Vacancy: Head of Enabling Funding Environment

Catalyst Now is seeking a Head of Enabling Environment

Catalyst Now – A Global Movement of Social Change Innovators
Would you like to be part of a global movement of changemakers at this critical moment?

Catalyst Now is a dynamic global movement of social innovators transforming systems and driving sustainable change to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals worldwide.

Our mission is to co-create spaces where the world’s social innovators connect, collaborate and contribute to transformational change.

Our Vision for 2025- 2029

As we stand at the threshold of 2025, our world faces unprecedented challenges – a polycrisis that spans from climate change and conflicts to deep-rooted inequalities. Yet, in this landscape of complexity, we at Catalyst Now see immense opportunity to act differently and achieve the changes we stand for. Our journey, which began as a WhatsApp group of visionary social entrepreneurs, has evolved into a global movement of over 6,000 members representing more than 3,700 organizations across 144 countries.

We consulted with our global membership and shaped our ambitious plans based on their feedback. At the heart of the feedback was the desire for Catalyst Now to shift the barriers presented by an outdated and flawed financing system; one which fails to allocate resources to systems change initiatives and to those best placed to achieve the SDGs – social innovators. A strategic imperative for the movement is to create an enabling environment that will shift these current challenges to increase capital flows to the work of social innovators.

About the role
The Head of Enabling Funding Environment plays a crucial role in advancing efforts to reallocate financial resources towards social innovators, systems change,network building, and achieving a far-reaching impact. This position requires a skilled communicator and organiser with a passion for advocating for change and the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

You will focus on gaining a deep understanding of activities to shift funding and financing paradigms across our member initiatives and collaborations as well as working with other networks.

As a member-led organisation many members have self-organized to ‘shift the funding paradigm’. They generate many of the initiatives and require facilitative leadership from this role to join the dots, to spot strategic opportunities to elevate the work, produce thought leadership, build strategic partnerships and catalyse the calls for change.

We are looking for someone who has a strong track record as a relationship builder with the ability to develop strategic initiatives and move them to action. You have excellent communication skills both written and verbal. You are comfortable working within complexity and be able to articulate complex ideas. You are a team player, ready to work across our secretariat departments, seamlessly engage with our membership and external actors, build solid relationships and spot opportunities.

Key responsibilities
Your responsibilities will include:

Campaign Development:

• Work closely with Catalyst Now members – their collaborations and working groups, other networks and ecosystem builders, to develop and implement campaigns aimed at shifting funding priorities.
• Accelerate the existing principles outlined in Embracing Complexity Report and utilise the public advocacy of the NGO Open Letter and use them to develop campaign strategies, timelines, and tactics to achieve specific advocacy goals.
• Work closely with the Propel Philanthropy collaboration to accelerate their campaign goals and actions.
• Lead data analysis efforts and collaborate cross-functionally to design and implement a strategic engagement campaign utilizing the Funder Self-Assessment Tool.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Build and maintain relationships with other actors involved in shifting funding and financing toward social innovation such as philanthropic support organisations and networks, funders, community leaders, and other stakeholders involved in funding decisions and those intermediaries who influence them.
• Collaborate with partner organisations and grassroots activists to amplify advocacy efforts.

Policy Analysis:

• Conduct, facilitate, coordinate and support research and analysis on existing funder policies, funding allocations, and relevant legislative or regulatory proposals.
• Provide insights and recommendations on opportunities to influence funding priorities through policy advocacy.

Messaging and Communication:

• Develop persuasive messaging and communication materials to raise awareness about the need to shift funding towards social innovation.
• Utilise various channels, including social media, press releases, and public events, to disseminate information and mobilise support.

Advocacy Outreach:

• Organise meetings, briefings, and events to engage stakeholders and garner support for advocacy initiatives.
• Mobilise grassroots supporters and community members to participate in advocacy actions, such as letter-writing campaigns or legislative visits.

Coalition Building:

• Identify and cultivate partnerships and collaborations with like-minded organisations, advocacy groups, and coalitions to build a broader base of support and to advance Catalyst Now’s principles and values
• Provide facilitative leadership to joint advocacy efforts and collaborative actions to maximise impact for example the Compliance Conundrum Collaboration and Propel Philanthropy.

Monitoring and Reporting:

• Track progress on advocacy goals and outcomes, including legislative developments, policy changes, and shifts in funding priorities.
• Prepare regular reports and updates for all stakeholders, and funders on advocacy activities and achievements.

Career Growth and Development

We put people and nature at the centre of what we do. You will be central to the success of the movement and we are committed to your professional development. With an ever growing network of social innovators, academics, governments and funders there are many opportunities to grow and develop at innovative learning sessions throughout the year, on everything from systems change, to spotlights on experts at the monthly Donor Learning Group.

You’ll have weekly check-ins with the Co-Chief Facilitator for leadership on the enabling environment and line-management support, and regular feedback on your performance. We hold appraisals every six months, and set aside time to discuss your aspirations and career goals. You’ll have the opportunity to shape a growing organisation and build a rewarding long-term career.

Qualifications and experience
For this role we invite applications from people who have:

• Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, public policy, communications, development or a related field (relevant experience may substitute for formal education)
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in advocacy, public policy, community organising, development or related fields
• Strong understanding of the global philanthropic sector, their strategies and processes, policy advocacy strategies, and funding mechanisms
• Experience in campaign planning, grassroots organising, and mobilising supporters for advocacy initiatives
• Familiarity with digital advocacy tools, social media platforms, and online organising techniques
• An active interest in global issues and challenges, their complexity and nuances
• Ability to work in a multicultural, global environment and demonstrate cultural sensitivity
• Excellent communication skills, including writing, public speaking, and interpersonal communication.
• Proven organisational skills and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment and across time zones, and a willingness to learn from experience
• Ability to manage time effectively and to adapt to changing environments
• Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders and build coalitions for collective action.
• Fluency in English and another language
• Hands-on attitude, flexibility and ability to adapt to new tasks and a willingness to help out when required

Catalyst Now Offers

• A competitive salary based on the sector guidelines in your country of residence and years of experience.
• 32 paid leave days including national holidays
• The opportunity to work with a young and dynamic team in a fast-paced global environment
• Working in a dynamic network of almost 6,000 members across the globe including Skoll Foundation, Ashoka, Schwab Foundation and Echoing Green

Job location

This position is remote and can be carried out from anywhere in the world with 4-6 hours overlap with CET working hours.

Application deadline
June 15th, 2025

How to apply?
To apply, please fill out the application form. Completion time 15 – 30 minutes.

To find out more about our work look at our website.

Catalyst Now actively promotes equality, diversity and inclusion. We consider the experience of all candidates, irrespective of age, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation, disability, gender, gender identity or gender reassignment.