Ford Foundation job offer..

Program Officer

Financial Assets – Expanding Livelihood Opportunities for Poor Households

West Africa

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION: The Program Officer will be responsible for developing, monitoring, and coordinating grant making activities to improve the livelihoods of poor rural and urban households. The goal of the livelihoods work is to reduce poverty in rural and urban areas by improving access to financial, business development, and organizational development services that promote the establishment and growth of micro and small enterprises, increase their productivity, and connect producers to markets for their goods and services.

Under the supervision of the Foundation’s Representative in West Africa based in Lagos, Nigeria and the Director of Financial Assets in New York, the new Program Officer will develop grant making and related activities to implement four strategies to achieve the goals of this work: research and development to enable the scaling of successful business development programs, improve business practices, and promote access to markets and financial services and products; building and strengthening livelihood support organizations; where appropriate, supporting public policy analysis and advocacy to improve the enabling environment for urban and rural economies; and building the capacity of networks that link this work globally. The new Program Officer will give particular attention to micro and small enterprise development, including community based enterprises, and strategies to link entrepreneurs to broader markets and value chains. She/he will be expected to keep abreast of the issues, institutions, and key individuals concerned with these issues, provide intellectual leadership in the field, and work closely with other Program Officers throughout the Foundation whose work relates to the central mission of the portfolio. In addition, the Program Officer is expected to contribute to the attainment of the office's Field Office Program Strategy which includes work on governance and sexuality and reproductive health and rights.

Specifically, the Program Officer will review the current status of the field and the status of the grants in the Foundation’s existing portfolio; formulate plans to implement grant making in the new program strategies; solicit, review, and respond to grant proposals; prepare recommendations for foundation funding. S/he also is expected to collaborate broadly with scholars, practitioners, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other donors.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Significant professional experience working in the business and enterprise development field and a sound understanding of the impact of public and private sector policies on rural and urban markets, enterprise development and livelihoods. Demonstrated use of financial, business development, and organizational development services to improve rural and urban livelihoods. Understanding of program development and demonstrated ability to conceptualize programmatic ideas and strategies, carry out policy analysis and develop working relations with key stakeholders. Demonstrated capacity to interpret institutional, social and economic dynamics in the Nigerian and West African contexts. Excellent analytical, organizational, and facilitation skills, as well as strong oral and written communication skills in English and French. Demonstrated commitment to collaboration, evidence of effective accomplishment as part of a team and a graduate degree in a related field are required. Experience in West Africa is also desirable.

Location: Lagos, Nigeria

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

To apply for the position visit www.fordfound.org/employment.

The application deadline is November 6, 2009.

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