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- Tasks: Lead global programs for social impact, managing a team and overseeing diverse initiatives.
- Company: UBS, a leading global wealth manager with a commitment to social change.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, supportive team culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education, health, and humanitarian efforts on a global scale.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in philanthropy, social impact, or development finance required.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to collaboration and innovation in social finance.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 ÂŁ per year.
Your role as Head of Programs involves providing 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.
Key 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 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.
Your expertise
- 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.
UBS is a leading and truly global wealth manager and the leading universal bank in Switzerland. We also provide diversified asset management solutions and focused investment banking capabilities. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, UBS is present in more than 50 markets around the globe.
At UBS, we know that it’s our people, with their diverse skills, experiences and backgrounds, who drive our ongoing success. We’re dedicated to our craft and passionate about putting our people first, with new challenges, a supportive team, opportunities to grow and flexible working options when possible. Our inclusive culture brings out the best in our employees, wherever they are on their career journey.
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.
Head of Programs - Social Impact and Philanthropy employer: UBS
Contact Detail:
UBS 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 industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their social impact initiatives and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission. This shows you're genuinely interested and not just another candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be clear about your achievements and how they relate to the role of Head of Programs. Use specific examples that highlight your leadership skills and experience in managing complex programs.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at UBS and making a difference in social impact.
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 show how your skills align with our mission at UBS.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see your senior leadership experience shine through! Share examples of how you've managed teams and delivered complex programmes, especially in areas like blended finance and impact investing.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your achievements and avoid jargon unless it's relevant to the role. We appreciate clarity!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at UBS
✨Know Your Program Portfolio
Before the interview, dive deep into the Foundation’s global program portfolio. Familiarise yourself with their thematic and regional programs, especially in education, health, and climate. This will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their mission.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head of Programs, your leadership style is crucial. Prepare examples that demonstrate how you've successfully managed and mentored teams in the past. Highlight your ability to inspire high performance and foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders.
✨Understand Blended Finance
Brush up on blended finance and impact investing concepts. Be ready to discuss how you've integrated these mechanisms into program design before. Showing a solid grasp of these topics will set you apart as a candidate who can innovate while managing risks.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement Questions
Expect questions about stakeholder engagement and communication. Think of specific instances where you've built partnerships or co-funding arrangements. Articulating your approach to transparency and evidence-based decision-making will resonate well with the interviewers.