Job Opportunity for Program Manager – Media, Freedom and Safety at Open Society Foundation in Bengaluru

Program Manager – Media, Freedom and Safety . Global. Posting Date: 10/26/2022. Deadline: 11/15/2022

Are you passionate about press freedom? Do you have bold new ideas for how to protect and fight for the rights of journalists and media organizations, in the face of complex and growing challenges across the world? Are you deeply experienced in the fields of media freedom, protection and advocacy?

Open Society Foundations is seeking a creative and ambitious Program Manager to work within our Global Programs (Expression) team on building and strengthening free and independent media. The work includes – but is not limited to – the protection of journalists from various online and offline threats, emergency relief, and advocacy in support of a free and safe enabling environment for media. Most critically, we are looking for people who have a vision for how to use the full range of OSF’s strategic tools to help media hold power to account, and to build informed, engaged societies.

The Open Society Foundations work to build vibrant and inclusive democracies whose governments are accountable and open to the participation of all people. We are active in more than 120 countries, making us the world’s largest private funder of independent groups working for justice, democratic governance, and human rights.

The Media division seeks to promote open, democratic societies through strengthening, rebuilding, and re-imaging trustworthy, independent journalism. A resilient media ecosystem is a core pillar of resistance against those who seek to control and silence critical voices, or who distort and distract public debate through disinformation, censorship, and manipulation.

As a member of the newly formed Expression team working with Global Programs, you will play a key role in evolving and implementing the strategy for this area of work, carry out all relevant stages of grant making, and conduct advocacy on behalf of OSF as appropriate. We expect the Program Manager to bring sharp strategic thinking, strong communication skills, a commitment to collaboration, and deep knowledge on the issues related to press freedom.

As a Program Manager in the Media division you will:

• Play a vital role in the development, planning and implementation of OSF’s strategy to strengthen the enabling environment for public interest media using a range of tools including grant making, advocacy, fellowships, litigation and program-related investments.
• Develop ideas that will best advance our strategies; manage, monitor, and coordinate supportive grants; and engage in direct advocacy where appropriate.
• Take part in long-term grant planning; identifying and working with prospective grantees to develop proposals for grant recommendations; conducting organizational assessments; undertaking periodic reviews of progress with grantees; and reviewing financial and narrative reports.
• Stay up to date on issues related to defending and advancing press freedom, digital tools and technology, emergency responses to journalists under attack, and media initiatives to safeguard staff and their work.
• Inform the Expression team and OSF’s wider thinking on media safety and protection, including by proactively tracking developments in the field, analysing and sharing news and relevant insights with colleagues.
• Build collaborative relationships outside OSF (e.g., with existing grantees, prospective grantees, experts and practitioners in communities, foundations, partners, etc.) as well as across the OSF network.
• Strengthen connections between OSF’s regional and global programs consistent with OSF’s broader priorities, identifying opportunities where a shared approach might have the potential to create a broader impact.

What We Are Looking For

• At least 10 years of experience in a leading role within a media organization, or relevant NGO, government agency, research institution or other actor engaged with issues related to media freedom and safety.
• Mastery of the key issues related to media operating in increasingly hostile environments and the challenges facing journalists and editors. This includes issues such as online and offline threats; digital surveillance; legal threats and remedies; and an understanding of what is needed for emergency support in times of crisis.
• Demonstrated success in advancing social change strategies, including the ability to adapt those strategies in response to an evolving situation.
• Project management skills, including the ability to direct others to gather evidence and research to support a key decision or judgement.
• Knowledge of the cultural landscape of one or more of the following regions: Africa, Middle East and North Africa, Eurasia, Asia Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean.
• Ability to articulate a deep understanding of and vision for change based on experience and/or knowledge, and able to use that understanding to develop and implement a strategy for achieving the vision.
• A comprehensive understanding of the structure and workings of the media and other organizations (for-profit or non-profit), networks, and movements within varied contexts engaged in the protection of media and press freedom.
• Mastery of analytical approaches and options, and ability to make sound informed judgments.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships – in OSF, peer foundations, and with grant seekers and grantees, and others in the field – to further programmatic goals.
• Ability to exercise effective and inclusive leadership in cross-cultural settings.
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English. A second language such as Spanish, French, Arabic, Russian, is preferred.
• Commitment to continuous learning and growth in the areas of diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-racism and social justice.
• Commitment to listening and working with humility; ways of working that are respectful to all people; and that support space and voice for diverse perspectives in our workplace.
• May be required to travel for work purposes and/or work in other OSF offices for significant periods (over 25% of working time).

What We Offer

• Ample opportunities to learn and grow, from annual professional development allowances to onsite training and brown bag lunches with visiting experts.
• Top-notch benefits and perks designed for your well-being and a healthy work-life balance. With some variability according to location, this includes generous time off, flexible work arrangements, employer-paid health insurance, generous retirement savings plan, progressive paid parental leave, reproductive and family planning support, sabbatical opportunities, and much more.
• A commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that enables everyone to bring their full self to work and make a positive impact on the world.

Competitive rates of pay apply.