Submit both your cover letter and resume to be considered. The deadline for the application is November 28th 2025
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION
The Ford Foundation's China Office seeks a dynamic and innovative Program Officer to lead and shape the foundation's social justice initiatives in the region. A strong candidate will possess a proven track record and expertise in areas such as China's civil society and philanthropic landscape, its economic development and issues of inequality, China's global engagement (particularly in the Global South), and/or global governance.
This Program Officer will contribute their unique perspective to grantmaking and team efforts, aligning with the office's strategy and the Foundation's broader global social justice objectives. An ideal candidate will demonstrate knowledge of the intersection between China's development, geoeconomic influence, global engagement, and social justice. They will also understand the crucial roles that policy advocacy, organizing, research, narrative shifts, and philanthropy play in driving social change.
BACKGROUND
Addressing inequality is a key focus of the Ford Foundation globally. China plays a major role in global issues like technology and society and climate change, which are consequential to addressing inequality. We seek to work with Chinese stakeholders across sectors to ensure that China’s impact in the world is equitable and sustainable. We also work to address inequality in China, strengthen the domestic ecosystem for philanthropy to mobilize China’s growing wealth for social good, and foster constructive US-China engagement.
The office’s grantmaking will support efforts to build international understanding of the impacts of China’s global development activities. The Program Officer will be based in Ford Foundation’s Beijing Office, report to Ford Foundation’s Regional Director and will build relationships with colleagues in China and in Ford Foundation’s other regional offices and New York office.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Program Officers are responsible for the development of grant portfolios and ensuring all related activities are designed to deliver on the China Office goals and strategies. The Program Officer assesses and analyzes the fields in which the Office is focused; identifies key ecosystems and opportunities to work with various actors to shape and influence agendas to promote social justice; and plays a leading role in shaping specific grant activities.
Program Officers are networking agents and partnership builders – striving to share substantive knowledge with Foundation colleagues; collaborate broadly with Ford’s China Office team; and serve as a ‘connector’ of grantees. The Program Officer works with stakeholders across sectors on issues of common concern to leverage positive impact toward common goals.
More specifically as part of a multi-disciplinary team, the China Program Officer will:
Manage, monitor, and coordinate a grants portfolio, including annual grant planning, proposal development with grantees, periodic progress reviews, site visits, and reviewing reports.
Participate in landscape analysis to inform grantmaking strategy and contribute to the definition, development, and adaptation of team strategies to support goals of the office.
Develop team-oriented grantmaking activities aligned with global and local strategy goals for significant and scalable impact.
Identify ways to support grantees in becoming more durable, resilient, and effectively networked, including support for strategic vision, leadership, management systems, financial stability, and organizational excellence.
Develop and implement grantee convenings and approaches to grantmaking that support broad coalitions, strategic communications and narrative change.
Recommend and participate in learning and evaluation activities to guide programmatic work, promote exchange, and strategic partnership, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.
Represent the Foundation to stakeholders across sectors through meetings, updates, speeches, briefings, and interviews, with guidance from the Regional Director.
Play a leadership role by fostering collaboration and effectiveness; serve as a mentor and coach to junior staff.
QUALIFICATIONS
Master’s degree in a relevant field of study plus a minimum of 8 years’ experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience) leading social justice strategies and/or subject-matter expertise in areas such as development and inequality, international development finance, global governance, and/or strong cross-cutting work in social justice.
Experience and knowledge in civil society engagement and philanthropy.
Knowledgeable about topics at the intersection of development and social justice, and understanding of the roles policy advocacy, research, and philanthropy play in advancing social change.
Deep understanding of the regional context and cultures, including geopolitical and civil society landscape in China and the country’s role in the global context.
Excellent written and oral communication skills in Chinese and English.
Exceptional leadership presence – internally and externally.
Strong analytical skills and ability to strategize, plan, prioritize, and assess opportunities, challenges, and institutions with which to engage.
Strong active listening skills, constructive verbal and written skills, strong public presentation skills.
Demonstrated ability to be a productive member of a community of people at work, respecting differences while working toward shared goals, adaptability, constructive participation in ongoing organizational development.
Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including occasional travel within China and abroad.
ALIGNMENT TO THE MISSION AND THE CULTURE OF THE FORD FOUNDATION
Commitment to the Foundation’s mission and core values of equity, fairness and diversity.
Personal qualities of humility, capacity for self-reflection, and a sense of humor.
Discretion and ability to handle confidential issues.
Action-oriented and entrepreneurial self-starter who can work well independently and in teams.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/TRAVEL
This position is primarily a sedentary role. However, the position also requires behind the desk administrative work related to grant making. The person in this position may need to occasionally move about inside the office to liaise with internal staff, access files, office machinery and a copy machine/printer. Additionally, domestic/international travel will be expected to visit grantees and attend discussions, convening, workshops, retreats and conferences.
The Ford Foundation is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its programs, and operations.
If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application process, please contact talentacquisitionhr@fordfoundation.org or call (212) 573-4627.
LOCATION: Beijing, China
TARGET START DATE: March 2026
SALARY: Salary is based on experience and on the Foundation’s commitment to internal equity. A generous benefits package is provided.
DEADLINE TO SUBMIT APPLICATION: The deadline for the application is November 28th 2025
#LI-Hybrid
WORKING AT FORD
Commitment to creating a culture where everyone feels respected
A hybrid working model and flexible work arrangement policies offer colleagues the opportunity to engage in meaningful ways and the space to maintain a healthy work-life balance
Professional development and ample opportunities to build your expertise and expand your network
Comprehensive benefits package designed for your well-being and work-life needs, including medical, dental, and vision benefits effective on your first day
Generous time off, including personal, vacation, sick, extended holiday time off, and wellness days
Generous parental leave policy, including birth, surrogacy, adoptive, foster parents, and resources for backup child and elder care that support our colleagues’ ability to attend to family responsibilities
Comprehensive retirement benefits options (with employee and employer contributions of up to 13%), allowing you to invest in your financial future with confidence
Learn more about what it’s like to work at the Ford Foundation.
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. The Ford Foundation does not discriminate against formerly incarcerated individuals.