General News

Disability Rights Fund Seeks Second Program Officer in Africa

About the Disability Rights Fund (DRF)

The Disability Rights Fund is a groundbreaking grantmaking initiative supporting the rights of persons with disabilities in the developing world. Through advocacy grants and technical aid, DRF and its sister organization, the Disability Rights Advocacy Fund, support Disabled Persons Organizations to participate in ratification, implementation, and monitoring of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

About the position

The main objective of this Program Officer position is to manage and grow Disability Rights Fund grantmaking in several countries in Africa (including one or more of the following: Ghana, Malawi, and/or Rwanda). The Program Officer will also contribute to refinement of a strategic grants process for the Fund, which incorporates best practices in funding disability rights in the developing world.

Program Officer Responsibilities

• Serve as liaison to grantees and prospective grantees

• Work closely with grants management staff on grants administration and management for African grantees

• Review grant proposals from African countries, as assigned, and conduct financial and critical analysis of proposals and applicant organizations

• Prepare concise written analyses of grant proposals and funding recommendations for DRF governance committee comprised of global leaders with disabilities and donors

• Plan, arrange and conduct grantee convenings, site visits and other monitoring meetings and trainings with grantees

• Monitor grantee progress on a regular basis

• Review and analyze grantee reports and communications, for M&E purposes, for technical assistance identification, and for PR purposes as requested

• Provide organizational and strategic support to grantees or recommend helpful resources and relevant in-country resource people as appropriate

• Develop professional relationships within the field of human rights and development to inform the grantmaking of the Fund

• Keep abreast of trends within the field of disability rights and development

• Collaborate with Director and other DRF staff, Global Advisory Panel and DRF governance to develop and refine grantmaking strategies, including monitoring & evaluation

• Assist with the day-to-day operations of the Fund as needed

Skills and qualifications

The ideal candidate should demonstrate:

• Passion, commitment, and experience in advancing the human rights of people with disabilities

• Experience working with the community of DPOs (particularly in Africa, including Ghana, Malawi and/or Rwanda)

• Knowledge of relevant disability rights actors and networks in Africa

• Grantmaking or grantseeking experience

• Experience supporting capacity development and rights advocacy within civil society, especially around the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities or other human rights instruments

• Demonstrated ability to work well with diverse populations from around the world

• Must be fluent in written and oral English. Other language proficiencies, especially French, a plus

• Strong administrative and organizational skills; the ability to manage time efficiently

• Computer proficiency (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint); willingness to learn additional applications (and accessible technology) as necessary

• Bachelors degree, or equivalent with minimum 5 years of relevant experience; advanced degree desired

• Ability to travel independently in developing countries

• Ability to combine the roles of objective evaluator and empathetic observer

Work Environment

While performing the responsibilities of the job, these work environment characteristics are representative of the environment the employee will encounter. DRF’s main office is in Boston, Massachusetts. The team is located in different cities and DRF operates as a virtual office. All staff must be able to work independently and are required to produce outputs according to strict deadlines. Staff are required to check in with their supervisor and colleagues. Face to face staff meetings are held at least once/year in Boston. Program Officer will travel to other countries, including in rural / remote areas of these countries.

How to apply

The Disability Rights Fund is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants shall not be discriminated against on any basis. Please email or mail a cover letter, resume, three references (with contact information and relationship), and writing sample (five page maximum) to:

Lisa Adams, Program Director

Disability Rights Fund

89 South Street, Suite 203

Boston, MA 02111-2670

ladams@disabilityrightsfund.org (please no phone calls)

Fax: +1- 617-261-1977

Deadline: Applications must be received by February 9, 2015.

Additional Information

Country: Africa
Website: N/A
Email: N/A
Phone: N/A
Contact Person: N/A
Source: Disability Rights Fund
When: 16/1/2015

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