We are a new, independent foundation joining the movement that is responding to the dual crises of climate change and inequality by supporting brave, innovative efforts that inspire and challenge industry to harness its power for good.

Laudes Foundation provides our partners with philanthropic capital, expertise and connections. We work collectively with and through specific industries to help catalyse systems change. At the same time, we influence those working in the global financial system to redirect the flow of capital to ensure investment encourages good business practices.

We work with businesses, shareholders, investors, workers and producers to create a new definition of value beyond shareholder value alone. This means rallying thought leaders and academics to make that definition credible; supporting civil society to make it plausible; mobilising media and movement-builders to make it desirable; influencing policymakers to make it effective; engaging financiers to make it feasible; and empowering citizens to make it beneficial.

We champion transparency, equity and diversity, innovation, and collaboration, and we both learn from our peers and partners and share our insights and knowledge widely. 

We are seeking a six-month parental cover for a dynamic and collaborative Programme Officer (PO) to join the Advocacy, Communications and the Economy team. The PO will work across all aspects of the team’s new grantmaking programme, which will combine elements of the current grantmaking strategy focused on using strategic communications and the media to amplify narratives in support of climate action and diminishing inequality, as well as the new economic thinking programme which funds academics, changemakers and thinkers who are challenging the status quo to drive political will.  

Reporting to the Senior Programme Manager, this role will play an important part in ensuring the high-quality delivery of the new programme as well as demonstrable impact. 

The PO will join the highly collaborative, eight-person team that supports both programmatic and enabling teams, partners, and each other with a commitment to excellence.  

The role is advertised as full-time, but applications interested in part-time positions will also be considered. 

Key responsibilities 

Strategy: Support the team in rolling out the strategy of the grantmaking programme. 

Delivery: Support the delivery of the programme by assisting the senior programme manager to research and identify potential new grant partners, conduct due diligence, including partner compliance with Laudes Foundation’s safeguarding policy, develop grant conditions, coordinate periodic reviews of progress with partners, and assist with monitoring and evaluation activities. 

Partner Management: Coordinate the tracking of a pipeline of partnerships and stakeholders aligned to the new strategy and support the identification and development of coalitions of stakeholders capable of delivering systemic change across the new programme. 

Convening: Lead logistical aspects of convening thought leaders, changemakers, stakeholders and partners to promote dialogue and discussion around the goals of the programme. 
 
Collaboration: Work with grant partners and the Effective Philanthropy team, which measures and evaluates the effectiveness of our programmatic grantmaking to encourage collaboration, learning, exchange of best practice, and strategic partnerships, including building collaborative grants across the foundation’s other programmes and with other donors. 

Communications: Take a proactive role alongside our partners and the external relations and brand team in shaping stories of inspiring impact and challenges in our field. 
 
Learning. Proactively contribute to a learning dynamic within the foundation by supporting the team in researching, analysing and sharing new and relevant insights with the wider team. 
 
Budget Management. Contribute to the development and tracking of both the op-ex and grantmaking budgets. 
 
Culture: Alongside the full advocacy, communications and the economy team, play a role in the development and maintenance of a culture of excellence, teamwork and trust at the foundation. 

What you need for the role 

• A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience plus at least three years’ experience in a dynamic, internationally focused business environment, and/ or an international nonprofit, or partner organisation. 
• Strategic thinker and self-starter with a basic understanding of the various mechanisms and interventions through which philanthropy and our partners can effect change (e.g., advocacy, research, collaboration, networks etc). 
• Proven ability to engage with a broad variety of stakeholders and in coalition with others; openness and curiosity about new approaches and different points of view. 
• Ability to navigate a large and complex institution; willingness to participate constructively on organisational priorities beyond the immediate focus of this programme; comfort with institutional change and periods of ambiguity. 
• Written and oral fluency in English. 

 
Key competencies 

Analytical: Ability to strategise, plan, prioritise and identify/assess opportunities, challenges and institutions with which to engage. 

Technology savvy: familiarity with Salesforce and the full Microsoft Office suite. 

Communication: Conveying ideas and opinions clearly and respectfully to others. Presenting ideas and facts clearly, while tailoring the message and presentation to the audience. Strong active listening skills. 

Teamwork: Contributing actively to a joint result or solution. 

Adaptability: Maintaining effectiveness by adapting to changing circumstances, tasks, responsibilities and people. 

Results oriented: Actively focusing on achieving results and meeting objectives; ready to take action / pivot in the fact of discouraging results. 

Quality: Setting high standards regarding the quality of your work and services. 

Additional information 

Geographic scope:  Global 

Travel expectations:  Up to 10 percent (candidates should be able to travel freely without any restrictions) 

Budget responsibility: No 

Direct reports: None 

Reports to:  Senior Programme Manager