Director, Organisation and Ecosystem Development (OED)

Background

In 2023, CIFF strengthened its commitment to integrated and holistic impact by creating the role of Chief Ecosystem Development Officer (CEDO) to work with our Organisation and Ecosystem Development (OED) team. Serving as a Centre of excellence, the OED team leverages opportunities for ecosystem development across its missions, and lead interventions that strengthen the wider climate and development landscape. This includes providing guidance and support for both staff and field partners. Underpinning this work is a set of core principles that champion strategic collaboration, invest in capacity building and connective tissue, mitigate risk in ecosystems, encourage innovation and institution building, and ensure sustainability and greater impact, including by promoting equity and inclusion.

Main purpose of the role

We are seeking a visionary leader to serve as Director Organisation and Ecosystem Development , driving CIFF’s strategy to scale systemic, high-impact solutions. This pivotal role will shape the broader CIFF ecosystem by forging cross-sector partnerships, fostering collaboration, and identifying strategic leverage points.

As an expert in ecosystem development, you will design and lead evidence-based strategies to strengthen institutions, accelerate innovation, and grow the influence and sustainability of our partners. This includes: spearheading analysis of the landscape to identify gaps, opportunities, and strategic leverage points, as well as cultivating cross sectoral partnerships with grantees, funders, to align and scale efforts. supporting organizations and networks to grow their impact, sustainability and collaboration, and representing CIFF in key forums, leading convenings and sharing insights that advance the field.

Working closely with a senior team of professionals you will deliver transformative ecosystem-building programs across a fast moving and exciting OED portfolio while contributing to CIFF’s global impact. You will work closely with the Global Director Organisation and Ecosystem Development (OED),Chief Ecosystem Development Officer (CEDO) and the wider CEDO team to align regional and global strategies—ensuring cohesive, innovative, and enduring change across the foundation’s mission. You will deputise for the Global Director OED when needed.

Your strategic leadership role will be pivotal in ensuring that CIFF’s initiatives in Organisation and Ecosystem building are innovative, impactful, and sustainable, leading to significant and long-lasting positive changes in the lives of our target demographics.

Role responsibilities

As a senior leader within the Organisation and Ecosystem Development (OED) team, you will:

• Lead strategy, portfolio development, and programme management aligned with CIFF’s mission.
• Advise the Executive Team and Board on key developments and strategic opportunities.
• Champion cross-cutting initiatives and special projects as required.
• Provide clear, collaborative leadership, fostering team alignment and shared accountability.
• Represent CIFF externally, enhancing its profile and reputation.

Strategy & Planning

• Lead the development of evidence-based, high-impact strategies aligned with CIFF’s goals.
• Drive coherence across ecosystem initiatives to maximise impact.
• Shape and prioritise OD and ecosystem development efforts annually.
• Promote continuous improvement and innovation in programme strategy and delivery.

Programme Development, Delivery & Performance

• Oversee programme design, delivery, and evaluation against strategic goals and budgets.
• Set and monitor team targets to ensure delivery excellence.
• Ensure robust risk management and compliance for all investments.
• Support colleagues with technical advice, mentoring, and best practice frameworks.
• Identify and implement operational improvements for efficiency and effectiveness.
• Manage performance data to inform decision-making.
• Personally lead a portfolio of programmes and investments.

Sector Knowledge & Profile-Building

• Stay current with sector trends through strong networks and research.
• Commission and use insights to shape and evaluate CIFF’s work.
• Represent CIFF in key external forums and contribute to thought leadership.
• Support advocacy to advance CIFF’s OD and ecosystem priorities.

Stakeholder & Partner Management

• Build and manage strategic relationships with partners and stakeholders.
• Act as a key liaison with NGOs, government bodies, and ecosystem actors.
• Guide colleagues on partner engagement and collaboration strategies.

Leadership of the Team

• Partner with the Global OD & Ecosystem Director to align and share best practices.
• Mentor team members to grow skills and support career development.
• Foster a culture of openness, learning, and continuous improvement.
• Provide regular, constructive support to direct reports to drive accountability and performance.

Requirements

Skills & Experience

Ecosystem & Institution Building

Proven expertise in building ecosystems and institutions by aligning diverse programs, players, and initiatives for systemic impact. Skilled at forging strategic collaborations and coalitions—across sectors and geographies—to amplify outcomes and catalyse sustainable change.

Organizational & Community Development

Deep experience in designing and implementing transformative organizational strategies. Adept at building from the ground up, scaling initiatives, and fostering strong internal cultures while nurturing external communities to drive shared purpose and momentum.

Strategic Execution in Ambiguous Environments

Exceptional ability to navigate complexity and ambiguity, balancing vision with execution. Skilled at translating big-picture strategies into actionable, adaptive plans that deliver measurable impact—even in fluid or uncertain contexts.

Stakeholder & Coalition Management

Outstanding stakeholder management with a strong track record of engaging governments, multilaterals, NGOs, and corporate partners. Trusted to lead high-stakes relationships, align diverse interests, and steward coalitions toward common goals.

Leadership & Team Building

Inspirational and inclusive leader with a commitment to developing talent and building high-performing, mission-driven teams. Experienced in guiding professionals across all levels, instilling agility, accountability, and a growth mindset.

Analytical Thinking & Innovation

Sharp analytical acumen, using data to drive decisions and continuously refine approaches. A bias for innovation, always seeking smarter, scalable, and more sustainable solutions.

Communication & Advocacy

Clear, persuasive communicator with a strong presence in public forums. Experienced in thought leadership, advocacy, and shaping sector discourse through compelling narrative and influence.

Cultural Dexterity & Global Outlook

Highly attuned to cultural nuances, with experience leading across diverse, global settings. Brings a global perspective rooted in empathy, inclusion, and contextual sensitivity.

Benefits

CIFF operates a hybrid work policy across all locations, which means employees work in the office and some of the time from home. We are happy to provide more information on this as part of the recruitment process.

Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a generous benefits package here at CIFF that includes, but is not limited to the following.

• Annual leave - 25 days per annum. Increasing by 1 day after each year of service to a maximum of 30 days.
• Bonus - CIFF currently operates a discretionary bonus scheme.
• Training allowance
• Wellbeing allowance
• Life insurance
• Medical insurance

Please submit your application on or before 8th August 2025. CIFF reserves the right to close the job advert early if we receive a high number of suitable applications.