Description

About the Role

The global cement sector is responsible for around 8% of global CO2 emissions and our team is dedicated to decarbonizing this sector. The Senior Program Associate will join the Cement and Building Materials Team in guiding, growing, and administering Global Industry Hub’s (GIH) grantmaking portfolio. GIH is fiscally sponsored by the ClimateWorks Foundation. 

The Senior Associate will spend their time on program administration activities, grantmaking, communication with grantees, reporting and tracking of grants, refining our decarbonization strategy, and organizing convenings for our global grantees and leading industry experts. The Senior Program Associate will increasingly act as a subject matter expert representing the Global Industry Hub and be a key point of contact for work related to cement and concrete.

This role requires skills in program management, communication, collaboration, and independent research. The program associate will be expected to show resourcefulness, good judgment, punctuality, and a commitment to excellence and integrity. Knowledge of the cement and concrete industries and the construction industry in general is desired.

Based at ClimateWorks, the Global Industry Hub (Hub) accelerates the decarbonization of heavy industry by mobilizing philanthropic and catalytic capital toward high-impact opportunities in steel, cement, and chemicals. The Hub operates as a neutral, creative, and catalytic systems platform, connecting funders, governments, industry, CSOs, innovators, and development institutions. It turns complex, capital-intensive transitions into investable, competitive, and climate-aligned industrial paths. Its work bridges policy innovation, economic design, financial alignment, and institutional strengthening, enabling the early projects and long-term reforms needed to rebuild global industrial systems for a net-zero economy. By combining systems thinking, technical insights, and convening power, the Global Industry Hub helps partners achieve far greater leverage and shift industrial ecosystems toward resilient, inclusive, and sustainable futures.

 

How you will contribute

The Senior Program Associate will:

Grantmaking and Program Oversight (50%)

• Ensure the smooth and effective passage of grants through the multi-stage process of assessment, disbursement, and evaluation.  This can require adhering to tight timelines.  
• Manage relationships with grantees, including understanding their needs and circumstances, ensuring the effective two-way flow of information, and receiving regular reports.   
• Collaborate with peers and other teams at CWF to support effective grantmaking and action on cross-cutting strategies

Knowledge Exchange and Stakeholder Engagement (20%)

• Lead the organization of stakeholder engagement groups, including organizing virtual and in-person meetings, including our annual Global Cement Decarbonization Convening.  This includes preparation of the agenda, meeting organization, coordinating speakers, and recording notes and outcomes.
• Ensure knowledge is broadly shared through written communications and online and in-person events.

Strategy Development & Execution (20%)

• Support research and analysis informing the development of program strategy.
• Prepare documents, briefings, budgets, communications materials, and other work products for sharing outside the organization.  
• Increasingly act as a subject matter expert, point of contact, and representative of GIH in cement and building materials ecosystem.

Other Duties As Assigned (10%)

• Other duties as assigned

Required qualifications

• Passion for solving climate change, demonstrated over years.  
• Strong project and program management skills based on 5+ years’ experience in a relevant role. 
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, including environmental science, public policy, or engineering.  
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.  Ability to work successfully with a wide range of different types of people and cultures.  
• Ability to initiate and manage projects, and to work effectively and efficiently with minimal supervision
• Excellent research skills, applied with doggedness and creativity.  Ability to synthesize information on a wide variety of topics.  
• Ability to use common business software like Salesforce, Google Suite, Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.  
• Availability for international travel: two trips per year minimum, possibly more if desired.  
• Ability to work across global time zones, including frequent calls with the core team in California, and regular calls with India, Africa, and Asia.
• Commitment, caring, and a generous attitude toward colleagues, grantees, and partners, and a commitment to supporting people to build careers and institutions.  
• Commitment to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment and to the mission and values of the Global Industry Hub.

Desired Qualifications:

• Understanding or experience with the cement and building materials sectors, and the broader design and construction industry.
• Masters degree in engineering, policy, or another relevant field is preferred. 
• Experience managing grants or working with non-profits.

Location 

ClimateWorks Foundation is based in the San Francisco Financial District. This position is based in BST (British Standard Time) or CET (Central European Time), or areas with the same time as BST or CET.

Compensation 

International salary range to be determined based on the location and local cost of labor.

We recognize that compensation and benefits can vary across countries and understand that this can raise important questions. Our goal is to ensure fairness, equity, and competitiveness within each local context. To achieve this, we align our compensation structure with the economic conditions, labor market dynamics, and social benefit systems of the regions where we operate.

Salaries are determined based on country specific labor markets, allowing us to offer pay that is competitive within each region and consistent with other international organizations. Compensation is intentionally structured to be above leading local market averages and appropriate to the regional cost of labor. This approach supports our commitment to equity across our global workforce while enabling us to attract and retain top talent in diverse locations.

Culture

ClimateWorks’ culture is rooted in our core values: collaboration, humility, curiosity, learning, and risk-taking. We come together around shared goals, draw strength from diverse perspectives, and face challenges with an open mind. We grow through experience and boldly experiment to drive meaningful impact in climate philanthropy. Together, we turn ambition into action—spotting big opportunities, convening people, and helping scale bold solutions.

As a globally distributed organization, ClimateWorks offers multiple opportunities each year for staff to meet in person, foster relationships, and enhance collaboration. Staff are expected to attend an in-town week in San Francisco, an all-staff retreat, and a department retreat annually.

About ClimateWorks Foundation

ClimateWorks Foundation is a catalyst for accelerating climate progress, driving bold solutions that benefit people and the planet. We connect funders and implementing organizations worldwide to identify and scale transformative solutions across sectors and geographies, achieving faster, greater impact together. Since 2008, ClimateWorks has granted over $2 billion to more than 850 grantees across 50 countries, working with over 80 funders.

ClimateWorks Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer

ClimateWorks Foundation is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and compliance with all federal, state, and local laws concerning employment discrimination, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. We make decisions about all aspects of our employment practices, without regard to race, color, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, marital status, sex (including childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), pregnancy, uniform service member and veteran status, citizenship status, disability, protected medical condition, genetic information, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws. 

As part of our commitment to centering diverse people and perspectives and providing equal opportunities, we ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodations. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application process, please note that in your application. 

How to apply

Follow the link below to apply for this position. Please note that ClimateWorks will never request applicants’ credit card or financial information during the interview process. Should you receive a message requesting this information, please report it to ClimateWorks. All current job openings are listed on our careers page:  

Position Overview
Job title: Program & Events Assistant  
Location:  Kenya (Remote) This is a remote role based in Kenya. Occasional travel within Kenya will be required to support major organizational events and other in-person activities. 
Duration: Six months with the possibility of extension. 
Contract: Full-time  
Preferred start date: As soon as possible 
Deadline: 8th August 2026 (Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis) 

Organizational Context
Founded by two Black women in the aftermath of the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests around the world, the African Futures Lab (AfaLab) works to advance demands for racial justice for Africans and Afro-descended people globally. We pursue the recognition and repair of global racial injustices through rigorous, empirically grounded knowledge exchange across Africa and Europe. Our work includes research, “Mobilization Labs” with partner organizations, and advocacy. Our work aims to bolster activists and policymakers in holding states and private actors accountable for the enduring effects of colonialism and slavery in Europe and Africa. Our current projects focus on the intersections of racial justice with gender rights, climate justice, and socio-economic inequalities. 

Learn more about AfaLab on our  website  or follow us on  Instagram  and  LinkedIn.  

