As the world’s largest philanthropy that focuses specifically on improving children’s lives, we support bold ideas for children to survive and thrive, today and in the future. We have known for a long time that what happens to a child in the early years of their life, including pregnancy, is critical for the child’s development. And yet, nearly 22 million children around the world start life with a low birth weight and 45 million children are wasted – a life-threatening condition that occurs when a child is too thin for their height. Over the past few years, the number of children successfully treated for severe acute malnutrition has increased, but 80% of children who need it are still not being treated, and the issue is consistently overlooked as public health priority. Saving lives through treatment is increasing the burden on already weak and under-funded health systems, and a prevention gap is emerging. Underpinning all this is a need for more sustainable, long-term, and innovative financing for nutrition, and partnerships that can catalyse bold ideas to end malnutrition globally. Main purpose of the role The role will be a key member of the Global Nutrition team and support the priorities of our programmes to help shape our investments in global nutrition. The main objectives of the role are to: Provide project management support to support the global nutrition team to develop impactful investments and ensure efficient and impactful implementation of our programmes Carry out research, data analysis, and landscaping work to identify ways to enhance leverage and mobilise resources for nutrition Support cross-cutting functions like communications and external engagements, partnerships, and policy and advocacy.Role’s responsibilities Strategy & planning Independently or with minimal supervisions prepare and present high-quality analysis and research, as required, to support the senior management team in determining future strategic priorities and setting operational plans. Contribute to the production of programme strategy and the associated evidence base, alongside other team members, prior to a proposal’s submission for approval. Provide and communicate global, regional, national and sectoral insights both verbally and in writing, which contribute to the strategy and planning process Facilitate the collaboration of diverse stakeholders, encompassing governmental bodies, donor partners, DFIs, implementing agencies, to gather valuable insights and inputs for shaping strategic priorities Be continually updated on novel research and initiatives on deal structures, de-risking methodologies, market shaping mechanisms, etc. to serve as a thought partner to programmatic colleagues on scale-up funding and newer financing partnerships Support cutting-edge thinking of select nutrition financing mechanisms and help pioneer/test new approaches that inform CIFF's future strategy and contribute to the advancement of the broader ecosystem Undertake other specific research projects required, as directed by members of the team Programme development, delivery & performance Support with programme managing a portfolio of live programmes and an active pipeline of potential investments, in accordance with the team priorities and plan Lead the end-to-end administration of the grants management process (from concept formation through to final payment), suggesting improvements where appropriate, to enable the team to deliver and monitor its philanthropic activity efficiently and effectively Apply agreed due diligence and risk management protocols appropriately throughout the development and delivery of proposals and programmes, to ensure the interests and reputation of the Foundation are protected Support the development and preparation of summary reports, board reports and portfolio investment reports, to ensure these are produced to a high standard and in a timely fashion In collaboration with partners, conduct regular reviews of programme performance to identify problems and delays and implement effective solutions Co-ordinate the development of grant agreements, to forecast and process grant payments and to enable effective grant management and reporting within the organisation With advice and guidance from the Nutrition team, identify and embed appropriate monitoring and evaluation processes to all proposals and programmes Work closely with members of the Finance team to coordinate the forecasting of grant payments, to enable effective cash flow management and reporting within the organisation Identify opportunities and options for improving processes, procedures and programme management approaches within (and beyond) the team, to support increased organisational efficiency and effectiveness. Sector knowledge and profile-building Maintain external networks with relevant partners, experts and opinion leaders (across governments, civil society, multilateral institutions, philanthropy and the private sector), in order to ensure CIFF’s work is shaped by the most up-to-date insights and research. Engage in the development and promotion of high-quality thought leadership materials, raising awareness about CIFF’s work on nutrition issues, ensuring alignment with the Foundation’s communications and advocacy strategies. Undertake or commission relevant research and analysis to inform the effective development, delivery and evaluation of nutrition programmes and initiatives. Stakeholder and partner management Maintain regular contact with key partners like SUN, Stronger Foundations for Nutrition, UNICEF, and other implementation and research partners to keep updated on the policy and funding landscape, key ecosystem movements, and find opportunities for CIFF intervention Keep track of and support fundraising and external engagement efforts at major convenings and events, such as UNGA, G20, WHA, Skoll World Forum etc. Contribute to the formulation of thought leadership, external engagement, communications and advocacy materials, supporting CIFF's ambitions to scale-up, mainstream, and secure additional support for its initiatives Conduct rigorous research and evaluation of potential partners, using agreed corporate protocols and techniques, to assess their suitability and credentials for collaborating on CIFF initiatives. Apply CIFF’s agreed account management disciplines and approaches in all dealings with programme partners and stakeholders, to ensure productive and professional relationships are maintained in a coordinated and strategic manner. Independently and collectively with different CIFF teams and external partners create opportunities to mainstream priority nutrition agendas, enable more ecosystem cohesion, and greater financing and political momentum for nutrition Strategically landscape and analyse the nutrition ecosystem, evaluate ecosystem strength, and find opportunities to create new platforms, initiatives, or inter-connections to strengthen it Membership of the team This role does not hold line management responsibility, but we expect all employees to demonstrate good leadership behaviours; this includes adopting a coaching approach with colleagues to help build skills, confidence and capability in particular areas, processes or procedures. As required, support on the planning and coordination of inductions for new joiners to the team. We operate a matrix structure so reporting lines can vary between specific aspects of the role. Actively participate in cross organisational working groups related to philanthropy and partnerships. Contribute to corporate initiatives, as required by the team RequirementsSkills & Experience Experience contributing to practical research or insights on nutrition in the private sector, public sector, or international development settings. Familiarity with development finance actors and mechanisms, gained through exposure to consulting, advisory work, project finance, or supporting innovative financing and partnerships with implementing agencies. Demonstrable experience in analysis and due diligence; policy, planning and programme delivery, including field experience, all within the development sector Knowledge of the evidence bases pertaining to programme design and implementation, and belief in the importance of evidence-based decision making Strong working knowledge of impact measurement and programme monitoring and evaluation An innovative thinker with a pragmatic and solution-oriented mindset Sound acumen for creating quick and effective strategy presentations, briefing memos, talking points for external engagements, and thought leadership communications Ability to take a systems lens to understanding new areas like nutrition to view the sector from different dimensions Effective organisational and project management skills; able to be flexible as priorities and needs change and works well under pressure. Skilled in relationship building and strengthening; able to influence others and work collaboratively, uniting groups with a shared purpose English is CIFF’s business language – we expect all of our people to display outstanding verbal and written communication skills across all aspects of their role Capacity to work in a range of cultural and socio-economic contexts, adapting style and approach appropriately and in a culturally sensitive manner to maximise effectiveness IT proficiency (most specifically in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint) A proven self-starter, who works with pace and resilience Key working relationships CIFF Nutrition team Other CIFF teams – including functional teams (e.g. legal, HR, finance) Global partners and stakeholders – e.g. UNICEF, World Bank, FCDO, et al International philanthropies and NGOs National governments and local NGO partners in priority geographies Research and academic institutions active within sector specialism BenefitsCIFF 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 allowanceWellbeing allowanceLife insuranceMedical insurancePlease submit your application on or before Wednesday 10 December 2025. CIFF reserves the right to close the job advert early if we receive a high number of suitable applications.
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