Director, Environment Programme

Through our grant-making, we contribute to a safer, fairer, and more sustainable world. With offices in Europe, Africa, and North America, we make grants to organisations in approximately 40 countries worldwide.

About the Environment Programme
The Environment Programme makes grants that focus on safeguarding our future by restoring our connection to nature. The Environment Programme has three sub-programmes: Marine Food Systems and Livelihoods, Nature and People, and Regenerative Landscapes. We take a systems change approach by aiming to address the sources of the challenges we face as a society to improve the health and strength of communities and our natural environment. This approach allows us to see inter-connections and envision solutions across sectors to achieve multiple social and biodiversity benefits. In all three sub programmes, we place people and communities at the heart of our grant-making. We value innovation and collaboration in our commitment to safeguarding our natural environment for future generations. We support efforts in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, especially if there is a regional or global impact.

Purpose of the role
We are now seeking a Director to lead our Environment Programme and team. Based in the Foundation’s Geneva office, the Director is responsible for the overall leadership of the Environment (EP) Programme portfolio and the management of a team of c.7 staff. Grantmaking in 2026 totalled USD 32 million.

Main responsibilities include:
Ensuring the development and implementation of programme strategy
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 these sectors
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

How to apply
We encourage you to read more about Oak on our website..
The job reference is 8435.

To apply for the role or to ask any questions, please email applications@oak-foundation.com

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 8435.

The closing date for applications is 10:00am CEST on 8th June 2026.
The salary is competitive with the seniority of the appointment.

Candidates must be resident in Switzerland at the time of employment due to cross-border regulatory requirements and travel obligations.

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.