Urgent Action Fund

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

We are currently accepting applications for a Member of Rapid Response Grantmaking (RRG) Team (Posted:10/16/2009)

Job Description and Requirements
The Organization

Urgent Action Fund for Women’s Human Rights (UAF) is an international human rights foundation dedicated to the support of women activists working in conflict or crisis situations. Through our programs of Rapid Response Grantmaking (RRG) and Research, Publications & Advocacy, we support women who are striving to promote and protect the rights and interests of women and girls by ensuring women’s security and participation in conflict prevention and resolution, peace building, and post-conflict reconstruction. Based in Boulder, Colorado USA, we work in partnership with independent Sister Funds, Urgent Action Fund - Africa, located in Nairobi, Kenya and Fondo Acción Urgente – América Latina, located in Bogotá, Colombia.

Urgent Action Fund offers a dynamic and fast-paced environment that encourages professional growth and leadership. We are an activist fund, staffed and led by activists, and governed by an international Board of Directors that provides unique insight to the women’s human rights movements worldwide.
The Position

The position is situated within a developing shared leadership model of the Grantmaking Team, as UAF is in the process of exploring alternatives to conventional hierarchical structures and job responsibilities. S/he works equally with other members of the Grantmaking Team to administer the portfolio of grants for Urgent Action Fund’s international Rapid Response Grantmaking Program. Responsibilities include to review, prioritize and manage requests from organizations seeking funding while actively contributing to the overall growth and strategic development of the organization.
Primary Responsibilities

Program Implementation, Coordination & Evaluation

* Review and evaluate incoming proposals from groups worldwide, acquire supplementary information/research as needed
* Seek endorsements and communicate with advisors on grant proposals
* Ensure grantmaking program complies with legal standards
* Enhance and sustain existing and future networks with grantees
* Write reports and analyses of grantmaking activities, including reports for biannual Board Meetings
* Support the preparation of grantmaking program budget
* Share administrative duties equally within the Grantmaking Team including management of the grantmaking database and follow up with grantees (e.g. financial transactions, documentation, final reports)
* Design and implement program evaluation frameworks, and ensure regular evaluation of program impact

Communication & Representation

* Plan and conduct travel and other outreach activities
* Create connections between grantees and other funders
* Coordinate UAF’s networking with other donors, foundations, women’s and other relevant organizations to develop grantmaking and programmatic partnerships and collaborations
* Represent Urgent Action Fund at public events and/or in mass media

Strategic Thinking

* Develop strategic grantmaking priorities for specific regions or thematic issues
* Design and implement convenings, technical assistance referrals, and other programmatic strategies to support grantees
* Support UAF’s re-granting partnerships and the development of Sister Funds
* Participate in strategic planning initiatives for the program and organization

Team Leadership

* Work in collaboration with other teams on joint projects, including fundraising, communications and finance
* Recruit and support other members of the Grantmaking Team including those within internship and volunteer programs
* Attend UAF Board meetings when necessary
* Contribute to the overall health and growth of the organization

Required Qualifications

* A critical understanding of human rights issues facing women worldwide
* A deep commitment to women’s and social justice issues
* Excellent written and oral communications skills
* International professional experience
* Bachelor's or Master's degree in related field, or equivalent work experience
* Fluency in one of the following languages: Russian, Mandarin Chinese, Modern Standard Arabic, or other relevant languages required for our work in Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Asia
* Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills
* Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks and work well under pressure
* Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
* Ability to work well with a diverse group of constituents
* Demonstrated appreciation and respect for diversity
* Resourcefulness and the ability to problem-solve
* Flexible and willing to assume a range of unanticipated tasks and work extended hours, including some weekends

* Comprehensive computer skills, including MSOffice

Salary Range: Based on experience, with excellent benefits. Urgent Action Fund for Women's Human Rights offers 100% employer paid premiums for medical and dental insurance, and a retirement plan beginning at three months of service; an excellent paid leave package; and a paid three month sabbatical after five years of service. Relocation costs will not be covered for this position. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States.

Urgent Action Fund for Women's Human Rights considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, or disability. Urgent Action Fund for Women's Human Rights is an equal opportunity employer.
To Apply:

All applications must be received by November 5, 2009. Please submit a cover letter, résumé, a writing sample and references to inquiries@urgentactionfund.org, and include “Grantmaking Team Position” in the subject line.

NO PHONE INQUIRIES PLEASE.