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Description
About the Internet Society & Internet Society Foundation
The Internet Society (ISOC) supports and promotes the development of the Internet as a global technical infrastructure, a resource to enrich people’s lives, and a force for good in society. Our work aligns with our goals for the Internet to be open, globally connected, secure, and trustworthy. We seek collaboration with all who share these goals.
Together, we focus on building and supporting the communities that make the Internet work; advancing the development and application of Internet infrastructure, technologies, and open standards; and advocating for policy that is consistent with our view of the Internet.
The Internet Society Foundation (Foundation) is a newly formed, non-profit organization that works in concert with the Internet Society. It exists to demonstrate and support the positive difference the Internet can make to people everywhere and promote the development of the Internet as a global technical infrastructure, a resource to enrich people’s lives, and a force for good in society.
About the Position
The Foundation has five program areas of focus:
- Beyond the Net Funding Programme. Chapter grant funding for local and regional projects aligned with the Internet Society’s mission.
- Strengthening Communities/ Improving Lives and Livelihoods (SCILLS). Support for broader initiatives that improve Internet access and bridge the digital opportunities gap in Economic Growth, Health and Education.
- Disaster relief and recovery. Support to partner efforts to ensure communities can be reconnected quickly after natural disasters.
- Research. The Foundation will explore opportunities to fund research and strengthen research capacity across technical, economic and public policy topics.
- Innovation. This fund will encourage and fund technology initiatives and innovative technologies that contribute to the open Internet.
The Programme Officer, Research and Innovation Grants (PORI) will oversee the Foundation’s grant program areas four (4) and five (5) – Research and Innovation. He/She will provide strategic leadership on grants supporting the application of new ideas or technologies that further Internet development and/or improve the secure, global, interoperable, and/or open nature of the Internet by advancing interdisciplinary understanding of ideas influencing policy and technical advances.
Specifically for Research, the Programme Officer will be seeking qualified applicants in the three selected focus areas:
- Research to identify essential/critical skills required for Engaging with the Digital Economy (including: Global South, New Users, Persons with Disabilities, Different Age Groups)
- Research to improve the Trustworthiness, Security and Global Connectivity of the Internet
- Research on the impact of the Global Internet on Climate Change and Humanity
The PORI will report to the Executive Director and work closely with the Programme Officer, Chapter and SCILLS Grants and the Senior Grants Manager and will build strong relationships and partnerships in the community.
Location: Europe
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Program Area Strategy
- Contribute to the development and implementation of a program area strategy for the Research and Innovation Grants;
- Identify, evaluate, and seize new opportunities for giving
- Drive the establishment of partnerships and internal capabilities in support of short- and long-term foundation strategies.
Grant-making Process
- Establish and then manage a portfolio of grants for two of the five Foundation program areas:
- Research. The Foundation will explore opportunities to fund research and strengthen research capacity across technical, economic and public policy topics
- Innovation. This fund will encourage and fund technology initiatives and innovative technologies that contribute to the open Internet.
- Collaborate with and manage potential grantees to develop plans and projects for funding;
- In collaboration with the Monitoring and Evaluation Manager, develop and support the monitoring and evaluation components for grants;
- Review letters of inquiry and grant applications for both Research and Innovation funding;
- Provide recommendations for funding including drafting and editing proposal summaries for submission to the Executive Director for review and the Selection Committee/Expert Review Panel for approval;
- In collaboration with the Senior Grants Manager, manage internal processes and portfolio progress, and ensure appropriate documentation, grant budgeting and reporting;
- Proactively identify and vet promising opportunities for giving, creating a grant pipeline, and developing systems to scout for new opportunities;
- Write and produce briefings and other materials on key issues for foundation leadership (Executive Director, Board of Directors and Selection Committee/Expert Review Panel) with a focus on impact and return-on-investment.
Requirements
Desired Qualifications & Competencies
- 10+ years of relevant experience including an advanced degree and an extensive background in the development, implementation and management of a foundation program area strategies;
- Experience with the full suite of grant making process including writing RFPs, reviewing applications/submissions; identifying high-quality candidates for review; recommending funding levels; and managing ongoing grantee projects;
- Capacity to identify opportunities for grantees to collaborate with each other and facilitate/support cross-organizational collaboration;
- Knowledgeable of both technical and policy-related Internet research topics
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in positions requiring communication with a broad and diverse audience;
- Experience in a role requiring collaboration in complex internal and external organizations;
- Ability to manage groups of diverse stakeholders;
- Experience and ability to collaborate with organizations and leaders in different geographic/cultural contexts;
- Ability to travel including international travel to developing countries;
- Passion for, and demonstrated commitment to, a more accessible and trustworthy internet for all.
Compensation and benefit package for this position will be competitively commensurate with the successful applicant’s qualifications. Applications will be evaluated until the position has been filled. The list of applicants will not be posted publicly and will be reviewed in confidence by members of the evaluation committee.
How To Apply
Apply here.