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- Tasks: Lead global programs for social impact and philanthropy at UBS.
- Company: UBS, a global leader in financial services with a commitment to ethical banking.
- Benefits: Join a diverse team focused on innovation and sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by integrating finance with impactful social initiatives.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in philanthropy and social finance required.
- Other info: Opportunity to inspire a high-performing global team and drive meaningful change.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
UBS is a global financial services firm providing wealth and asset management, investment banking, and securities services. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, UBS operates in over 50 markets worldwide, making them a leader in universal banking. Their approach emphasizes collaboration, diversity, and innovation, supported by their commitment to ethical banking and sustainable business practices. The firm prioritizes inclusion and offers industry-leading services shaped by their robust history, on-the-ground expertise, and dedication to integrity.
As the Head of Programs at UBS, you will play a pivotal role in guiding the strategic direction of the UBS Optimus Foundation’s diverse program portfolio. Your leadership will extend across multiple regions and thematic areas, ensuring alignment with the Foundation’s overarching social impact goals. This position involves the integration of traditional philanthropy with cutting-edge financial frameworks to optimize impact and sustainability across educational, health, environmental, and humanitarian programs. Success in this role demands rigorous program design, meticulous management, and high levels of strategic collaboration.
Responsibilities
- Lead the design and delivery of the Foundation’s global program portfolio, including thematic and regional programs.
- Manage and mentor Program Directors to deliver high-quality, evidence-based interventions.
- Integrate social finance mechanisms like blended finance, impact investing, and outcome-based financing into program design alongside traditional grants.
- Oversee the deployment of funds across grants and investments, ensuring robust monitoring and evaluation and grant/grantee management.
- Conduct rigorous partner selection and collaborate with GSI COO on due diligence, assessing impact potential and reputational, financial, and operational risk.
- Collaborate with UBS’s Social Impact & Philanthropy advisors to align strategies and client-facing platforms.
- Maintain high standards of transparency and reporting; oversee impact reports and learning reviews.
- Work with the Strategic Partnerships team to build partnerships and co-funding arrangements with public, private, and civil-society actors to amplify scale and sustainability.
Requirements
- Senior leadership experience in global philanthropy, social impact, or development finance, with expertise in grant-making and social finance.
- Deep understanding of blended finance, impact investing, and outcomes-based financing, including structuring and impact measurement.
- Proven track record in delivering complex, multi-thematic, multi-region programs at scale.
- Strong strategic thinking and program management skills; ability to balance innovation with risk management.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills across diverse sectors.
- Commitment to transparency, evidence-based decision-making, and integrity.
- Ability to lead and inspire a high-performing global team.
Head of Programs – Social Impact and Philanthropy employer: ImpactAlpha Inc.
Contact Detail:
ImpactAlpha Inc. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Programs – Social Impact and Philanthropy
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to UBS or similar organisations. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching UBS’s values and recent projects. Show us you’re not just interested in the role, but also in making a real impact with our mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the Head of Programs role. We want to hear how you can lead and inspire a team to achieve social impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Programs – Social Impact and Philanthropy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Programs role. Highlight your experience in global philanthropy and social impact, and don’t forget to mention any relevant projects that showcase your strategic thinking and program management skills.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see how you’ve led teams and managed complex programmes in the past. Share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to inspire and mentor others, especially in a global context.
Highlight Your Financial Acumen: Since this role involves integrating social finance mechanisms, be sure to detail your experience with blended finance and impact investing. We’re looking for evidence of your understanding of these concepts and how you've applied them in previous roles.
Be Transparent and Authentic: In your application, reflect our commitment to transparency and integrity. Share your values and how they align with UBS’s mission. Authenticity goes a long way in making your application stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at ImpactAlpha Inc.
✨Know Your Program Portfolio
Before the interview, dive deep into UBS's Optimus Foundation’s program portfolio. Familiarise yourself with their thematic areas and recent initiatives. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals and demonstrate your genuine interest in their work.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a candidate for Head of Programs, it's crucial to convey your leadership approach. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to mentor teams and manage complex projects. Discuss how you've successfully integrated innovative financial frameworks in past roles to enhance social impact.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect questions around strategic thinking and risk management. Be ready to discuss how you've balanced innovation with operational risks in previous roles. Use specific examples to illustrate your thought process and decision-making skills in high-stakes environments.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your excellent communication skills by preparing to discuss how you've engaged with diverse stakeholders in the past. Think about partnerships you've built and how you've navigated different interests to achieve common goals. This will show your capability in stakeholder engagement, which is key for this role.
