Programme Officer – Global Climate Initiatives Programme (Asia)

Location: Oak Foundation’s London office
Reporting to: Director, Global Climate Initiatives Programme
Type of contract: Full-time, permanent
Application deadline: 09:00 GMT on Monday 2 November, 09:00CET

About Oak Foundation
Through our grant-making, we contribute to a safer, fairer, and more sustainable world. Oak Foundation’s mission (www.oakfnd.org)  is to contribute to a safer, fairer, and more sustainable world. With offices in Europe, Africa, and North America, Oak Foundation makes grants to organisations around the world.

About the Global Climate Initiatives Programme
The Global Climate Initiatives Programme supports practical, affordable, people-first solutions that help communities thrive while reducing the harm caused by pollution and overuse of natural resources. We support efforts to increase the use of cleaner energy, reduce waste, and improve how communities grow and share food, focusing on changes that make life better now and protect what matters for the future.

Purpose of the role
This is a great opportunity to join a diverse, international team within Oak Foundation’s Global Climate Initiatives Programme. Based in London and reporting to the Director, Global Climate Initiatives Programme, the programme officer will help shape the strategy for the Asia grant portfolio and contribute to the programme’s strategic direction and grant-making goals.

The role will support the transition to clean energy and sustainable food systems, building partnerships across the Global South and identifying high-impact grant-making opportunities that contribute to a cleaner, healthier, and thriving future.

The ideal candidate will bring a strategic, entrepreneurial, and creative approach, significant experience working in Asia, strong climate and environmental networks across the region, and a commitment to working within a deeply collaborative and supportive team.

Main responsibilities include:

• Helping to shape the strategy for the Asia grant portfolio, in consultation with the GCIP director and the lead Trustee.
• Managing a portfolio of grants across Asia and related international climate initiatives, from identifying innovative opportunities and conducting due diligence to managing relationships and assessing impact.
• Building partnerships across the Global South, fostering collaboration and learning, and representing Oak Foundation at external climate change meetings.
• Contributing to ongoing strategic development, implementation, learning, and evaluation, while keeping abreast of scientific, legislative, and regulatory developments.

Position requirements

• A university degree in political, social, and/or relevant environmental or natural sciences; a Master’s degree is preferred.
• At least seven years of experience working in Asia and a track record of significant achievement in a discipline related to climate change or other environmental issues, with strong networks across the region.
• Strong research, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills; the ability to navigate geopolitical, legal, cultural, and reputational risks; and a collaborative, entrepreneurial approach.
• Excellent written and spoken English; working knowledge of Mandarin is required.

To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter, detailing how you fulfil the role description and personal specification to Perrett Laver Vacancies quoting reference 8650.

The roles are based in London and the salary is competitive.

Applications should consist of a full curriculum vitae detailing professional qualifications and experience, accompanied by a covering letter describing how candidates meet the person specification outlined in the document, why the appointment is of interest, and what they believe they can bring to the role.

Perrett Laver will conduct an executive search process in parallel with the public advertisement of the role. Longlisted candidates will be invited to interview with Perrett Laver in early or mid-November, and the selection panel will subsequently meet to decide upon a final shortlist for the post at the end of November, following which, formal interviews with Oak Foundation will take place early December and into January. If you require any reasonable adjustments to assist you in the selection process, please advise us of these so that we can make appropriate arrangements.

Oak Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, as detailed in our child safeguarding policy. We expect all staff to share this commitment. Please note that the successful candidate will undergo reference checks and be required to provide a police record prior to starting employment.

To confidentially get in touch about this role, or to request advice on your application please contact Nikki Tye, Research Associate, nikki.tye@perrettlaver.com for a confidential conversation.

Should you require access to these documents in alternative formats, please contact Freya Coombes, freya.coombes@perrettlaver.com

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