THE FORD FOUNDATION
320 East 43rd Street, BOX 672
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10017

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

PROGRAM OFFICER
Knowledge, Creativity and Freedom
Education and Sexuality

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION: Working with the Representative in Nairobi and other
Ford Foundation staff, the Program Officer will be responsible for the
Foundation's Eastern Africa programming on education and sexuality in the
region. The position involves collaboration with governmental,
inter-governmental, and non-governmental organizations and communities
engaged in efforts to promote interventions by youth, elders, communities
and professionals to strengthen attention to families and individuals
affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic and to advance the potential role that
both formal and informal East African school systems have in shaping
sexuality and sexual health. The portfolio will focus on the links between
sexuality and reforms in educational practice and institutional forms that
encourage more positive and gender-sensitive engagement with sexuality
issues; and on innovative approaches to HIV/AIDS prevention and care that
take local context and knowledge into account. Strategies include
community and citizen organizing, public education, curricular and
institutional reforms, knowledge-building and dissemination, advocacy and
policy work. The Program Officer will review these lines of work; develop
grantmaking strategies and initiatives; identify prospective grantees;
solicit, review and respond to grant proposals; monitor and evaluate grants
and developments in the education and sexuality fields; and prepare
recommendations for Foundation funding.

In addition to developing the education and sexuality programming agenda,
the Program Officer is expected to contribute to the office's overall
strategic direction for the region. The Program Officer will also
collaborate with colleagues in the Foundation's other offices to advance a
worldwide agenda around the Foundation's goals in the education and
sexuality fields.

QUALIFICATIONS: Substantial professional experience in the field of
gender, education, sexuality and/or reproductive rights with a broad
understanding of program development and the ability to conceptualize
programmatic ideas and strategies; strong managerial, organizational and
interpersonal skills; excellent analytical and writing skills in English;
and strong facilitating skills. Experience in Eastern Africa or related
contexts and advanced degree in the social sciences, humanities,
development or any other relevant field are highly desirable. Previous
grant-making experience and proficiency in Swahili are preferred.

LOCATION: Nairobi, Kenya.

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

To apply for employment, please send resume, substantive cover letter, and
brief writing sample (5-20 pages of original work in English) by September
15, 2003 to Ms. Terry Smith, preferably by e-mail at [email][email protected]
or at the above address. Please include "Position #672" in the subject
line of your message.

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.

July 2003 #672