Program Associate

The deadline to submit an application is February 13, 2026. Please submit both a resume and a cover letter to be considered. ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY The Ford Foundation’s Mexico and Central America Office (MXCA) seeks a collaborative, strategic, team-oriented Program Associate to join their team. The Program Associate supports the program team in a variety of responsibilities related to research, data analysis, strategic thinking, and serves as a strong conduit to facilitate learning within the team and across Ford’s programmatic teams. The Program Associate will support the Mexico Regional Office team in diverse ways, with a special focus on fostering exchange, learning, and coordination within the office and across other teams. They will lead data analysis on grantmaking, working very closely with the Office of Strategy and Impact to analyze and systematize the impact of our work, among other things. The Program Associate will also provide key support on the programmatic content of major events, conventions, and convenings organized by the office. HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE Map grants for team understanding and cross-team learning. Analyze grant proposals for outcomes and strategic alignment. Support Program Officers with grant coding practices to ensure integrity and coherence with program strategy analysis. Conduct research, summarize findings, and assist in data analysis. Support communities of practice in learning and exchange activities, particularly around institutional strengthening. Manage the team’s dashboards and specialized reports, especially for internal quarterly review meetings with the foundation’s leadership. Act as the team’s information manager, creating and managing substantive materials. Partner closely with the Office of Strategy and Impact to coordinate and implement the portfolio’s monitoring, evaluation, and learning plans to track progress towards strategy goals. Collaborate with Associates in other regions and programs to further monitoring, evaluation and learning. Track decisions and follow-up items during meetings, producing meeting summaries. Coordinate and project-manage grantee convenings and cross-team initiatives, including background research. Plan and organize meetings with other Ford Foundation programs for learning and collaboration. Develop relationships with internal and external stakeholders to facilitate foundation work. At the direction of the Director of the MCA Office, attend relevant meetings and conferences to gather information and knowledge to advance the team’s work. Compile short periodic summaries of related newsworthy events, activities, internal and external publications by team, and other relevant information in support of strategy monitoring, team learning and communications efforts. WHAT YOU WILL NEED A minimum of 4 years of experience related to social justice, human rights, climate change, civic engagement or international development, with at least 3 years of experience working in a program-related support capacity. Strong proficiency with qualitative data collection, review, analysis and reporting, as well as some proficiency in quantitative data management. Desirable knowledge in data visualization, but not essential. Strong proficiency with the use of software platforms and a high degree of comfort with multiple technology applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Google Suite, and databases. Desirable interest in Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL), but not required. Strong organizational and communication skills. Demonstrated ability to be a productive member of a community of people at work who respect differences while working toward shared goals. Comfortable with periods of ambiguity, and constructively participates in ongoing organizational development. College degree or equivalent combination of education and experience. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS This position is primarily a sedentary role. However, 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. The foundation requires all staff to be in the office three days a week. The Ford Foundation is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its programs, and operations. As part of this commitment, the Foundation will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application process, please contact talentacquisitionhr@fordfoundation.org. SALARY Based on the candidate's relevant experience and on the Foundation’s commitment to internal equity. LOCATION This position is based in the foundation’s Mexico City office. We operate in a hybrid model and require staff to be in the office three days per week. WORK AUTHORIZATION This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship now or in the future. All candidates must be legally authorized to work in Mexico. 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 Learn more about what it’s like to work at the Ford Foundation. EEO STATEMENT 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr