Program Manager at Open Society Foundations (Seoul or Colombo): Global Human Rights Career Opportunity in 2026
Looking for an international NGO career where you can influence democracy, human rights, and social justice across Central Asia? The Open Society Foundations (OSF) is hiring a Program Manager to support its regional initiatives from Seoul, South Korea, or Colombo, Sri Lanka. This three-year fixed-term position offers professionals the opportunity to manage grantmaking, strengthen civil society partnerships, and contribute to meaningful policy change across Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Mongolia.
If you have experience in international development, philanthropy, grant management, or public policy, this could be one of the most rewarding global opportunities available in 2026.
Program Overview
| Position | Program Manager |
|---|---|
| Organization | Open Society Foundations |
| Location | Seoul, South Korea or Colombo, Sri Lanka |
| Employment Type | Full-Time |
| Contract | Fixed Term (3 Years) |
| Work Arrangement | Hybrid or Remote (Location Dependent) |
| Department | Programs – Central Asia |
| Reports To | Associate Director of Programs, Central Asia |
| Application Deadline | 31 July 2026 |
About Open Society Foundations
The Open Society Foundations (OSF) is one of the world’s largest private funders dedicated to promoting democracy, human rights, justice, and equality. Working in more than 120 countries, OSF partners with civil society organizations, activists, researchers, governments, and communities to advance inclusive societies and accountable governance.
Its work spans areas including:
- Human rights
- Rule of law
- Democratic governance
- Freedom of expression
- Social justice
- Education
- Public health
- Economic inclusion
- Strategic litigation
- Impact investing
OSF emphasizes locally led solutions, ensuring that communities most affected by social and political challenges shape the strategies designed to address them.
About the Program Manager Role
The Program Manager will support Open Society Foundations’ work across Central Asia, helping develop and implement regional strategies that strengthen democratic institutions and civil society.
The successful candidate will coordinate grantmaking activities, cultivate partnerships, oversee projects, monitor implementation, commission research, and help design regional advocacy initiatives.
The role combines strategic thinking with operational management and requires someone comfortable working with diverse stakeholders across multiple countries.
Countries Covered
The Program focuses on:
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Tajikistan
- Turkmenistan
- Uzbekistan
- Mongolia
Understanding the political, cultural, and social contexts of these countries will be highly valuable.
Key Responsibilities
As Program Manager, you will support every stage of regional programming, including:
Grant Management
You will:
- Manage grant application processes
- Review proposals
- Coordinate grant approvals
- Monitor grant implementation
- Process payments
- Prepare grant documentation
- Track reporting requirements
Partnership Development
The role involves building long-term relationships with:
- Civil society organizations
- Social movements
- Think tanks
- Academic institutions
- Government stakeholders
- Policy experts
- International development partners
Developing sustainable partnerships is central to the position.
Strategic Program Design
You will help:
- Design regional program strategies
- Assess opportunities
- Identify emerging priorities
- Evaluate program performance
- Recommend improvements
- Support evidence-based decision making
Research and Policy Development
Responsibilities include:
- Commissioning regional studies
- Organizing policy dialogues
- Producing analytical briefings
- Supporting advocacy campaigns
- Monitoring regional developments
- Synthesizing research findings
Project Management
You will oversee complex regional initiatives by:
- Tracking implementation timelines
- Monitoring risks
- Managing consultant contracts
- Coordinating cross-functional teams
- Reporting progress to senior leadership
- Ensuring projects achieve intended outcomes
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is ideal for professionals working in:
- International Development
- Human Rights
- Public Policy
- Governance
- International Relations
- Civil Society Organizations
- Philanthropy
- Democracy Promotion
- NGO Management
- Public Administration
Required Qualifications
Applicants should have:
- Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
- Several years of relevant professional experience
- Strong expertise related to Central Asia
- Experience working within NGOs, foundations, multilateral organizations, or similar institutions
A postgraduate qualification is considered an advantage.
Essential Skills
Successful candidates should demonstrate experience in:
- Grant management
- Strategic planning
- Budget management
- Stakeholder engagement
- Policy analysis
- Research
- Advocacy
- Project management
- Monitoring and evaluation
- Cross-cultural collaboration
- Partnership building
Technical skills include proficiency in:
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft PowerPoint
Language Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Excellent English language skills
Additionally, proficiency in at least one Central Asian language is highly desirable, including:
- Kazakh
- Kyrgyz
- Tajik
- Turkmen
- Uzbek
- Mongolian
Personal Qualities
Open Society Foundations seeks professionals who demonstrate:
- Leadership
- Integrity
- Humility
- Inclusivity
- Collaboration
- Cultural sensitivity
- Independent decision-making
- Strategic thinking
- Commitment to diversity
- Strong interpersonal skills
Experience working across multiple countries and cultures is especially valuable.
Why Work at Open Society Foundations?
OSF is recognized globally for investing in its people and creating an inclusive workplace.
Employees enjoy:
Professional Development
- Annual professional development allowance
- Training programs
- Learning sessions with global experts
- Career growth opportunities
Flexible Working
Employees benefit from:
- Hybrid work arrangements
- Remote work flexibility (where applicable)
- Flexible schedules
- Generous paid leave
Staff generally work from an Open Society office approximately 50% of working days each month.
Health and Wellness
Benefits include:
- Employer-funded health insurance
- Dental coverage
- Life insurance
- Wellness support
- Family planning benefits
- Progressive parental leave
Retirement Benefits
Employees receive:
- Non-contributory retirement savings plan
- Employer-supported long-term financial security
Why This Role Stands Out
Unlike many program management positions, this opportunity combines:
- International grantmaking
- Human rights advocacy
- Strategic policy development
- Regional diplomacy
- Research management
- Civil society strengthening
- Multi-country coordination
The successful candidate will work directly with leading organizations shaping democratic governance across Central Asia.
Tips for a Strong Application
To improve your chances:
- Highlight experience managing grants or donor-funded projects.
- Demonstrate knowledge of Central Asian political and social contexts.
- Showcase examples of building partnerships with NGOs, governments, or international organizations.
- Emphasize project management achievements with measurable outcomes.
- Include experience in policy research, advocacy, or strategic planning.
- Mention multilingual abilities, particularly English and any Central Asian language.
- Quantify accomplishments, such as grant portfolios managed, budgets overseen, or partnerships developed.
Why You Should Apply
This Program Manager role offers the chance to contribute to some of the world’s most important conversations around democracy, human rights, governance, and social justice. Working with Open Society Foundations means collaborating with global experts while supporting locally driven solutions that create lasting impact across Central Asia.
If you are passionate about strengthening civil society, managing international programs, and advancing inclusive governance, this is an outstanding opportunity to build a meaningful global career with one of the world’s leading philanthropic organizations.
APPLY ON THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Application Deadline: 31 July 2026. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply early, as international NGO positions of this caliber attract strong global competition.
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