Director of Partnerships & Funder Engagement
Reference number: 2026020
Job status: In-progress
Job category: Global Position
Duty station: Various Locations
Landscape Alliance
Landscape Alliance transforms science into action, unlocking the power of trees, forests and agroforestry landscapes to
advance planetary health and human well-being. Landscape Alliance is the operating name of the Center for International
Forestry Research (CIFOR) and the International Centre for Research on Agroforestry (ICRAF). CIFOR and ICRAF are
independent International Organizations and CGIAR Research Centers.
Landscape Alliance is looking for a
Director of Partnerships & Funder Engagement
Overview
Landscape Alliance brings together the Centre for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF), merged in 2019, with a combined 50 years of expertise in trees, forests and agroforestry landscapes. It operates across 25 countries and works with more than 300 strategic partners. Landscape Alliance’s 2025–2035 Strategy moves the organization from building evidence to driving systems-level change across landscapes. The strategy harnesses science and innovation to advance climate action, biodiversity conservation, food and nutrition security, and sustainable livelihoods. Delivering it depends on a resilient, diversified funding base and on long-term relationships with funders and partners.
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Director of Partnerships & Funder Engagement leads the design and delivery of Landscape Alliance’s climate and finance mobilization strategies, builds partnerships with multilateral organizations, development banks, philanthropy and private-sector investors, and grows a diversified funding pipeline. Working as an enabler and partner to the research community and the regions, the Director stewards the transition from project-only funding to a model that combines project and programmatic funding, with scientists leading the scientific case.
Duties and responsibilities
Climate Finance & Resource Mobilization Strategy Lead the design and development of innovative climate and nature finance mobilization strategies that support national and regional development priorities and Strategy 2025–2035. Steward the transition from project-only funding to a model that combines project and programmatic funding, with the science programmes as the organizing unit. Mobilize and structure investments for climate mitigation and adaptation, resilience building, ecosystem restoration, nature infrastructure and sustainable land management. Partnerships & Funder Engagement Build and strengthen partnerships with multilateral organizations, development banks, philanthropy and private-sector investors. Identify and secure funding through major international financing mechanisms, including the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the Global Environment Facility (GEF),and identify novel mechanisms to leverage philanthropic funding towards accelerated bankabilty. Steward funder relationships through tailored, impact-oriented updates, drawing on the Chief Impact Officer and the Director of Communications & Outreach. Proposals & Funding Pipeline Lead the preparation of high-value funding proposals, investment cases and programmatic initiatives, with scientists leading the scientific case. Coordinate the organization-wide programmatic funding pipeline and provide proposal support to science programmes, themes and country platforms outside of current competitive project funding. Strategic Advice & Representation Provide strategic advice to the CEO and senior leadership on climate policy, sustainable development, restoration initiatives and funding priorities, including diversification and risk in the resource base. Represent the organization in high-level international forums, negotiations and stakeholder engagements, with and on behalf of the CEO. People & Resource Management Lead and develop the partnerships team, including specialist capability in climate and carbon finance, and manage the function’s budget. Strengthen private sector supported fundraising capability among scientists, Science Programme Directors and theme leaders. Requirements Advanced degree in environmental science, climate policy, economics, international development, natural resource management or a related field. A minimum of 10–15 years of progressively responsible experience in climate and nature finance, resource mobilization, sustainable development, environmental policy or ecosystem restoration. Demonstrated success in designing and securing large-scale climate and development investments. Proven experience working with private sectors, development partners, multilateral organizations, philanthropy and donor agencies. Strong track record of delivering impactful programmes across Global South working in multicultural and international settings. Demonstrated people management skills and leadership ability. Experience in international research-for-development organizations is an asset.
Education, knowledge and experience
?Advanced degree in environmental science, climate policy, economics, international development, natural resource management or a related field.
?A minimum of 10–15 years of progressively responsible experience in climate and nature finance, resource mobilization, sustainable development, environmental policy or ecosystem restoration.
Terms and conditions
- This is a Globally Recruited Position (GRS). Landscape Alliance offers competitive remuneration commensurate with skills and experience.
- The initial appointment will be for two (2) years, with a six-month probationary period, with the possibility of extension contingent upon performance, continued relevance of the position and available resources.
- The duty station will be in any Landscape Alliance Office location.
Application process
The application deadline is 01 Nov 2026.
We will acknowledge all applications, but will contact only short-listed candidates.