Appointment of Director, Environment Programme

About Oak Foundation

Oak Foundation (www.oakfnd.org) commits its resources to address issues of global, social, and environmental concern, particularly those that have a major impact on the lives of the disadvantaged. Oak Foundation has its main administrative office in Geneva, Switzerland and a presence in five other countries: Denmark, India, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Zimbabwe. Oak Foundation has seven main programmes: Environment, Housing and Homelessness, International Human Rights, Issues Affecting Women, Prevent Child Sexual Abuse, Learning Differences, and Special Interests. There are also four national programmes. These are: Brazil, Oak Foundation Denmark, India, and Zimbabwe. Since the start, Oak Foundation has made more than 5,000 grants to organisations around the world. You can find more information about our programmes and our values on our website.

About the Environment Programme 

Our largest programme, the Environment Programme funds a broad range of partners working to change systems to: decarbonise the global energy system; transform the food system to avoid catastrophic climate and biodiversity impacts, while supporting the livelihoods and food security of artisanal fisherfolk; and ensure the survival of critical living landscapes and conserve wildlife.

The Programme currently supports hundreds of partners worldwide, in priority geographies such as Europe, China, India, Brazil, Southern Africa, and Southeast Asia. The Environment Programme has an annual grant budget in excess of USD 60 million.

Purpose of the role

We are now seeking a Director to lead our Environment Programme and team. Main responsibilities include:

• Implementing new five-year strategic plan;
• managing the grant portfolio and team;
• leading field building activities, including network development, funder relationships, convenings, and collaborative projects, and representing Oak Foundation externally.

Position requirements

• at least 15 years of experience, expertise, and networks in the environment/development sector
• demonstrated ability to manage and motivate a team of senior-level, diverse, and international professionals
• ability to represent the Environment Programme and Oak Foundation with clarity and impact to a range of stakeholders

Location: Oak Foundation’s Geneva office

Reporting to: President, Oak Foundation

Type of contract: Full-time, permanent

How to apply

We encourage you to read more about the role by downloading further information below. The job reference is 4965.

To apply for the role or to ask any questions, please email jobs@oakfnd.org. Please state that your application or query is for the Director, Environment Programme role in the subject line of your email and kindly quote reference 4965.

Oak Foundation will be supported by Perrett Laver in conducting this search and Perrett Laver
is liaising with Alec Allan & Associates in Geneva.

The closing date for applications is 10:00am CET on Tuesday 9th February 2021.

The salary is competitive with the seniority of the appointment.

Please note that EU and non-EU candidates are eligible to apply.

By submitting your application, you confirm that you have read and understood Oak’s job applicant’s data privacy notice.

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.