Program Officer at MacArthur Foundation

The MacArthur Foundation’s Nigeria Office is finalizing a new five-year strategy that will begin implementation in 2026.A centerpiece of this new work will be the intersection of technology and society, including a focus on artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies and we are seeking a Program Officer to lead the grantmaking in these new areas of work The Program Officer will apply their expertise in partnership with the Nigeria and Chicago offices to develop and implement grantmaking strategies and to manage portfolio of grants. We are looking for a person with the skills to translate complex technology issues into a clear research and policy agenda. The Program Officer must be comfortable working with governments, civil society, research, and policy institutions at the national, continental, and global levels.

This role is time-limited for an initial period of 5 years, with the possibility of an extension.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Participate in the design, implementation, refinement, and adaptation of grantmaking strategies and in planning future program strategies
• Identify prospective grant recipients and work with prospective grantees to develop proposals that advance grantmaking strategies
• Review and evaluate proposals and grantees’ work
• Conduct background research and due diligence, prepare grant recommendations for administrative and Board consideration, and respond to unsuccessful proposals
• Monitor the performance of grants and the implementation of grant strategies
• Manage a caseload of active grants, review periodic reports, and maintain accurate records and constructive contact with grantees
• Co-organize meetings of prospective grantees, grantees, program advisors, and others in relevant fields
• Keep abreast of current events, developments, and issues in the field to maintain a balanced and objective perspective and approach to grantmaking
• Write extensively for internal purposes
• Conduct research projects and monitor the performance of research grants
• Build and sustain relationships with colleagues across the Foundation, and with leaders, actors and organizations in relevant fields, including the public and commercial sectors.
• Represent the Foundation at conferences and other public events, including as a speaker, panel participant, or event moderator

Other Duties And Responsibilities

• Serve on internal Foundation committees as appropriate
• Gain proficiency in and manage an active portfolio of grants in the Foundation’s grants management system.
• Provide intellectual leadership in the grant-making field.
• Travel domestically and, occasionally, internationally, in connection with Foundation duties.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Graduate training and at least 8 years’ experience working as a policy professional, researcher or practitioner focused on technology and society related issues, including AI and other emerging technologies; previous grantmaking or grant seeking experience is desirable
• Solid grounding in the history and trends in technology and society related work; a strong grasp of relevant empirical research and theoretical literature; and a good understanding of the substance and dynamics of relevant public policies
• Ability to make effective connections among research, policy and practice and to work productively with government, civil society organizations, community-based organizations, and academic institutions, and working knowledge of relevant government policies and programs
• Excellent analytical and communications skills, including writing and public speaking
• Experience in strategic communications and project management
• Self-confident, collegial, and diplomatic, with an appreciation of the role of a grantmaking institution
• Computer literate, with a high level of comfort with new applications
• Other essential skills include effectiveness in interpersonal relations with a proven ability to work as part of a team; the ability to organize and convey problems and issues clearly and succinctly; ease with and openness to people who hold diverse views; and a talent for managing multiple tasks