About the Role
African Futures Lab is seeking a motivated Program & Events Assistant to support the successful delivery of the Lab’s programs, events and other organizational priorities. The role provides cross-functional support across research, advocacy, convenings and organizational operations, helping ensure that activities are well-coordinated and delivered effectively. 

During this six-month contract, the Program & Events Assistant will play a key role in supporting the planning and delivery of the Lab’s major events, both in-person and online, while also contributing to broader program implementation and organizational operations. 

This position is ideal for someone who is highly organized, proactive and eager to gain hands-on experience within a Pan-African policy and advocacy organization working to advance racial justice, reparatory justice, climate justice and gender justice.

Key Responsibilities

The Program & Events Assistant will support the successful delivery of the Lab’s programs, events and organizational priorities by providing coordination, operational, research and administrative support across the following areas:
1. Program support

• Support the implementation of programs, fellowships, campaigns and other organizational initiatives.
• Maintain program trackers, participant databases and documentation.
• Support stakeholder relationship management within collectives, dialogues spaces, working groups and networks
• Coordinate program meetings, participant communications, schedules and logistical arrangements as required.
• Assist in preparing program materials, presentations, briefing notes, meeting summaries and other program documentation.
• Track action items and follow up with colleagues and partners to support timely delivery of program activities.

2. Events & convenings

• Support the logistical planning and delivery of conferences, podcasts, workshops, exhibitions, webinars, meetings and other events convened in-person or online.
• Coordinate participant registration, invitations and attendance tracking.
• Support participant engagement, including registrations, communications and resource sharing.
• Assist with venue sourcing, travel, accommodation, catering and other logistical arrangements.
• Support speaker, facilitator and participant coordination, including scheduling, communications, travel arrangements, briefing materials and other logistical requirements.
• Prepare event materials, participant packs, agendas, presentations and logistical documentation.
• Provide on-site coordination before, during and after events.
• Assist with post-event reporting, evaluations and lessons learned.

3. Research & partnership support

• Conduct desk research, mapping and information gathering to support program activities, advocacy initiatives and organizational learning.
• Support the preparation of grant applications, research outputs, reports and other organizational documents.
• Assist with stakeholder mapping and partner engagement.
• Support coordination with partners, consultants and external service providers.

4. Administrative & operational support

• Maintain organizational trackers, databases, filing systems and shared resources, ensuring information is accurate and up to date.
• Support recruitment and onboarding processes, including interview coordination and document management.
• Assist with procurement processes and coordination with suppliers and service providers.
• Support organizational administration and operational processes as required.

Qualifications & Experience

• Master’s degree (completed or in progress) in International Relations, Development Studies, Public Policy, Law, Project Management, Social Sciences, or another relevant field. 
• Relevant working experience gained through internships, volunteering, academic projects or employment in program support, event coordination, administration, research, or operations.
• Experience in organizing international events is a plus. 
• Excellent command of written and spoken English, French and/or Swahili is an advantage. 
• Demonstrated interest in racial justice, reparations, climate justice, gender justice or related social justice issues, particularly within African contexts.

Skills & Competencies 

• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. 
• Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving skills. 
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, multicultural environment. 
• Strong coordination, planning, and stakeholder engagement skills. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Google Workspace, and collaboration tools. 

If you’re ready to help shape a more just future through your work, we encourage you to apply by 8th August 2026.

Remote position

As the Digital Systems Administrator, you will be responsible for ensuring that our digital infrastructure remains secure, resilient, and inclusive in an increasingly digital and often hostile environment. Your role include managing cloud infrastructure, leading digital security initiatives for data privacy, supporting IT planning and budgeting for participatory grant-making, and enhancing capacity for WFA staff and partners. You will also maintain the IT Manual and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Women and people from minority, vulnerable and/or marginalised communities and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply for the position. Please note we will not consider any applications outside of Asia region and applications that do not use the online form in the respective links.

Application deadline: 14th August, 2026.

For more details on the role, please review the Terms of Reference

For queries, please write to hr@wf-asia.org.

APPLY HERE

Terms of Reference

Position Title: Grants and Operations Manager

Reports to: Director, Africa Youth Climate Fund

Location: Remote within Africa

Contract Type: Full-time

Remuneration: AYCF offers a competitive monthly remuneration within the range of USD 2,700– 3,000 gross, depending on experience, location, and internal equity. Final compensation will be determined in line with AYCF/GAYO policies.

Duration: 1 Year, Renewable Subject to Performance and Funding Availability

About the Africa Youth Climate Fund (AYCF)

Africa’s youthful population is one of the continent’s greatest assets in advancing a low-carbon, climate-resilient development pathway through initiatives that promote a just and inclusive green transition. Yet despite young people being at the forefront of climate action, innovation, advocacy, and community resilience-building, they continue to receive only a fraction of global climate finance. Less than 1% of international and local climate funding reaches youth-led organizations directly, limiting their ability to scale solutions, influence policy, and drive transformative climate action. At the same time, Africa faces disproportionate climate impacts despite contributing less than 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, making investment in youth leadership and locally driven solutions more urgent than ever.

The Africa Youth Climate Fund (AYCF) is a flagship initiative of the Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO), established to redistribute power, resources, and decision-making to Africa’s youth climate movements. AYCF exists to address the persistent inequities in climate finance by ensuring that young African climate leaders, innovators, movements, and organizations have direct access to the resources, partnerships, and opportunities needed to scale transformative climate solutions. Through a participatory youth-for-youth grant-making model, the Fund supports entrepreneurship and innovation, movement building, research, and climate justice advocacy across Africa. AYCF serves as both a financing mechanism and a continental platform for strengthening youth leadership in climate action, resilience, and sustainable development.

AYCF envisions an Africa where young people are not merely beneficiaries of climate interventions but are recognized as decision-makers, innovators, investors, and architects of the continent’s climate-resilient future. Through resource mobilization, fostering partnerships, nurturing innovation, and amplifying youth voices, AYCF is building a new paradigm of climate finance that is accessible, equitable, and responsive to the aspirations and realities of Africa’s young people.

Purpose of the Position

The Grants and Operations Manager will provide strategic leadership for grant management, organizational operations, and institutional systems that enable the effective implementation of the Africa Youth Climate Fund (AYCF)’s programs. The position is responsible for overseeing the full grants lifecycle, ensuring compliance with donor and statutory requirements, strengthening operational systems and internal controls, and supporting organizational efficiency and effectiveness.

Working closely with the Executive Director of AYCF, GAYO Finance, GAYO Operations, and the Program team, the Grants and Operations Manager will ensure that grants are implemented efficiently, risks are effectively managed, organizational policies are consistently applied, and operational systems support the delivery of AYCF’s strategic objectives. The role also contributes to proposal development, organizational planning, performance management, and continuous institutional improvement.

As AYCF expands its grantmaking portfolio across Africa, the Grants and Operations Manager will play a central role in designing, strengthening, and managing the operational systems that enable youth-led organisations to access and effectively manage climate finance and champion AYCF’s youth-for-youth grantmaking model by ensuring that grant-making processes are transparent, accessible, participatory, and accountable, enabling young people to actively contribute to funding priorities, proposal review, grant selection, and resource allocation.

The Manager will lead the development and continuous improvement of grant management policies, procedures, and operational systems that promote accessibility, inclusion, trust-based philanthropy, and locally led climate action. This includes overseeing grant administration, due diligence, contracting, compliance, risk management, grant tracking, and reporting, while ensuring that grant-making processes are efficient, equitable, and aligned with donor requirements and AYCF’s institutional policies.

