About the Role

We are seeking a Director of Programmes who will work closely with the Executive Director and other colleagues on all aspects of organisational strategy and related grant-making in South Asia. They will lead the organisation's grants portfolio management, fostering a creative and ambitious Programme Team. They are expected to apply their expertise in climate change and energy policy to the development and implementation of grant-making strategies.

The Director will be called upon to deliver under pressure, and consistently produce high-quality work; build effective peer relationships throughout the organisation’s network; anticipate potential issues and propose solutions; offer assistance and service to team members; and present ideas for improvement and be able to create a plan to execute the improvements.

Reports to: The Executive Director. 

Key Responsibilities

• Providing leadership and support to members of the Programme Team to enable them to deliver while maintaining their well-being and resilience.

• Working closely with the Executive Director and the Chief of Operations to ensure that SED Fund’s culture and values are embedded in all activities.

• Ensure effective communications within SED Fund.

• Support the Executive Director and the Chief of Operations in leadership by providing effective communications and analysis.

• Ensure that the grant-making portfolio is aligned with the organisation’s strategy.

• Align the grant-making portfolio across thematic and horizontal strategies.

• Participate in the design, implementation, and refinement of strategies.

• Support members of the Programme Team to advance thematic and horizontal strategies - identifying prospective grants portfolio organisations and developing proposals.

• Participate in strategy design with our network of partner foundations.

• Facilitate the sharing and analysis of external contextual information across SED Fund.

• Keep abreast of current events, developments and issues in the field to maintain a balanced and objective perspective and approach to grant-making.

• Monitor the portfolio's performance and the implementation of programme strategies. Review and evaluate grant proposals.

• Facilitate the integration of monitoring and evaluation processes into the grants portfolio.

• Maintain constructive contact with grantees, consultants and field experts as needed.

• Build and sustain relationships with external partners – foundations, governments, think tanks and civil society groups.

• Represent the organisation at conferences or public events, including as a speaker, moderator or as a panel participant.

• Master’s degree and > 10 years of professional experience on climate and energy issues, including some years of managerial experience.

• Previous grant-making/impact investment or grant seeking experience is preferable.

• Expertise in clean energy transition, power sector decarbonisation, energy policies, energy finance, or clean air/water initiatives is also preferable.

• Able to make effective connections among research, policy, and practice and to work productively with government, civil society groups, academic institutions and other foundations.

• Prior connections to/engagement with government strongly preferred.

• Working knowledge of relevant government policies and programmes for countries in South Asia.

• Excellent analytical and communications skills, including writing and public speaking.

• Self-confident, collegial, and diplomatic, with an appreciation of the role of a grant-making institution.

• Computer literate, with a high level of comfort with productivity applications.

• A team player with leadership skills.

• Ability to work with and effectively manage relationships amongst a diverse set of stakeholders with poise and patience.

• Able to organise and convey matters clearly and succinctly; maintaining openness to people with diverse views; and a talent for managing time and priorities effectively.

If you are excited by this job opportunity and you meet the job requirements, please click Apply to apply for the position.

At SED Fund, we recognise and affirm the use of technology to aid your job search. However, we recommend you limit or avoid the use of AI for your application. In our endeavour to find the right candidate for this role, we value and welcome your authenticity in the recruitment process.

The deadline for applications is Monday 10th June 2024. Selection will take place in July/August.

All applications will be treated confidentially. We will store your information in our internal database unless you specifically request otherwise.

Equal Opportunity Employer

As an equal opportunity employer, this organisation recognises the power of a diverse community and strongly encourages applications from individuals with varied experiences, perspectives and backgrounds. The organisation is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants without regard to age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation. The candidate must be authorised to work lawfully in the EU or in India.

The work environment is an office setting. Intermittent physical activities might include bending, reaching, sitting, and walking during working hours. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable a person with physical disabilities to perform the job.