Oak Foundation has announced a major leadership opportunity for experienced environmental and philanthropic professionals with the launch of recruitment for its Director of Environment Programme position. The senior-level role will be based in Geneva and will oversee the Foundation’s global environmental grant-making portfolio, which totaled approximately USD 32 million in 2026. According to the announcement, applications for the position will close on June 14, 2026. Oak Foundation Expands Global Environmental Leadership Oak Foundation is an international philanthropic organization supporting initiatives aimed at creating a safer, fairer, and more sustainable world. The Foundation works with organizations across approximately 40 countries and maintains offices in Europe, Africa, and North America. Through its grant-making programmes, Oak supports initiatives focused on environmental protection, social justice, and community wellbeing. The Director of the Environment Programme will report directly to the Foundation President and work closely with trustees to guide the programme’s long-term strategic direction. Director Will Lead Global Environment Grant Portfolio The successful candidate will take overall responsibility for leading the Environment Programme portfolio and managing a growing international team. According to the Foundation, the role currently supervises five staff members, with plans to recruit two additional programme officers within the next year. Core responsibilities include: Overseeing environmental grant-making strategy Managing programme budgets and allocations Supporting major and innovative grant negotiations Coordinating monitoring, evaluation, and learning processes Building strategic partnerships and funding collaborations Reporting programme progress to the Foundation’s Advisory Panel The organization emphasized that the Director will play a critical role in shaping future environmental funding priorities and strengthening global environmental philanthropy networks. Strategic Leadership and Innovation Central to the Role A major component of the position involves advancing and evolving the Foundation’s environmental strategy in response to emerging global challenges. The Director will be expected to: Lead annual strategy implementation planning Encourage strategic thinking across the programme team Identify emerging environmental issues and funding opportunities Create space for innovation and new approaches Support team expertise development on evolving environmental challenges Oak Foundation stated that the role requires both strategic vision and practical programme leadership to help maximize long-term environmental impact. Position Requires Strong Relationship Management Skills The Foundation highlighted that the successful candidate must demonstrate excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship-building abilities. The Director will work closely with: Grantee organizations Trustees Peer philanthropic institutions Environmental networks Public and private funding partners International stakeholders The role also includes representing the Environment Programme externally and contributing to broader thought leadership within the environmental and philanthropic sectors. Extensive Environmental Sector Experience Required Applicants are expected to possess substantial professional experience within environmental and sustainability fields. Minimum requirements include: At least 15 years of experience in the environmental sector Strong expertise and professional networks in environmental fields Experience managing diverse international teams Knowledge of nonprofit financial management and budgeting Advanced analytical and research skills Understanding of monitoring and evaluation principles The Foundation also noted that experience working across philanthropic, corporate, financial, and multilateral sectors would be considered an advantage. International Experience and Travel Expected The role requires experience working across diverse geographical regions and cultures. According to the vacancy notice, the Director should be prepared to undertake international travel approximately 20–25 percent of the time, including multiple overseas trips each year. Oak Foundation emphasized the importance of cultural sensitivity and collaborative leadership in managing relationships with global partners and grantee organizations. Foundation Seeks Collaborative and Values-Driven Leader Beyond technical expertise, the organization stated that it is seeking a candidate whose leadership style aligns with Oak Foundation’s institutional values. Desired qualities include: Humility and maturity Strong interpersonal skills Empathy and tact Commitment to collaboration Willingness to listen and learn from partners Ability to foster supportive team environments The Foundation also highlighted the importance of recognizing the contributions of colleagues and maintaining strong internal collaboration. Recruitment Process Managed by Executive Search Firm The recruitment process is being supported by executive search firm Perrett Laver in partnership with Alec Allen. Interested candidates are encouraged to review the full recruitment document and application procedures through the official Oak Foundation website. Application Deadline Applications for the Director of Environment Programme position must be submitted by June 14, 2026. More information about the role and application requirements is available through the official Oak Foundation website. APPLY HERE For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.