June 29, 2007
employment
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THE FORD FOUNDATION
320 East 43rd Street
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10017
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
Program Officer - Economic Development
Asset Building And Community Development
Economic Development
Development Finance And Economic Security
Date Posted: 06/22/2007
Application Deadline: 10/15/2007
Summary Description: The program officer will develop and manage program activities in the field of development finance and economic security with a focus on supporting research, practice, and policy analysis that facilitate the ability of low-income people to build financial assets. The program officer will be a key member of the Economic Development Unit whose mission is to support activities that make durable economic improvements in the lives of the disadvantaged by increasing their ability to earn incomes and develop assets. The program officer will be responsible for formulating strategies that increase the access of low-income people to a wide range of financial products and services that assist them in creating financial assets. This work could include supporting: research on the impact of public sector policies and programs and private sector financial institution practices on the development of financial assets by low-income people; efforts by for-profit and nonprofit financial institutions to develop innovative financial products and services for low-income people; analysis of public sector policies that regulate the behavior of the financial system and capital markets; advocacy for more effective regulation of financial institutions to protect consumer interests and to promote affirmative financial products; research on the ability of low-income people to build and maintain financial assets; and promoting learning among practitioners.
Specifically, the program officer will review the current status of the field; formulate grantmaking strategies to increase the ability of low-income people to build financial assets; solicit, review and respond to grant proposals; prepare recommendations for Foundation funding; and work with other Foundation staff in New York and overseas on issues related to the role of public and private sector policies in creating opportunities for low-income people to build financial assets. The program officer also will be responsible for negotiating and monitoring Program Related Investments (below-market loans and equity investments) to institutions in the field of development finance and economic security.
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. Demonstrated capacity for policy analysis, developing effective working relationships with public sector agencies and for-profit and non-profit financial institutions, and development of innovative strategies to build financial assets for disadvantaged populations. Excellent analytical, organizational, financial analysis, and oral and written communication skills are essential. A graduate degree in a related field is required.
Application Instructions: To apply for the position, send full application materials (consisting of substantive cover letter, c.v., and a 5-20 page sole-authored writing sample) to Ms. Lauren Gumbs, preferably by email to lgumbs@gumbspartners.com.
Location: New York, USA.
Salary Salary is based on experience and on the Foundation’s commitment to internal equity. A generous benefits package is provided.
Filed by The Editor on June 29th, 2007