Background: The Climate Emergency Collaboration Group (CECG) is a philanthropic collaboration between some of the world’s largest climate philanthropies. Our mission is to support and build a diverse ecosystem of actors to accelerate international cooperation on climate and low carbon development. Ensuring the success of the annual UNFCCC Conference of the Parties (COPs), and other multilateral forums is central to CECG’s mission, and we believe these moments have the potential to catalyse collective action, focus impactful organising, and disseminate powerful narratives. CECG is a sponsored project fiscally hosted by Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors (RPA).

Description: Purpose of role

CECG is seeking its inaugural Chief Programme Officer (CPO) who will provide leadership to its strong global team of about 25 programme staff and consultants. We are looking for a seasoned and experienced leader who can translate CECG’s overarching strategic goals into actionable programme objectives, integrate thematic programming areas, integrate best practices in monitoring, evaluation and learning, and spearhead innovation in programme development. This role requires extensive experience in programme planning, grant making processes, systems and compliance, and advanced financial management skills. The CPO provides direction and support to Programme Directors and MEL Director, guides programmatic strategy execution, mitigates and manages risk, optimises resources and fosters cross functional alignment to deliver impactful outcomes. The CPO will work closely with the Executive Director in providing regular updates and reports to CECG’s advisory Board and build strong relationships with key partners and CECG’s fiscal host. The CPO is expected to represent CECG at key strategic engagements and should have a significant network of alliances in the climate ecosystem.

Primary responsibilities
Strategic Direction:

• Steer the strategic direction and operational execution of the organisation’s programme to ensure alignment with the overarching goals and mission of CECG.

Programme Development:

• Oversee the design and implementation of the full programme portfolio ensuring that thematic focus areas are integrated to meet strategic objectives in an effective, impactful and sustainable way.

Programme Impact:

• Accountable for oversight of the generation and sharing of meaningful evidence and learning that informs operational and strategic decision-making. Ensure that CECG’s systems-based, action-oriented Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) strategy is implemented.

Team Leadership:

• Provide inspiring and motivational leadership that role models CECG’s values and empowers a high performing team to deliver excellence and impact. Provide clear direction and decisive leadership to direct reports, ensuring consistent performance standards, accountability and professional development.

Grant Management:

• Oversee the development and implementation of a grant making philosophy, with defined grant making principles, guidelines and standards aligned to industry standards. Oversee the design and implementation of effective structures for annual grant making cycles and lead grant making decision-making structures. Ensure CECG’s overall grant making process is effective, impactful and equitable.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Establish and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including funders, strategic partners, grantees, and peer organisations.

Fundraising:

• Contribute to the development of CECG’s fundraising strategies. Ensure funding proposals align with strategic programmatic focus areas from a collaborative and impact perspective. Support strategy engagements that enhance funding opportunities and promote CECG’s programmatic objectives.

Budget Management:

• Develop and manage the programme budget, ensuring efficient and effective resource allocation.

Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, and ethical standards applicable to the organisation’s policies.

Cross-Departmental Collaboration:

• Facilitate collaboration across departments to integrate programme objectives with broader organisational goals.

Innovation:

Spearhead innovative programme development initiatives to enhance programme delivery and outcomes.

Requirements: Experience

• High-level stakeholder management: Minimum of 10 years’ experience managing relationships with key stakeholders in the international climate field, with a strong professional track record.
• Senior Management Experience: Minimum of 10 years’ leadership experience in senior management roles with teams of 20 or more.
• Public Policy & Relations: Minimum of 7 years’ experience in public policy development, government relations, or regulatory affairs.
• Change Delivery: Minimum of 10 years’ experience driving change through campaigning, advocacy, strategic communications, or equivalent initiatives.
• Philanthropy & Grant Management: Minimum of 5 years’ experience in philanthropy, fundraising, or grant management.
• Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL): Minimum of 5 years’ experience in designing and implementing MEL frameworks.
• Multi-lateral or Equivalent Experience: Minimum of 5 years’ experience working in a multi-lateral setting, international organisation, or equivalent.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in a relevant field or equivalent (e.g. Climate, Energy, Environment, Economics, International Policy, Political Science, Management, Development Studies).

Comments: Reporting to:   Executive Director

Manages:         Four direct reports       

To apply for this role, please submit a copy of your CV/resume and a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and how you fulfil the requirements set out in the job announcement by clicking on the link below

Please contact Ruth Gardner at for any queries you may have.

The deadline for application is Sunday 27^th April 2025 

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Daryl Upsall International actively promotes equality, diversity and inclusion. In recruiting candidates, we seek candidates with the proven skills required; irrespective of race, gender, religion or belief, age, disability or sexual orientation.