Summer Assistant

Soros Economic Development Fund
OSI-New York

Application Deadline: June 5, 2009

The Open Society Institute works to build vibrant and tolerant democracies whose governments are accountable to their citizens. 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 a high priority on protecting and improving the lives of marginalized people and communities.

Investor and philanthropist George Soros in 1993 created OSI as a private operating and grantmaking foundation to support his foundations in Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. Those foundations were established, starting in 1984, to help countries make the transition from communism. OSI has expanded the activities of the Soros foundations network to encompass the United States and more than 60 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Each Soros foundation relies on the expertise of boards composed of eminent citizens who determine individual agendas based on local priorities.

The Soros Economic Development Fund (SEDF) is a nonprofit private foundation based in New York City. It is part of the network of charitable foundations created by investor and philanthropist George Soros. Established in 1997, the fund's mission is to alleviate poverty and community deterioration by investing in local initiatives for economic development worldwide.

SEDF promotes business development and entrepreneurship including microfinance, small and medium enterprise development, and affordable housing as a strategy to building viable market economies and creating new jobs. Using local experts and resources, SEDF seeks to build and strengthen the local institutions that provide access to capital and provide support services for micro and small-business operations.

SEDF is currently seeking one summer assistant whose primary responsibility will be to assist with 2008 Annual Report preparations and to provide support re-developing SEDF's website. This person will also provide research and administrative support to the New York based staff. Position located in New York.

Responsibilities

Assisting in the development and content for the 2008 Annual Report;
Assisting in the re-design and re-development of the SEDF website structure and content;
Drafting, copy/editing and uploading content material for SEDF's website;
Research support to SEDF team on economic development issues (i.e. mobile banking, water development, agriculture) related to ongoing programs and upcoming projects;
Assist in development of an SEDF Potential Partner list and internal electronic library; and
Additional administrative support as necessary.

Qualifications

Undergraduate student in relevant field (e.g. economic development, economics, business, international affairs, finance/accounting);
Experience or portfolio of website design;
Web-development experience;
Advanced computer research, database management and word processing skills;
Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication, and organizational skills;
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team;
Close attention to detail in all tasks; and
Integrity, professional discretion and ability to handle confidential matters.

Duration

Summer position: 8-10 weeks (to be determined together with applicant)

Compensation

Hourly rate, commensurate with experience.

Start Date

Mid-June 2009

To Apply

Please email resume and cover letter with salary requirements before June 5,2009 to: humanresources@sorosny.org. Include job code in subject line: SA/SEDF

Open Society Institute
Human Resources - Code SA/SEDF
400 West 59th Street
New York, New York 10019

FAX: 1.212.548.4675

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