The Generation Foundation (UK charity number: 1113061) is a focused, research-driven grant-maker that seeks to mobilise investors and businesses to drive positive impact for climate, nature and people.

The Foundation was established in 2004 alongside Generation Investment Management LLP (Generation), the sustainable investment firm. We work closely with the Partners and staff of Generation as well as those of Just Climate, the mission-driven investment business founded by Generation in 2021.

Generation, the Foundation and Just Climate share the same vision:  a sustainable world in which prosperity is shared broadly in a society that achieves wellbeing for all, protects nature and preserves a habitable climate.

The Foundation’s mission is to use strategic research, grant-making and advocacy to unlock the power of capital markets to drive a more sustainable economic system. It  is entering its 20th year of operation with a refreshed strategic plan that focuses on tackling the root causes of unsustainable economic and market systems.

(UK charity number: 1113061)

The Roles

The Foundation Associates will be critical to the delivery of the Foundation’s mission. Working with the Foundation Director, the Associates will join a small and busy team to conduct strategic research, carry out grant-making and support the advocacy and operations of the Foundation in pursuit of its mission and vision.

Responsibilities

The Associates will be expected to:

• Identify new opportunities to fund organisations and/or projects in pursuit of the Foundation’s mission and vision, particularly relating to climate and nature.

• Conduct and present research under the Foundation’s strategic priorities to guide our activities (particularly grant-making) and support strategic decisions.

• Stay abreast of developing trends in sustainable finance, particularly as they relate to issues of climate and/or nature, to inform the Foundation’s response to global challenges.

• Maintain a portfolio of grant partners; building their capacity to pursue their strategic and operational ambitions.

• Build and maintain strong relationships both internally with Generation and Just Climate, and externally with philanthropic peers, civil society and the broader sustainable finance movement to amplify the Foundation’s impact, and the impact of our partners.

• Support strategic decision-making of the Foundation team and its board of trustees.

• Contribute to a rigorous control and operational environment within the Foundation and in partnership with colleagues in technology, finance, legal and control teams.

Role requirements

Essential

• Experience in grant-making and grant management (We are open to applicants who have direct experience of grant management as a recipient i.e., as an NGO delivering grant-funded projects)

• An undergraduate degree in any subject or equivalent experience

• Excellent communication skills, including written skills and the ability to articulate complex subjects concisely and clearly

The ideal candidate will have experience in at least three of the following:

• Climate change and climate action

• The natural world and/or biodiversity

• International development, inequality and human rights

• Financial services

• Partnerships, convening and coordination of diverse groups (NGOs, investors, policymakers)

• Impact management and measurement

• Sustainability in one or more Global South markets

Personal qualities

The ideal candidate:

• Has a passion for sustainability and the power of capital markets to drive change

• Works collaboratively

• Is motivated to learn and develop in a fast-paced environment

• Demonstrates a high level of initiative as well as excellent organisational and time management skills

• Demonstrates the highest level of integrity

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds, with diverse experiences. If you find you meet some, but not all criteria, we encourage you to apply anyway and use the application questions to help us understand what you could bring to the role.