The position holder will also strengthen the operational foundations of AYCF by improving organizational systems, internal controls, compliance frameworks, and business processes that support effective program delivery. Through transparent, accountable, and well-governed grant management, the Grants and Operations Manager will strengthen AYCF’s position as a trusted, youth-led climate fund that channels resources effectively to young climate leaders across Africa while maintaining strong governance and operational excellence.

AYCF’s Grant-Making Philosophy

Current climate funding mechanisms often favor large, established institutions with sophisticated administrative structures and extensive fundraising experience. While these systems may promote accountability, they frequently create barriers that disproportionately disadvantage youth-led organizations, particularly those operating at the grassroots level. To this extent, the Grants and Operations Manager will champion AYCF’s commitment to transforming how these contemporary mechanisms are designed and ensure climate finance reaches young people at the speed and scale required to respond to the urgency of the climate crisis on the continent, while remaining accessible, equitable, transparent, and responsive to the realities of youth-led organizations across Africa. In doing so, the role will contribute to repositioning AYCF not only as a grant-making institution but as a catalyst for transforming climate philanthropy, demonstrating that youth-led organizations are capable, credible, and effective stewards of climate finance when provided with accessible funding mechanisms, appropriate institutional support, and meaningful decision-making power.

The Grants Manager will therefore help advance a new paradigm of climate philanthropy that redistributes both resources and decision-making power to young people, ensuring that AYCF’s grant-making systems are guided by principles of:

• Equity and inclusion
• Accessibility and simplicity;
• Participation and youth leadership;
• Trust and mutual accountability;
• Flexibility and responsiveness;
• Learning and adaptation;
• Institutional strengthening and sustainability;
• Locally led development and climate justice.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Grant-Making and Grant Operations (30%)

• Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of AYCF’s grantmaking systems, policies, and operational procedures.
• Develop and maintain grant management manuals, standard operating procedures, templates, and operational guidelines.
• Coordinate the planning and implementation of grant calls from concept development through award notification.
• Ensure grant opportunities are accessible, transparent, inclusive, and aligned with AYCF’s youth-for-youth grantmaking principles.
• Coordinate the end-to-end grant administration process, including application management, eligibility screening, due diligence, contracting, grant disbursement coordination, amendments and/or addenda, and close-out.
• Establish and maintain grant management systems that enable effective tracking of grants throughout their lifecycle.
• Serve as Secretariat to Grant Review Committees by coordinating proposal review processes, preparing documentation, maintaining records, and ensuring adherence to approved grant-making procedures.
• Ensure grant-making processes uphold the highest standards of transparency, fairness, accountability, and integrity.

Operations, Compliance and Risk Management  (20%) 

• Lead the strengthening and continuous improvement of AYCF’s operational systems, internal controls, procedures, and institutional processes in alignment with GAYO’s fiscal hosting policies and donor requirements.
• Coordinate procurement processes, logistics, records management, asset tracking, administrative support, and operational documentation in line with approved policies and delegated authority frameworks.
• Work closely with relevant GAYO functions, including Finance, Operations, HR/Admin, and Programs, to ensure that AYCF operations are efficient, compliant, well-documented, and responsive to program delivery needs.
• Support the implementation of risk tracking systems to identify, document, escalate, and monitor operational, compliance, procurement, financial, and institutional risks.
• Ensure AYCF’s operational processes comply with statutory, legal, regulatory, donor, and internal policy requirements.
• Maintain clear documentation of operational decisions, procurement records, approvals, compliance checks, risk actions, and institutional processes to support transparency and audit readiness.
• Support the development and use of digital systems, templates, trackers, and dashboards that improve operational efficiency, compliance monitoring, grant management, and decision-making.
• Promote a culture of operational discipline, accountability, transparency, continuous improvement, and service delivery across AYCF’s systems and functions.

Grantee Onboarding, Grant Compliance, and Operational Support (20%)

• Coordinate grantee onboarding on grant agreements, compliance obligations, reporting schedules, disbursement procedures, documentation standards, safeguarding requirements, and grant management processes.
• Ensure that all grantees clearly understand their contractual obligations, financial management requirements, reporting responsibilities, documentation standards, and close-out expectations.
• Work closely with the Program and Community Support Manager to ensure that grantees receive appropriate technical, learning, and accompaniment support without compromising grant accountability, transparency, and compliance.
• Maintain accurate records of grantee obligations, reporting deadlines, disbursement conditions, risk issues, amendments, compliance follow-ups, and close-out requirements.
• Monitor grantee compliance with grant agreements, donor requirements, AYCF policies, and approved implementation plans, and flag emerging operational, financial, or institutional risks for timely action.
• Coordinate grant amendments, no-cost extensions, budget realignments, and close-out processes in line with approved procedures and donor requirements.
• Support the strengthening of grantee-facing operational systems, templates, checklists, and guidance notes to make grant management processes clear, accessible, and accountable.
• Ensure that AYCF’s grant management approach remains transparent, youth-responsive, risk-aware, and aligned with principles of trust-based philanthropy and locally led development.

Financial Coordination and Grant Accountability (10%)

• Work closely with GAYO Finance, as fiscal host, to ensure that grant commitments, payment requests, disbursement schedules, expenditure monitoring, financial documentation, and donor financial reporting are aligned with approved budgets, grant agreements, donor requirements, and AYCF’s grantmaking procedures. The Grants and Operations Manager will not serve as the finance lead but will ensure that program, grant, and financial documentation are consistent, complete, and audit-ready.
• Monitor grant expenditure against approved budgets and flag potential compliance or financial risks.
• Coordinate grant payment requests and disbursement schedules.
• Support financial reporting by ensuring consistency between program implementation, grant agreements, and financial documentation.
• Facilitate grant audits and compliance reviews.
• Strengthen grant financial accountability through effective documentation, reconciliation, and reporting systems.

Organizational Planning, Performance, and Reporting (10%)

• Coordinate organizational work planning and monitor operational performance.
• Develop and maintain grant and operational dashboards to support management decision-making.
• Prepare periodic operational and grant portfolio reports for senior management and the advisory circle.
• Monitor key operational performance indicators and recommend improvements to organizational systems and processes.
• Support institutional planning, policy development, and organizational performance reviews.

Leadership, Team Coordination, and Continuous Improvement (10%)

• Provide leadership and technical guidance on grants management, operational systems, and compliance across the organization.
• Foster effective collaboration between program, finance, communications, and operations functions.
• Lead internal capacity-building initiatives on grant management, compliance, procurement, and operational procedures.
• Promote a culture of accountability, integrity, innovation, learning, and continuous improvement.
• Undertake any other responsibilities assigned by the Executive Director of AYCF that are consistent with the purpose of the role and contribute to AYCF’s strategic objectives.

Person Specifications

Education and Professional Qualifications

• A master’s degree in International Development, Development Studies, Public Administration, Business Administration, Finance, Law, Project/Programme Management, Nonprofit Management, Organizational Development, Climate Finance, Philanthropy, or a related field.
• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with substantial and progressively responsible experience in grants management, fund operations, compliance, program administration, or institutional systems may be considered in lieu of a master’s degree.
• Professional training or certification in grants management, project management, donor compliance, procurement, risk management, financial management, fund management, or nonprofit operations will be an added advantage.
• Professional certification in grants management, project management, procurement, compliance, risk management, or organizational management is an added advantage.
• Demonstrated understanding of grantmaking, donor compliance, youth-led development, climate justice, locally led action, or philanthropic funding systems will be considered an asset.

