Manager, Global Sub-Grant Programme

As our Manager, Global Sub-Grant Programme, you will manage and coordinate all aspects of Chapter Zero Alliance s sub-granting operations and partner relationships across our global network of Chapters. The role ensures effective fund disbursement, compliance with due diligence and contractual requirements, and strong partner relationships that support the charity s mission to embed climate governance into boardroom decision-making.

The term partner throughout refers to our network of Chapters who will be sub-grantees in the majority of cases. However, the term may also include knowledge, or other partner organisations.

Organisation: Chapter Zero Alliance

Location: Office-based / Hybrid within the UK (Central Cambridge-based office

Reporting to: Associate Director of Strategy and Governance

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours of work: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week

Travel: Business travel from time to time, as needed

Salary and Benefits

• Salary: Up to £40,000 per annum

• Annual Leave: 27 days, plus Bank Holidays and discretionary Christmas shutdown

• Pension: Generous 8% employer pension contributions (no match required)

• Wellbeing: Group life assurance, employee assistance programme and health cash plan

About Us

Chapter Zero Alliance is a charity undergoing an exciting period of growth. We support a unique, high-impact network of Chapters active in over 70 countries worldwide engaging board directors on climate and nature issues. We are making a measurable difference by creating a safe and supportive environment for peer dialogue and working with our founding partners at the University of Cambridge and the World Economic Forum and our broader partner network. Click here for more information about our work. We are the only charity dedicated to building a global community that supports board directors to advance climate and nature governance.

Key Responsibilities

Sub-Granting Operations and Process Management

• Manage the full lifecycle of sub-grants, from the request for proposal stage through to Chapter, or partner selection and contracting, reporting and closure.

• Maintain oversight of all sub-granting timelines, documentation, and deliverables.

• Ensure compliance with internal policies and funder requirements throughout the sub-granting cycle.

• Provide administrative and logistical support for the sub-granting process, including database and document management.

Chapter and Partner Due Diligence, Contracting

• Lead and coordinate Chapter or sub-grant partner due diligence assessments in line with organisational standards.

• Support risk mitigation planning and maintain up-to-date due diligence records.

• Prepare and process partner contracts (sub-grant agreements) and amendments, timely signatures and filing.

• Work with finance and legal teams to ensure compliance with financial and contractual obligations.

Chapter and Partner Reporting and Oversight

• Monitor sub-grantee narrative and financial reporting, ensuring submissions are timely, accurate and compliant.

• Review reports (budgets, deliverables, and impact metrics) and coordinate internal validation processes with all relevant teams.

• Support partners to strengthen their reporting capacity and understanding of grant requirements.

Partner Capacity Development

• Support the design and implementation of partner capacity development plans.

• Coordinate capacity-building initiatives, workshops, and follow-up actions with partners.

• Track progress of capacity development activities and report outcomes to management.

Coordination and Communication

• Serve as the key liaison regarding sub-granting between partners and internal teams (Finance, Fundraising, Chapter Engagement, and Senior Leadership).

• Raise operational issues with relevant internal stakeholders.

• Participate in cross-departmental coordination meetings to ensure alignment between partnership and programme delivery.

• Contribute to knowledge management and continuous improvement of partnership systems and tools.

• Contribute to charity funding proposals as needed.

Advisory and Strategic Support

• Advise on new sub-granting opportunities and partnership models to strengthen programme impact and reach.

• Support the development of partnership policies, tools, and templates.

• Provide analysis and insights on partner performance, risks, and opportunities.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Significant experience in partnership management, grant administration, or programme coordination within the NGO or international development sector.

• Demonstrable experience in managing sub-granting processes and partner relationships.

• Strong understanding of UK charity regulations, including fundraising standards and data protection.

• Knowledge of due diligence, risk assessment, and donor compliance requirements.

• Experience reviewing financial and narrative reports from partners.

• Excellent administrative, organisational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple stakeholders across regions.

• A credible and confident communicator.

Desirable

• Experience in capacity development, training, or partner support functions.

• Familiarity with institutional donor requirements (e.g., FCDO, EU, USAID, etc.)

• Understanding of financial management principles and budgeting.

• Knowledge of CRM/project management/grant management systems.

• Understanding and passion for the global climate, development, or social impact sectors.

Core Competencies

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.

• Project management, able to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

• Commitment to continuous improvement.

• Integrity, accountability, and respect for confidentiality.

• Proactive, solution-oriented, and collaborative working style.

• Commitment to the organisation s mission, values, and partnership principles.

The principles of diversity, inclusion, respect, responsibility and sustainability are at the heart of our charity. We want to support our people to balance their personal and professional lives and we believe our range of benefits encourages this. Nothing beats face time with our colleagues to promote creativity and collaboration; we ve therefore adopted a blended working model of home and office working arrangements.

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to ensuring that all candidates are given the same opportunity to succeed regardless of their sex, sexual orientation, marital status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion, age or disability. We have a legal responsibility to ensure you are eligible to live and work in the UK.