Director of Partnerships & Funder Engagement

Climate Finance & Resource
Mobilization Strategy

- Lead
the design and development of innovative climate and nature finance
mobilization strategies that support national and regional development
priorities and Strategy 2025–2035.
- Steward
the transition from project-only funding to a model that combines project and
programmatic funding, with the science programmes as the organizing unit.
- Mobilize
and structure investments for climate mitigation and adaptation, resilience
building, ecosystem restoration, nature infrastructure and sustainable land
management.

Partnerships & Funder Engagement

- Build
and strengthen partnerships with multilateral organizations, development
banks, philanthropy and private-sector investors.
- Identify
and secure funding through major international financing mechanisms,
including the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the Global Environment Facility
(GEF),and identify novel mechanisms to leverage philanthropic funding
towards accelerated bankabilty.
- Steward
funder relationships through tailored, impact-oriented updates, drawing on
the Chief Impact Officer and the Director of Communications &
Outreach.

Proposals & Funding Pipeline

- Lead
the preparation of high-value funding proposals, investment cases and
programmatic initiatives, with scientists leading the scientific case.
- Coordinate
the organization-wide programmatic funding pipeline and provide proposal
support to science programmes, themes and country platforms outside of current
competitive project funding.

Strategic Advice & Representation

- Provide
strategic advice to the CEO and senior leadership on climate policy,
sustainable development, restoration initiatives and funding priorities,
including diversification and risk in the resource base.
- Represent
the organization in high-level international forums, negotiations and
stakeholder engagements, with and on behalf of the CEO.

People & Resource Management

- Lead
and develop the partnerships team, including specialist capability in climate
and carbon finance, and manage the function’s budget.
- Strengthen
private sector supported fundraising capability among scientists, Science
Programme Directors and theme leaders.

Requirements

- Advanced
degree in environmental science, climate policy, economics, international
development, natural resource management or a related field.
- A
minimum of 10–15 years of progressively responsible experience in climate and
nature finance, resource mobilization, sustainable development, environmental
policy or ecosystem restoration.
- Demonstrated
success in designing and securing large-scale climate and development
investments.
- Proven
experience working with private sectors, development partners, multilateral
organizations, philanthropy and donor agencies.
- Strong
track record of delivering impactful programmes across Global South working in
multicultural and international settings.
- Demonstrated
people management skills and leadership ability.
- Experience
in international research-for-development organizations is an asset.