Experience

• At least five to seven years of progressively responsible experience in grants management, grant operations, program administration, institutional systems, compliance, or operational management within the development, philanthropy, humanitarian, climate, or non-profit sectors.
• Demonstrated experience managing the full grants lifecycle, including grant design, solicitation, due diligence, contracting, compliance, reporting, amendments, and close-out.
• Proven experience managing institutional donor-funded programs and ensuring compliance with donor regulations and contractual requirements.
• Experience developing and implementing organizational policies, standard operating procedures, and operational systems that improve institutional effectiveness.
• Demonstrated experience establishing or strengthening grant management systems, internal controls, and compliance frameworks.
• Experience coordinating multidisciplinary teams and working across program, finance, and operational functions.
• Experience supporting organizational planning, performance management, and institutional growth.
• Demonstrated experience preparing high-quality donor reports, management reports, and Board papers.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Experience working within a grant-making institution, intermediary fund, community foundation, philanthropic organization, or pooled funding mechanism.
• Experience supporting youth-led organizations, grassroots organizations, or locally led development initiatives.
• Experience working with international climate finance mechanisms or environmental funding institutions.
• Experience in establishing digital grants management systems or organizational information management systems.
• Experience supporting organizational audits, compliance reviews, and institutional risk management processes.

Technical Competencies

Grants Management and Grant Governance

• Comprehensive understanding of the full grants lifecycle and internationally recognized grants management practices.
• Strong knowledge of donor compliance requirements, grant agreements, fiduciary standards, and risk management.
• Experience designing and improving grant-making policies, operational procedures, and grant administration systems.
• Ability to coordinate competitive grant calls, proposal review processes, due diligence, grant contracting, and compliance monitoring.
• Strong understanding of equitable, participatory, and trust-based grant-making approaches.

Operations and Organizational Management

• Demonstrated ability to strengthen organizational systems, internal controls, and operational procedures.
• Experience overseeing procurement, administration, logistics, records management, and organizational compliance.
• Strong understanding of organizational governance, policy development, and institutional effectiveness.
• Ability to improve operational efficiency through process improvement and systems thinking.
• Experience managing organizational risk and ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.

Financial and Compliance Management

• Good understanding of grant budgeting, financial monitoring, and donor financial compliance.
• Ability to interpret grant agreements and monitor financial performance against contractual obligations.
• Experience coordinating grant audits and supporting financial accountability processes.
• Strong appreciation of internal control systems and financial stewardship.

Strategic Planning and Performance Management

• Experience supporting strategic planning, organizational performance monitoring, and operational reporting.
• Ability to develop performance indicators, dashboards, and management reporting systems.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex information and support evidence-based decision-making.

Core Competencies and Skills

Strategic Leadership

• Ability to think strategically and translate organizational priorities into effective operational systems.
• Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving capabilities.

Planning and Organization

• Exceptional planning, coordination, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and consistently deliver high-quality outputs within tight deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail while maintaining a focus on strategic objectives.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong report-writing, documentation, and presentation skills.
• Ability to communicate complex operational and compliance requirements clearly and effectively.
• Strong relationship-management skills and the ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams.

Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills

• Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities.
• Ability to identify operational risks and develop practical solutions.
• Capacity to analyze policies, procedures, and organizational systems to improve performance and compliance.

Digital and Information Management

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Teams.
• Experience using grants management systems, project management platforms, or enterprise information systems is an advantage.
• Ability to leverage digital tools to improve operational efficiency, reporting, and collaboration.

Personal Attributes

The successful candidate should be able to demonstrate:

• High levels of integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
• Commitment to transparency, ethical stewardship, and responsible resource management.
• A proactive, solutions-oriented, and continuous improvement mindset.
• Excellent judgment and discretion when handling sensitive organizational information.
• Adaptability and resilience in a dynamic and fast-growing organization.
• Strong commitment to youth leadership, locally led development, climate justice, and equitable access to climate finance.
• Ability to foster an inclusive, collaborative, and respectful organizational culture.
• Passion for strengthening African youth leadership and transforming climate finance to better serve young people and grassroots organizations.

Equal Opportunity Statement

AYCF is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We strongly encourage applications from young professionals, women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from underrepresented communities across Africa. Recruitment and selection decisions are based solely on merit, competence, and alignment with AYCF’s values and mission.

How to Apply

1. Prepare your application package, which should consist of a one-page cover letter stating your interest in the role and highlighting your relevant achievements, along with a recent CV, all merged into a single PDF.
2. Ensure that your application package is accessible and does not exceed 10 MB.
3. Access the application form at: https://forms.gle/GEefdUUPZeDUgNBN9. Be sure to complete the form in full with accurate information before submitting.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Application Deadline: Friday, August 7, 2026, at 10:00 P.M. GMT

Terms of Reference

Position Title: Communications and Youth Engagement Officer

Reports to: Director, Africa Youth Climate Fund

Location: Remote within Africa

Contract Type: Full-time

Remuneration: AYCF offers a competitive monthly remuneration within the range of USD 1,500– 2,000 gross, depending on experience, location, and internal equity. Final compensation will be determined in line with AYCF/GAYO policies.

Duration: 1 Year, Renewable Subject to Performance and Funding Availability

About the Africa Youth Climate Fund (AYCF)

Africa’s youthful population is one of the continent’s greatest assets in advancing a low-carbon, climate-resilient development pathway through initiatives that promote a just and inclusive green transition. Yet despite young people being at the forefront of climate action, innovation, advocacy, and community resilience-building, they continue to receive only a fraction of global climate finance. Less than 1% of international and local climate funding reaches youth-led organizations directly, limiting their ability to scale solutions, influence policy, and drive transformative climate action. At the same time, Africa faces disproportionate climate impacts despite contributing less than 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, making investment in youth leadership and locally driven solutions more urgent than ever.

The Africa Youth Climate Fund (AYCF) is a flagship initiative of the Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO), established to redistribute power, resources, and decision-making to Africa’s youth climate movements. AYCF exists to address the persistent inequities in climate finance by ensuring that young African climate leaders, innovators, movements, and organizations have direct access to the resources, partnerships, and opportunities needed to scale transformative climate solutions. Through a participatory youth-for-youth grant-making model, the Fund supports entrepreneurship and innovation, movement building, research, and climate justice advocacy across Africa. AYCF serves as both a financing mechanism and a continental platform for strengthening youth leadership in climate action, resilience, and sustainable development.

AYCF envisions an Africa where young people are not merely beneficiaries of climate interventions but are recognized as decision-makers, innovators, investors, and architects of the continent’s climate-resilient future. Through resource mobilization, fostering partnerships, nurturing innovation, and amplifying youth voices, AYCF is building a new paradigm of climate finance that is accessible, equitable, and responsive to the aspirations and realities of Africa’s young people.

Purpose of the Position

The Communications and Youth Engagement Officer will coordinate and support the implementation of AYCF’s communications, youth engagement, storytelling, digital visibility, and public engagement agenda. The role will help position AYCF as a leading youth-led climate finance mechanism in Africa by amplifying youth voices, documenting grantee stories, supporting strategic communications products, and strengthening engagement with young climate leaders, partners, donors, media, and wider public audiences.

