| Position | Program Officer - Financial Assets |
| Date Posted | 20 Mar 2009 |
| Application Deadline | 29 May 2009 |
| Location | New York, USA |
Summary Description
The Program Officer will be responsible for developing, monitoring and coordinating grant making activities in the Consumer Financial Services portfolio, the goal of which is to increase and sustain the access of low-income people to affordable and responsible financial products and services that help them to build assets and to move toward economic security. Working closely with the Director of the Financial Assets Unit, the Program Officer will develop grantmaking and other program activities to implement three strategies: supporting research and development of innovative financial products and services to meet the financial needs of low-income people; building and strengthening an infrastructure to help provide the financial products and services at scale; and supporting advocacy for effective public policies to create a supportive policy and regulatory environment for the delivery of inclusive financial products.
Specifically, the program officer will review the current status of the field, the recently developed program strategy for the Consumer Financial Services portfolio, and the status of the grants in the Foundation’s existing Financial Services portfolio; formulate plans to implement the grant making strategies developed in the Consumer Financial Services program strategy; solicit, review, and respond to grant proposals; prepare recommendations for Foundation funding; and work with other Foundation staff in New York and overseas to develop learning strategies on issues related to the role of public and private sector policies and practices in creating opportunities for low-income people to build financial assets. The Program Officer will be expected to provide intellectual leadership in the field of financial services and to work closely with other Program Officers throughout the Foundation whose work relates to the central mission of the portfolio. The Program Officer also is expected to actively promote collaboration with scholars, practitioners, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other donors to advance shared program goals. The program officer also will be responsible for negotiating and monitoring Program Related Investments (below-market loans and equity investments) to institutions when they advance the goals of the Consumer Financial Services portfolio.
Qualifications
Significant experience analyzing, researching, or working with a broad spectrum of public and private sector policies, programs, and financial institutions that create opportunities for low-income people to create financial assets through increasing access to financial services. Demonstrated capacity for: policy analysis; development of innovative strategies to build financial assets for disadvantaged populations; creation of effective working relationships with public sector agencies and for-profit and non-profit financial institutions; and effective communications. Excellent analytical, organizational, financial analysis, and oral and written communication skills are essential. Demonstrated commitment to collaboration, evidence of effective accomplishment as part of a team, and a graduate degree in a related field are required. Please send inquiries, nominations, and applications (consisting of resume and cover letter) by May 29, 2009 to Lauren Gumbs at lgumbs@gumbspartners.com
Salary
Salary is based on experience and the Foundation’s commitment to internal equity. A generous benefits package is included
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.
Please apply for this position in writing.