Head of Programs - Social Impact and Philanthropy in City of Westminster

As Head of Programs, you will provide strategic leadership for the Foundation\’s global program portfolio. You will manage a team of Program Directors, overseeing thematic and regional programs across education, health, climate/environment, humanitarian aid, and social‑finance vehicles. Your role ensures alignment with the Foundation\’s overarching social‑impact strategy, blending traditional philanthropy with innovative financing structures to maximize impact, sustainability, and scale.

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—blended finance, impact investing, outcome‑based financing—into program design alongside traditional grants.
• Oversee deployment of funds across grants and investments, ensuring robust monitoring and evaluation and grant/grantee management.
• Conduct rigorous partner selection and collaborate with the 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.

Qualifications

• 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 outcome‑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.

Other information

We’re committed to disability inclusion and if you need reasonable accommodation/adjustments throughout our recruitment process, you can always contact us.

UBS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We respect and seek to empower each individual and support the diverse cultures, perspectives, skills and experiences within our workforce.