The role is responsible for shaping AYCF’s institutional voice, strengthening its brand and visibility, and ensuring that the stories, innovations, and achievements of young climate leaders are effectively communicated to diverse audiences, including young people, donors, policymakers, partners, the media, and the broader public. Through compelling storytelling, strategic communications, and digital engagement, the Officer will amplify the impact of AYCF’s investments while contributing to broader conversations on climate justice, youth leadership, and locally led climate action.

Working closely with program teams, grantees, and partners, the  Communications and Youth Engagement Officer will cultivate meaningful engagement with young people across Africa by creating platforms for dialogue, learning, collaboration, and collective action. The role will champion youth participation beyond program implementation, ensuring that young people actively influence conversations on climate finance, policy, innovation, and sustainable development while strengthening AYCF’s youth-for-youth identity.

As AYCF grows its grantmaking portfolio, the Officer will work closely with the Programs and Community Support Manager to translate program evidence, grantee experiences, learning, and impact into compelling communications products. The role will support AYCF’s public credibility by ensuring that stories, campaigns, publications, digital content, and youth engagement activities are accurate, ethical, inclusive, and grounded in the realities of young climate leaders across Africa.

AYCF’s Strategic Communications and Youth Engagement Philosophy

At the Africa Youth Climate Fund (AYCF), communications is more than a tool for visibility; it is a strategic instrument for shifting power, amplifying youth leadership, strengthening accountability, and transforming how climate action and climate finance are understood and experienced across Africa. Narratives about climate action in Africa are too often shaped by external actors, portraying young people as beneficiaries rather than innovators, leaders, decision-makers, and architects of climate solutions.

AYCF is committed to changing this narrative by positioning young people at the center of climate storytelling, public discourse, and decision-making. The Fund believes that strategic communications and meaningful youth engagement are fundamental to advancing climate justice, strengthening locally led action, fostering accountability, and building a vibrant movement of young climate leaders capable of influencing policy, mobilizing action, and accelerating sustainable change.

Accordingly, the Strategic Communications and Youth Engagement Officer will champion communication and engagement approaches that:

• Center youth voices, lived experiences, and leadership in all communications and public engagement.
• Amplify African-led climate solutions, innovation, research and locally led action.
• Position AYCF and its grantees as credible thought leaders and changemakers in climate finance and climate governance.
• Promote climate justice, equity, inclusion, and meaningful youth participation in climate decision-making processes.
• Challenge narratives that diminish the agency, expertise, and leadership of young people.
• Use storytelling, digital engagement, and strategic communications to inspire action, influence policy, mobilize support, and strengthen public understanding of youth-led climate solutions.
• Translate program evidence, research, and learning into compelling communication products that inform policy, practice, and investment.
• Foster collaboration, peer learning, and a sense of community among AYCF grantees, alumni, youth networks, and partners across Africa.
• Ensure that all communications uphold the highest standards of accuracy, ethical storytelling, informed consent, dignity, inclusion, and respectful representation.
• Strengthen AYCF’s visibility and reputation as Africa’s leading youth-led climate fund and a trusted platform for advancing youth leadership in climate action.

Through this approach, AYCF seeks not only to communicate its work but also to reshape narratives, elevate youth voices, strengthen collective action, and build a continent-wide movement where young Africans are recognized as equal partners in designing, financing, and delivering solutions to the climate crisis.

Key Responsibilities

The Communications and Youth Engagement Officer will work across six interconnected functional areas that strengthen AYCF’s institutional visibility, amplify youth voices, foster meaningful engagement, and position the Fund as Africa’s leading youth-led climate finance institution.

The key areas of responsibility include:

• Strategic Communications, Brand, and Institutional Positioning
• Digital Communications, Storytelling, and Content Development
• Youth Engagement, Community Building, and Movement Strengthening
• Strategic Influence, Media Relations, and Public Affairs
• Knowledge Management, Learning, and Evidence Communication
• Events, Campaigns, and Institutional Visibility

Together, these functions will ensure that AYCF effectively communicates its mission and impact, strengthens relationships with young people and strategic stakeholders, amplifies the voices of youth climate leaders, influences conversations on climate finance and climate justice, and builds a vibrant pan-African community of young changemakers driving locally led climate action.

Strategic Communications, Brand and Institutional Positioning (25%)

• Support the development and implementation of AYCF’s Strategic Communications and Youth Engagement Strategy, aligned with the organization’s Strategic Plan.
• Position AYCF as Africa’s leading youth-led climate fund through strategic communications, thought leadership, and institutional storytelling.
• Develop and implement annual communications, branding, and visibility plans that strengthen AYCF’s institutional reputation and influence.
• Ensure consistent application of AYCF’s brand identity, messaging, and communication standards across all platforms and publications.
• Provide communications support to the Director and AYCF leadership on messaging, public positioning, reputational risks, stakeholder engagement, and preparation for public-facing opportunities.
• Develop communication products that clearly articulate AYCF’s mission, values, programs, and impact to diverse audiences, including youth, donors, policymakers, partners, and the public.

Digital Communications, Storytelling and Content Development (20%)

• Lead AYCF’s digital communications strategy, ensuring an engaging and consistent presence across websites, social media platforms, newsletters, and other digital channels.
• Develop compelling multimedia content, including stories, videos, blogs, podcasts, photography, infographics, short-form social media content, and publications that showcase the impact of youth-led climate action.
• Capture, document, and amplify stories from grantees, partners, and youth climate leaders, ensuring authentic, ethical, and inclusive representation.
• Produce annual reports, newsletters, case studies, policy briefs, and other communication materials that demonstrate AYCF’s impact and thought leadership.
• Monitor digital analytics and audience engagement, using insights to continuously improve communication strategies and outreach.
• Maintain and regularly update AYCF’s website and digital resource platforms.

Youth Engagement, Community Building, and Movement Strengthening (15%)

• Design and implement AYCF’s Youth Engagement Strategy to foster meaningful participation, dialogue, and collaboration among young climate leaders across Africa.
• Coordinate engagement with AYCF grantees, alumni, youth networks, volunteers, and partners through online and in-person platforms.
• Maintain and update AYCF’s youth engagement database, mailing lists, online community platforms, and contact records to support effective communication with grantees, applicants, alumni, youth networks, and movement actors.
• Support feedback mechanisms that enable young people, applicants, grantees, and youth networks to share insights, concerns, priorities, and recommendations that inform AYCF’s communications, engagement, and program learning.
• Facilitate youth dialogues, consultations, webinars, campaigns, and learning forums that encourage participation, collaboration, and collective action.
• Strengthen and nurture a Pan-African community of young climate leaders by promoting peer exchange, solidarity, and shared learning.
• Ensure that youth voices are meaningfully reflected in AYCF’s communications, campaigns, and institutional initiatives.
• Promote inclusive engagement approaches that reach marginalized, underrepresented, and grassroots youth across the continent.

Media Relations, Public Affairs, and Influence Support (10%)

• Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, media houses, digital content creators, and strategic communication partners.
• Develop and implement media engagement strategies that increase AYCF’s visibility, credibility, and influence.
• Support in preparing press releases, speeches, opinion articles, media statements, talking points, and key messages for organizational leadership.
• Monitor media coverage and public discourse on climate change, climate finance, and youth leadership, identifying opportunities for strategic engagement.
• Support advocacy initiatives by translating technical information into accessible, compelling communication materials.
• Support efforts to position AYCF, its leadership, grantees, and youth partners as trusted voices in regional and global conversations on youth-led climate action and climate finance.

