard fundamental rights. On a local level, OSI implements a range of initiatives to advance justice, education, public health, and independent media. At the same time, OSI builds alliances across borders and continents on issues such as corruption and freedom of information. OSI places high priority on protecting and improving the lives of marginalized people and communities.

The Open Society Institute’s Public Health Program (PHP) aims to promote health policies based on social inclusion, human rights, justice, and scientific evidence. The Program works with civil society organizations within two fields:

• Promoting the participation and interests of socially marginalized groups in public health policy; and
• Fostering greater government accountability and transparency through civil society monitoring and advocacy, with a particular emphasis on HIV and AIDS.

Program areas focus on addressing the human rights and health needs of marginalized persons, and advocating for a strong civil society role in public health policy and practice.

OSI seeks a full-time Program Officer to assist with the PHP’s Access to Medicines Initiative. This position will be based in New York. This cross-cutting initiative aims to increase access to essential medicines in developing countries, particularly for the poor and for marginalized populations. Work focuses on three key areas: transparency and monitoring of the pharmaceutical industry; innovation in drug development for neglected diseases; and availability of drugs.

For further information on the Public Health Program, visit our website: http://www.soros.org/health

The Access to Medicines Program Officer will report to the PHP Deputy Director in New York.

Responsibilities

• Implement the PHP’s Access to Medicines strategy
• Oversee access to medicines grant giving, including drafting of requests for proposals , solicitation and evaluation of proposals, preparation of documentation, follow-up with grantees, program monitoring and evaluation
• Identify and facilitate access to medicines technical assistance for grantees and partners
• ·Identify advocacy opportunities and respond to them
• Work with Soros foundations, OSI offices, global experts and partners on program development and collaboration
• ·Organize, coordinate, and travel to meetings, conferences, partnerships, and special events
• Prepare background papers, literature reviews, and information searches
• Plan, track and manage the access to medicines budget
• Conduct other project activities as assigned

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in public health, law, public policy or similar
• Minimum of five years work experience on access to medicines and/or intellectual property issues ; knowledge of access to medicines issues in CEE/FSU and/or Southern/Eastern Africa preferred
• International/national advocacy experience required; previous NGO work experience preferred
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills; capacity to interact effectively with leaders and decision-makers
• Initiative and self-motivation
• Ability to work under pressure and in a fast-paced environment
• Team spirit, and collegial and respectful working and decision-making style
• Ability to listen and communicate clearly and effectively with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds; tact and discretion
• Demonstrated commitment to health and human rights, especially in connection with HIV/AIDS or TB, and in the context of developing countries
• Major foreign languages a plus
• Availability to travel internationally

Salary

Commensurate with experience

Start Date

May 2008

To Apply

Please e-mail résumé and cover letter, including salary requirements, before May 23, 2008, to:

humanresources@sorosny.org Include job code in subject line – ProOff/AccMed/ PHP

OR

Open Society Institute
Human Resources - Code ProOff/AccMed/PHP
400 West 59 Street
New York, New York 10019

No phone calls please. The Open Society Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.