Program Officer - Adaptive Philanthropy

• Partner with the CINO and internal/external stakeholders to develop and implement the Adaptive Philanthropy strategy, using grantmaking, technical assistance, and convenings to drive impact.
• Manage the full grants portfolio lifecycle from annual planning and site visits to financial and narrative review.
• Support grantee outcomes through subject matter guidance, risk assessment, and network access.
• Lead convenings, monitor and evaluate progress, ensure regulatory and accessibility compliance, and report strategy impact to the CINO.

• Partner with the CINO and internal/external stakeholders to develop and implement the Adaptive Philanthropy strategy, using grantmaking, technical assistance, and convenings to drive impact.
• Manage the full grants portfolio lifecycle from annual planning and site visits to financial and narrative review.
• Support grantee outcomes through subject matter guidance, risk assessment, and network access.
• Lead convenings, monitor and evaluate progress, ensure regulatory and accessibility compliance, and report strategy impact to the CINO.

• Partner with the CINO and internal/external stakeholders to develop and implement the Adaptive Philanthropy strategy, using grantmaking, technical assistance, and convenings to drive impact.
• Manage the full grants portfolio lifecycle from annual planning and site visits to financial and narrative review.
• Support grantee outcomes through subject matter guidance, risk assessment, and network access.
• Lead convenings, monitor and evaluate progress, ensure regulatory and accessibility compliance, and report strategy impact to the CINO.

• Participate in key funder and field leader spaces, representing Ford where it adds the most value.
• Engage with peer funders to share practices and lead collaborative efforts.
• Co-strategize on shared priorities to ensure the field operates with greater collective impact.

• Serve as the primary coordination point for intermediary relationships (grantee partners who receive funding to re‑grant), ensuring staff alignment.
• Steward these relationships with a focus on strategic investment opportunities, long‑term sustainability, risk mitigation, and overall field health.

• Advise executive and program leadership on sector developments and Ford's role within them.
• Coordinate across Regional Offices, International Programs, Legal, and Communications to align funder engagement.
• Strengthen networking across the foundation’s programs and operations, and produce internal and external communications that leverage the foundation's thought leadership to strengthen the field.

• 10+ years of work experience, including 6+ years in philanthropy with deep expertise in multiyear flexible funding, equitable partnerships, and global social sector trends.
• Proven expertise in developing, implementing, and being accountable for complex strategies, supported by strong qualitative and quantitative data analysis skills.
• An organized, institution-first leader who thrives in ambiguous environments and communicates with high impact across diverse audiences to drive collective goals.
• A demonstrated ability to be a productive member of a community at work, respecting differences while working toward shared goals.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent relevant experience.

These strengthen a candidacy but are not required. A candidate who is not strong in every area but is willing and enthusiastic to learn and engage is encouraged to apply.

• Strong background in facilitating adult learning.
• Deep understanding of the regional contexts and cultures, including the geopolitical landscape, in which Ford works.

The…