Knowledge Management, Learning, and Evidence Communication (10%)

• Support the documentation and dissemination of lessons learned, program innovations, grantee stories, and success stories emerging from AYCF’s grant portfolio, in collaboration with the Programs and Community Support Manager.
• Translate program evidence, research findings, and learning into accessible communication products for diverse audiences.
• Develop and maintain systems for organizing and sharing institutional knowledge and communication assets.
• Work closely with the Programs and Community Support Manager to communicate program results, learning, and impact.
• Support the publication of knowledge products that contribute to discourse on climate finance, youth leadership, and locally led climate action.

Events, Campaigns, and Institutional Visibility (10%)

• Support in planning and coordinating AYCF’s participation in national, regional, and international events, including climate conferences, youth forums, donor engagements, and policy dialogues.
• Lead the design and implementation of strategic communication campaigns that advance AYCF’s mission, values, and strategic priorities.
• Coordinate branding, media engagement, digital coverage, and communication materials for organizational events.
• Support the Director and AYCF leadership in preparing for conferences, public speaking engagements, donor engagements, media opportunities, and high-level meetings.
• Develop post-event communication products that capture key outcomes, lessons, and opportunities for continued engagement.
• Identify innovative approaches to expand AYCF’s visibility, influence, and engagement across Africa and globally.

Innovation, Learning and Continuous Improvement (10%)

• Champion innovation in strategic communications, digital engagement, and youth participation.
• Build communication capacity across the organization by supporting staff and grantees to communicate their work effectively and ethically.
• Foster collaboration across Programs, Grants & Operations, Finance, and external partners to ensure integrated communication and engagement.
• Monitor emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in communications and youth engagement, recommending improvements where appropriate.
• Contribute to organizational planning, annual work planning, institutional development, and the development of communications products that support donor engagement and resource mobilization.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the Director that are consistent with the responsibilities of the role and contribute to AYCF’s mission.

Person Specification

Education and Professional Qualifications

Essential

• A bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Development Communication, Media Studies, International Relations, Political Science, Development Studies, Marketing, Digital Media, or a related field.
• A master’s degree in a relevant field will be an added advantage but is not required.
• Professional training or certification in strategic communications, digital marketing, public relations, media production, graphic design, multimedia production, storytelling, youth engagement, or knowledge management will be an added advantage.
• Demonstrated practical experience in communications, digital engagement, storytelling, media, youth engagement, or campaign coordination may be considered alongside formal qualifications.

Professional Experience

Essential

• At least three (3) to five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications, public relations, media, youth engagement, advocacy, knowledge management, or stakeholder engagement within the development, philanthropy, climate, or non-profit sectors.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing strategic communication and visibility strategies for organizations, programs, or campaigns.
• Proven experience managing digital communication platforms, including websites, social media, newsletters, and multimedia content.
• Experience producing high-quality communication products, including reports, policy briefs, newsletters, blogs, speeches, media statements, and digital publications.
• Demonstrated experience planning and implementing communication campaigns that influence public awareness, stakeholder engagement, or policy dialogue.
• Experience organizing events, conferences, webinars, public forums, and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Demonstrated experience engaging youth-led organizations, youth networks, communities, volunteers, or movement actors through online and offline platforms.
• Experience working with media practitioners and developing relationships with journalists, communication partners, and influencers.
• Strong storytelling and content development skills, with practical ability to coordinate or produce basic photography, videography, graphics, or short-form digital content for traditional and digital platforms.

Desirable

• Experience working with youth-led organizations, African youth climate movements, youth advocacy spaces, or climate justice networks.
• Experience communicating climate change, climate finance, environmental sustainability, biodiversity, or development issues.
• Experience supporting advocacy, policy engagement, or public awareness campaigns.
• Experience working across multiple African countries or within regional organizations.
• Working proficiency in French, Arabic, Portuguese, or another widely used African language, in addition to English, will be an added advantage.
• Experience using Customer Relationship Management (CRM), email marketing, content management systems, or digital analytics platforms

Technical Competencies

Strategic Communications and Brand Management

• Strong understanding of strategic communications, institutional branding, and reputation management.
• Ability to develop communication strategies that support organizational objectives and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience managing organizational identity and ensuring consistent messaging across communication platforms.
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills with exceptional attention to detail.

Digital Communications and Multimedia

• Strong knowledge of digital communication trends, social media management, and online audience engagement.
• Proficiency in developing multimedia content, including photography, videography, graphics, podcasts, and short-form video.
• Experience managing websites and content management systems.
• Ability to analyze communication performance using digital analytics and translate insights into improved communication strategies.

Youth Engagement and Stakeholder Relations

• Strong understanding of meaningful youth participation, community engagement, and movement building.
• Ability to facilitate dialogue, consultations, learning events, and collaborative platforms for young people.
• Excellent networking and relationship management skills with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with multicultural and multilingual audiences.

Knowledge Management and Storytelling

• Ability to translate technical information, research, and program evidence into accessible and compelling communication products.
• Experience documenting lessons learned, success stories, and organizational knowledge.
• Strong skills in interviewing, storytelling, and content development.

Core Competencies and Skills

Strategic Thinking

• Ability to align communications and youth engagement initiatives with organizational priorities and long-term strategic objectives.
• Ability to identify emerging communication opportunities and respond effectively to reputational risks.

Creativity and Innovation

• Demonstrated creativity in developing engaging communication products and campaigns.
• Ability to identify and apply innovative communication tools, technologies, and engagement approaches.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and facilitation skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build productive relationships across diverse audiences.
• Confidence in representing the organization in public forums and media engagements.

Planning and Organization

• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple communication products, campaigns, and events simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
• Close attention to detail and commitment to quality.

Digital Literacy

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace.
• Proficiency in Canva and familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite or equivalent graphic design, video editing, and multimedia tools.
• Experience with website content management platforms, email marketing systems, social media scheduling tools, online community platforms, and digital analytics tools is highly desirable.

Personal Attributes

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Passion for youth leadership, climate justice, and locally led development.
• A strong commitment to ethical storytelling and the responsible representation of individuals and communities.
• Creativity, initiative, and a solutions-oriented mindset.
• Excellent judgment, professionalism, and integrity.
• Strong collaboration and relationship-building skills.
• Cultural sensitivity and the ability to work effectively across diverse African contexts.
• Adaptability and resilience in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and meaningful youth participation.
• Enthusiasm for building a vibrant pan-African community of young climate leaders and amplifying their voices on regional and global platforms.

Equal Opportunity Statement

AYCF is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We strongly encourage applications from young professionals, women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from underrepresented communities across Africa. Recruitment and selection decisions are based solely on merit, competence, and alignment with AYCF’s values and mission.

How to Apply

1. Prepare your application package, which should consist of a one-page cover letter stating your interest in the role and highlighting your relevant achievements, along with a recent CV, all merged into a single PDF.
2. Ensure that your application package is accessible and does not exceed 10 MB.
3. Access the application form at: https://forms.gle/zQAttbu9yPuR8zre8. Be sure to complete the form in full with accurate information before submitting.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Application Deadline: Friday, August 7, 2026, at 10:00 P.M. GMT

Terms of Reference

Position Title: Programs and Community Support Manager

Reports to: Director, Africa Youth Climate Fund

Location: Remote within Africa

Contract Type: Full-time

Remuneration: AYCF offers a competitive monthly gross remuneration within the range of USD 2,500–3,000, depending on experience, location, internal equity, and funding availability. Final compensation will be determined in line with AYCF/GAYO policies.

