The Ford Foundation is a private philanthropic institution headquartered in New York with offices in 12 countries around the world. Our goals are to:

• Strengthen democratic values,
• Reduce poverty and injustice,
• Promote international cooperation and
• Advance human achievement.

The Ford Foundation works primarily by granting funds to governmental or non-governmental institutions for research, training, experimentation, capacity building and developmental efforts. It attempts to address global problems by supporting those living and working closest to them. For more information about the Ford Foundation Beijing Office, please check www.fordfound.org/beijing.

The Ford Foundation Beijing Office has 21 staff and makes grants in eight program areas. It is currently looking for applications for the position of Program Assistant in the Environment and Development Program. The E&D Program mainly focuses on issues related to poverty and community-based forestry in southwest China.

The Program Assistant's work will include the following:

• Working closely with the Program Officer and Grants Administrator in the daily administration of the grant portfolio.
• Communicating program goals and requirements to outside audiences (usually in response to inquiries), through phone calls, email and letters.
• Maintaining close contact with grantee institutions and individuals.
• Other routine administrative and secretarial work such as making travel arrangements, handling appointments, filing, answering phone calls, etc.
• Occasional translation and interpretation.

Successful candidates would have:

• Strong communication skills and the ability to work with a range of different people.
• A responsible attitude to all aspects of the work.
• Excellent command of spoken and written English, preferably with a BA degree in English or in a field related to environment and development.
• At least one year of administrative or secretarial work experience, preferably in an international context, involving governmental agencies as well as NGOs. Experience in organizing meetings would be useful.
• Good computer skills, in particular with Microsoft Office and Outlook.

Salary and benefits will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the candidate.

Both male and female candidates are encouraged to apply.

The appointment will be for a period of one year, from 1 July 2003 until 30 June 2004.

The closing date for applications is June 9, 2003. Suitable candidates will be contacted before July 1, 2003. Please do not call us. Applicants who haven't received a response by July 1 should regard their application as unsuccessful. We apologize for not being able to return the materials of unsuccessful applicants.

To Apply：Send cover letter and resume (in English and Chinese) to the Ford Foundation Beijing Office at the address below or to the listed email address.