REF Scholarship Program Seeks Applications for the Position of Ombudsperson

The Ombudsperson, as a neutral third party, will familiarize himself/herself with the policies, procedures and guidelines of the Programs and help resolving potential procedural inadvertences as raised and reported by REF SP scholarship applicants.

The mandate of the Ombudsperson’s position lasts for two years.

The primary task of the of the Ombudsperson is to investigate, recommend solutions, mediate disputes and monitor the implementation of the solutions proposed in relation with complaints of procedural failures related to the scholarship program that are brought to his /her attention. 


Deadline for application is 31st July, 2014.   


The Ombudsperson, as a neutral third party, will familiarize himself/herself with the policies, procedures and guidelines of the Programs and help resolving potential procedural inadvertences as raised and reported by REF SP scholarship applicants.

The mandate of the Ombudsperson’s position lasts for two years.

The primary task of the of the Ombudsperson is to investigate, recommend solutions, mediate disputes and monitor the implementation of the solutions proposed in relation with complaints of procedural failures related to the scholarship program that are brought to his /her attention. 


Deadline for application is 31st July, 2014.   

See full vacancy ad HERE

There is an established mechanism of REF SP’s administration and processing, which involves, among others, Country Coordinators based in Program countries. The overall management, coordination and administration of REF SP are conducted from REF Headquarters in Budapest.

Throughout the implementation process of these scholarship schemes, the Roma Education Fund Scholarship Program’s aim is to support students’ efforts to complete and submit their application in an effective, transparent and user-friendly way. REF SP has an established procedure for dealing with applicant’s inquiries and appeals; however, depending on their nature the Program intends to benefit from an independent entity’s opinion.

Personal and professional qualifications of the Ombudsperson

●    Having experience and /or being acquainted with the REF SP;
●    Not having been a beneficiary, grantee, consultant or employee of REF or the Open Society Foundations for the last 3 years;
●    Graduate of Law or other relevant degree;
●    High level of communication and written English skills;
●    Romani or other languages from the region would be an advantage;
●    High level of discretion, tactfulness, and professionalism;
●    Proved interpersonal and conflict management skills;
●    Excellent investigative and documentation and analytical skills.

Candidates of Roma origin are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applications for the position, containing a CV/resume and a letter of intention should be sent to the Financial and Administrative Manager, Mr. Jeno Zsiga at jzsiga@romaeducationfund.org and to the Program Officer at the Roma Health Project, Ms. Alina Covaci at alina.covaci@opensocietyfoundations.org

Deadline for application is 31st July, 2014.    

For full vacancy ad please click: here

https://www.romaeducationfund.org/about/vacancies/ref-scholarship-program-seeks-applicants-ombudsperson-position