Duration: 1 Year, Renewable Subject to Performance and Funding Availability

About the Africa Youth Climate Fund (AYCF)

Africa’s youthful population is one of the continent’s greatest assets in advancing a low-carbon, climate-resilient development pathway through initiatives that promote a just and inclusive green transition. Yet despite young people being at the forefront of climate action, innovation, advocacy, and community resilience-building, they continue to receive only a fraction of global climate finance. Less than 1% of international and local climate funding reaches youth-led organizations directly, limiting their ability to scale solutions, influence policy, and drive transformative climate action. At the same time, Africa faces disproportionate climate impacts despite contributing less than 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, making investment in youth leadership and locally driven solutions more urgent than ever.

The Africa Youth Climate Fund (AYCF) is a flagship initiative of the Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO), established to redistribute power, resources, and decision-making to Africa’s youth climate movements. AYCF exists to address the persistent inequities in climate finance by ensuring that young African climate leaders, innovators, movements, and organizations have direct access to the resources, partnerships, and opportunities needed to scale transformative climate solutions. Through a participatory youth-for-youth grant-making model, the Fund supports entrepreneurship and innovation, movement building, research, and climate justice advocacy across Africa. AYCF serves as both a financing mechanism and a continental platform for strengthening youth leadership in climate action, resilience, and sustainable development.

AYCF envisions an Africa where young people are not merely beneficiaries of climate interventions but are recognized as decision-makers, innovators, investors, and architects of the continent’s climate-resilient future. Through resource mobilization, fostering partnerships, nurturing innovation, and amplifying youth voices, AYCF is building a new paradigm of climate finance that is accessible, equitable, and responsive to the aspirations and realities of Africa’s young people.

Purpose of the Position

The Programs and Community Support Manager will provide strategic leadership for the coordination, implementation support, quality assurance, learning, and community-facing dimensions of AYCF’s program portfolio. The role will ensure that AYCF-funded initiatives are programmatically coherent, technically supported, youth-centered, and capable of generating meaningful evidence, learning, and impact. Working closely with the Grants and Operations Manager, the role will support grantees from post-award onboarding through implementation, learning, reporting, and program reflection, while the Grants and Operations function leads grant administration, compliance, contracting, disbursement coordination, and formal close-out processes.

As AYCF expands its investment in youth-led climate action, the programs and Community Support Manager will champion a grantee-centered approach that recognizes youth-led organizations as long-term partners rather than short-term funding recipients. The role will cultivate strong relationships with grantees, facilitate peer learning and collaboration, strengthen institutional capacities, and promote adaptive program management that responds to emerging opportunities and challenges. The Manager will also lead the development of systems and approaches that strengthen program quality, monitor implementation progress, capture evidence of impact, and generate learning to continuously improve AYCF’s grantmaking model. This includes coordinating technical assistance, facilitating knowledge exchange, documenting good practices, and supporting grantees to strengthen organizational performance, leadership, and sustainability.

Through effective program management, grantee accompaniment, and continuous learning, the programs and Community  Support Manager will help position AYCF as a trusted partner to Africa’s youth climate entrepreneurs, innovators, researchers and movement, ensuring that investments in young climate leaders translate into scalable solutions, stronger organizations, and transformative impacts for communities and ecosystems across the continent.

Key Responsibilities

The Programs and Community Support Manager will provide strategic leadership across six interconnected functional areas that ensure AYCF’s grant investments translate into meaningful, high-quality, and sustainable climate action led by young people across Africa.

The key areas of responsibility include:

1. Program Portfolio Management and Delivery
2. Grantee Support, Capacity Strengthening, and Organizational Development
3. Program Quality Assurance and Adaptive Management
4. Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, and Knowledge Management
5. Strategic Partnerships, Stakeholder Engagement, and Ecosystem Building
6. Leadership, Team Coordination, and Continuous Improvement

Together, these functions ensure that AYCF delivers high-impact programs, strengthens the institutional capacity of youth-led organizations, fosters learning and collaboration across its grantee portfolio, and generates evidence that advances youth-led climate action and informs the continuous evolution of AYCF’s grant-making model.

Program Portfolio Management and Delivery (30%)

• Lead the strategic management and oversight of AYCF’s program portfolio, ensuring that funded initiatives are implemented effectively, achieve intended outcomes, and contribute to AYCF’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Support the design and refinement of AYCF’s program windows, including movement building, climate research, innovation, youth-led advocacy, and other thematic areas, ensuring that each window has clear objectives, target groups, support models, learning questions, and expected outcomes.
• Coordinate program onboarding for new grantees in collaboration with the Grants and Operations Manager, ensuring that grantees understand program objectives, implementation expectations, safeguarding requirements, reporting obligations, learning expectations, available support mechanisms, and grant compliance requirements.
• Develop and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with grantees throughout the grant lifecycle, serving as the primary point of contact for program implementation and technical support.
• Monitor program implementation against approved work plans, milestones, results frameworks, and grant agreements, identifying risks and opportunities for adaptive management.
• Coordinate regular portfolio review meetings to assess implementation progress, address emerging challenges, and identify opportunities to enhance program impact.
• Support grantees in navigating implementation challenges by facilitating access to technical expertise, mentoring, and relevant resources.
• Ensure timely identification and escalation of program risks that may affect delivery, and collaborate with the Grants and Operations Manager to address compliance-related matters as needed.
• Promote adaptive program management by supporting grantees to respond effectively to changing contexts while maintaining alignment with grant objectives.

Grantee Support, Capacity Strengthening and Organizational Development (20%)

• Design and implement AYCF’s grantee support strategy to ensure that youth-led organizations receive tailored institutional and technical support throughout the implementation period.
• Strengthen AYCF’s wider community support approach by creating spaces for youth-led organizations, applicants, grantees, alumni, and movement actors to learn, collaborate, access opportunities, and remain connected to the Fund beyond individual grant cycles.
• Conduct organizational capacity assessments to identify strengths, gaps, and priority areas for institutional development.
• Develop and coordinate capacity-strengthening initiatives across organizational leadership, project management, financial management, governance, safeguarding, monitoring and evaluation, communications, resource mobilization, and sustainability.
• Facilitate coaching, mentoring, and technical assistance to strengthen grantee performance and long-term organizational resilience.
• Coordinate peer learning initiatives, exchange visits, webinars, communities of practice, and other collaborative learning platforms that enable grantees to share experiences, innovations, and lessons learned.
• Promote inclusive participation and youth leadership by ensuring that grantee engagement reflects AYCF’s values of equity, collaboration, locally led development, and meaningful youth participation.
• Support grantees in identifying opportunities for growth, partnership, and long-term sustainability beyond individual grant cycles.

Program Quality Assurance and Adaptive Management (20%)

• Develop and implement program quality standards, tools, and guidance to promote effective, accountable program delivery across the grant portfolio.
• Conduct periodic program reviews to assess progress, quality, relevance, effectiveness, and emerging risks.
• Work closely with grantees to strengthen program design, implementation approaches, and results delivery through adaptive management.
• Ensure safeguarding, gender equality, inclusion, youth protection, do-no-harm principles, ethical community engagement, and environmental and social safeguards are effectively integrated across funded initiatives.
• Coordinate program improvement plans where implementation challenges or capacity gaps are identified.
• Document and disseminate program innovations and successful approaches to inform future grantmaking and program design.

Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, and Knowledge Management (10%)

• Lead the implementation of AYCF’s monitoring, evaluation, learning, and knowledge management framework across the program portfolio.
• Monitor program performance using agreed indicators, results frameworks, and learning objectives.
• Coordinate the collection, analysis, and synthesis of program data to assess progress, outcomes, and impact.
• Prepare high-quality program reports, portfolio analyses, and impact summaries for internal management, donors, and governance bodies.
• Capture and document lessons learned, promising practices, innovations, and case studies that strengthen organizational learning and inform future programming.
• Facilitate regular learning and reflection sessions with grantees and internal teams to promote continuous improvement and adaptive management.
• Work with the Communications and Youth Engagement Officer to translate program evidence, case studies, learning briefs, and grantee stories into accessible knowledge and communications products for youth audiences, donors, partners, and the Advisory Circle.
• Strengthen knowledge management systems to enable the effective documentation, dissemination, and utilization of evidence generated by AYCF’s investments.

Technical Partnerships, Community Engagement, and Ecosystem Building (10%)

• Build and maintain relationships with technical partners, youth networks, research institutions, mentors, incubators, learning partners, and ecosystem actors that can strengthen the support available to AYCF grantees and wider youth climate communities.
• Coordinate technical and learning collaborations that expand opportunities for mentoring, capacity strengthening, peer learning, research support, visibility, innovation, and community-building across the grant portfolio.
• Represent AYCF in program-related meetings, learning events, conferences, technical working groups, and partner engagements as delegated by the Director.
• Promote collaboration among grantees, partners, and stakeholders to strengthen Africa’s youth climate ecosystem and encourage collective action.
• Support the documentation and communication of program achievements and impact stories in collaboration with the Communications function.

Leadership, Team Coordination, and Continuous Improvement (10%)

• Provide strategic leadership for AYCF’s program portfolio, fostering a culture of excellence, learning, accountability, and innovation.
• Supervise program staff, consultants, and technical partners as assigned, providing coaching, performance management, and professional development.
• Strengthen collaboration across the Programs, Grants & Operations, Finance, and Communications functions to ensure integrated delivery of AYCF’s strategic objectives.
• Contribute to organizational planning, annual work planning, budgeting, institutional development, and the generation of program evidence that supports AYCF’s donor engagement and resource mobilization efforts.
• Champion continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to strengthen program systems, grantee support approaches, and portfolio performance.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the Founding Director that are consistent with the purpose of the role and contribute to AYCF’s mission.

Person Specifications

Education and Professional Qualifications

Essential

• A master’s degree in International Development, Development Studies, Project/Programme Management, Climate Change, Environmental Management, Public Policy, Social Sciences, Monitoring and Evaluation, Organizational Development, Youth Development, or a related field.
• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline with substantial and progressively responsible experience in program management, grantee support, organizational development, capacity strengthening, MEL/KM, or community-based development may be considered in lieu of a master’s degree.
• Professional training or certification in project/programme management, monitoring and evaluation, organizational development, capacity strengthening, facilitation, safeguarding, or youth development will be an added advantage.

Professional Experience

Essential

• At least five to seven years of progressively responsible experience in program management, grant portfolio support, organizational development, institutional capacity strengthening, MEL/KM, community engagement, or grantee accompaniment within the development, philanthropy, humanitarian, climate, youth development, or non-profit sectors.
• Demonstrated experience managing multi-country or multi-partner program portfolios.
• Proven experience supporting civil society organizations, youth-led organizations, grassroots movements, or community-based organizations to strengthen program delivery and institutional performance.
• Experience in designing and implementing organizational capacity-strengthening initiatives, including mentoring, coaching, and technical assistance.
• Demonstrated experience in program planning, implementation, monitoring, reporting, and adaptive management.
• Experience in integrating safeguarding, inclusion, gender equality, youth participation, and do-no-harm principles into program implementation and community engagement processes.
• Experience developing and implementing Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, and Knowledge Management (MEL/KM) systems.
• Proven ability to facilitate learning processes, peer exchanges, workshops, and communities of practice.
• Experience preparing high-quality program reports for donors, senior management, and governance bodies.

Desirable Skills and Experiences

• Experience working with youth-led organizations, youth movements, or youth networks across Africa.
• Experience managing programs in climate change, environmental conservation, biodiversity, sustainability, or climate justice.
• Experience working with climate finance initiatives, grant-making institutions, community foundations, or philanthropic organizations.
• Experience supporting locally led development, participatory approaches, and trust-based philanthropy.
• Experience in supporting participatory grantmaking, youth advisory processes, community-led funding models, or movement-based funding approaches will be an added advantage.
• Experience working with regional or international development partners and multi-country programs.

Technical Competencies

Program Portfolio Management

• Strong understanding of program and portfolio management principles.
• Ability to oversee multiple grants and programs simultaneously while ensuring quality implementation and results.
• Experience applying adaptive management approaches to improve program performance.
• Strong planning, coordination, and program management skills.

Grantee Support and Organizational Capacity Strengthening

• Demonstrated experience in designing and delivering organizational capacity-strengthening programs.
• Strong coaching, mentoring, and facilitation skills.
• Ability to assess organizational capacity and develop tailored institutional strengthening plans.
• Experience supporting organizational sustainability, governance, leadership, and program management.
• Strong appreciation of locally led development and participatory approaches.

Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, and Knowledge Management

• Strong knowledge of results-based management and MEL frameworks.
• Experience developing indicators, results frameworks, and learning agendas.
• Ability to analyze program data and generate evidence for decision-making.
• Experience documenting lessons learned, good practices, and program innovations.
• Strong knowledge management and report-writing skills.

Climate and Youth Development

• Good understanding of climate change, climate justice, adaptation, resilience, biodiversity, and sustainable development.
• Understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing youth-led organizations across Africa.
• Knowledge of youth participation, leadership development, and inclusive program design.

Core Competencies and Skills

Strategic Program Leadership

• Ability to provide strategic direction for program portfolios and translate organizational priorities into impactful programs.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Relationship Management

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build trusted relationships with grantees, partners, and diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multicultural and multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong networking and stakeholder engagement skills.

Communication and Facilitation

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Exceptional facilitation, presentation, and training skills.
• Ability to communicate complex program concepts clearly to diverse audiences.

Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to identify program challenges and develop practical, context-specific solutions.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage competing priorities.

Digital Literacy

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and collaboration platforms.
• Experience using program management, monitoring, and data management systems is desirable.

Personal Attributes

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• A strong commitment to youth leadership and meaningful youth participation.
• Passion for climate justice, locally led development, and strengthening youth-led organizations.
• Integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
• A collaborative, empathetic, and service-oriented leadership style.
• Strong emotional intelligence and cultural sensitivity.
• Creativity, innovation, and a continuous learning mindset.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced, and mission-driven environment.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and safeguarding.
• A genuine interest in empowering young people to lead transformative climate action across Africa.

Equal Opportunity Statement

AYCF is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We strongly encourage applications from young professionals, women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from underrepresented communities across Africa. Recruitment and selection decisions are based solely on merit, competence, and alignment with AYCF’s values and mission.

How to Apply

1. Prepare your application package, which should consist of a one-page cover letter stating your interest in the role and highlighting your relevant achievements, along with a recent CV, all merged into a single PDF.
2. Ensure that your application package is accessible and does not exceed 10 MB.
3. Access the application form at: https://forms.gle/9iNYAC2hWhLHbf1LA. Be sure to complete the form in full with accurate information before submitting.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Application Deadline: Friday, August 7, 2026, at 10:00 P.M. GMT