THE DEGREES INITIATIVE

Salary:  £55,000-70,000, depending on experience. If based outside of the UK, the compensation will be scaled per United Nations’ post adjustment system.

Duration:  Initial 18-month fixed term contract if in UK, consultant with initial 18-month contract if in Africa.

Location: Remote, based in either the UK or Africa. UK Candidates will require an existing right to work within the UK.

The Degrees Initiative seeks a Policy Engagement Manager, Africa to join a growing mission-driven organisation focused on solar radiation modification, climate change, global development, and scientific capacity building.

About the Degrees Initiative

The Degrees Initiative is a UK-based NGO that strengthens the capacity of the Global South to evaluate solar radiation modification (SRM), a controversial proposal for reducing some impacts of climate change by reflecting sunlight away from the Earth. Degrees is neutral on whether SRM should ever be used, but we believe that the Global South should be empowered to conduct their own research and to play a central role in SRM discussions. The initiative has been working in different forms for over a decade, and our work receives worldwide coverage and widespread acclaim.

This is a unique opportunity to inform conversations on SRM in Africa. Rather than lobbying for outcomes, Degrees aims to support informed, independent policymaking by fostering connections between researchers and policymakers and strengthening institutional expertise. Degrees promotes regional research, creates spaces for policy-science dialogue, and supports the dissemination of Global South research.

Responsibilities

The Policy and Engagement Manager, Africa will strengthen the voice of the Global South in discussions and potential negotiations on SRM research and governance with relevance to Africa by connecting experts to policy processes. Accordingly, the successful candidate will:

• Identify and engage key policy actors (e.g. national delegates and legislators, scientific advisors, intergovernmental officials) in Africa, connecting them to local SRM experts and providing them with information, where appropriate, while remaining neutral regarding the potential use and governance of SRM;
• Work with SRM researchers from the region to support the ongoing development of a coordinated community of experts;
• Build informal and formal partnerships with like-minded organisations, helping to inform discussions and counter misinformation about climate and SRM.
• Share expertise and experience gained from Africa with staff and researchers and participate, as appropriate, in activities in Asia and the Pacific and Latin America and the Caribbean to gain similar expertise;
• Identify the most impactful international forums and regional SRM discussions, and work to connect local experts into these;
• Identify a core group of researchers interested in policy engagement, and facilitate and join their participation in governance fora such as the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, UNFCCC COP, UN Environment Assembly, and meetings of the Convention on Biological Diversity;
• Support the execution and coordination of the Degrees policy engagement strategy in collaboration with other policy and programmatic staff;
• Contribute to budgeting and alignment with programmes;
• Support monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) activities by contributing to tracking, documentation, and reporting of policy engagement outcomes;
• In cooperation with the communications staff, ensure the development of clear, contextualised briefing materials for policy makers and other audiences.

Qualifications

Essential

• An advanced university degree (master’s) in relevant natural or social sciences, or equivalent professional experience;
• At least 10 years of relevant experience, such as in climate change science and policy, global development, or multilateral diplomacy, especially in Africa;
• Experience in project formulation, monitoring, evaluation, and synthesis;
• Exceptional organisational skills, adept at multitasking, setting and delivering on strategic priorities, and working under pressure;
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and build relationships across diverse backgrounds and organisational levels;
• Comfort working remotely in a dynamic, evolving environment with a start-up culture;
• Proficient in communicating science to non-academic audiences with the ability to distil key messages from complex information for high-level decisions, particularly at the science-policy interface;
• A commitment to the mission and values of the charity;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English;
• Existing eligibility to work in the country you are based, either in the UK or Africa.

Desired

• Knowledge of solar radiation modification, or experience working a comparable emerging technology;
• Experience in interdisciplinary and/or multinational scientific environments;
• Connections in climate and environment policy circles in Africa;
• Experience traveling independently;
• Proficiency in an African language.

Benefits of working at Degrees

• You will join a growing and dynamic charity operating at the intersection of climate change and global development.
• You will have the opportunity to contribute to a potentially high-impact issue by helping shape global conversations on SRM, empowering researchers in the Global South and collaborating with some of the world’s leading SRM experts.
• You will be part of a values-driven team committed to equity, capacity building, and high professional standards, working with globally diverse scientists, policy experts, and changemakers.
• The role is fully remote, allowing you to live anywhere within the United Kingdom or Africa subject to you having a pre-existing right to work in your chosen location. Degrees cannot sponsor visas.
• For UK candidates, the team meets face-to-face at quarterly awaydays in the UK that are organised and paid for by the charity.
• For those based in the UK, Degrees provides an 8% employer pension contribution with no required employee contribution, which is generous by the standards of the UK third sector.
• For those based in the UK, you will receive 25 days of annual leave per year, in addition to UK public holidays. If the charity closes between Christmas and New Year, you may also receive up to 3 extra days of leave.
• For those based in Africa, we will strive to provide similar benefits.

To apply

Ready to apply? Please complete the form below by answering the questions and uploading your CV. To help us process your application faster, please title your file Firstname_surname_PMA_CV. 

You will receive a reply confirming receipt of the application.

The deadline for applications is 02 January 2026 (23:59 GMT). Successful applicants will be invited to an initial interview, which will include an assessment exercise. Those progressing further will be invited to a second interview. 

If we do not identify the right candidate during the initial recruitment cycle, then this will move to a rolling deadline.

For more information on this exciting opportunity, please contact us at jobs@degrees.ngo

Application form

Data protection statement

The Degrees Initiative collects and processes personal data as part of the recruitment process. This information is used solely to assess your suitability for the role and to take necessary steps prior to entering into an employment contract.

We rely on the lawful basis of Article 6(1)(b) of the UK GDPR (processing necessary for the performance of a contract or to take steps prior to entering into a contract). If your application is successful, your data will also be used to administer your employment.

Your personal data will be handled confidentially and stored securely. We may retain recruitment data for record-keeping, future recruitment opportunities, or legal compliance purposes.

Under the UK GDPR, you have the right to access, correct, or erase your data, and to object to or restrict processing, where applicable.

Salary: £45,000-50,000 p.a. (based on profile and experience)

Duration: Full-time, permanent contract  

Location: Remote within the United Kingdom

Reports to: Programmes Director 

Preferred start date: As soon as possible 

The Degrees Initiative seeks an Events Manager, a new role, in a growing, dynamic charity working on climate change and development.  

About Degrees 

The Degrees Initiative is a UK-based NGO that strengthens the capacity of the Global South to evaluate solar radiation modification (SRM), a controversial proposal for reducing some impacts of climate change by reflecting sunlight away from the Earth. Degrees is neutral on whether SRM should ever be used, but we believe that Global South should be empowered to conduct their own research and to play a central role in SRM discussions. The initiative has been working in different forms for over a decade, and our work receives worldwide coverage and widespread acclaim.

Role

The Events Manager will lead the planning and delivery of Degrees’ international events, including workshops that bring together funded researchers and the biennial Degrees Global Forum conference. Working closely with colleagues across the organisation, they will design and manage high-quality events that strengthen collaboration, showcase research outcomes, and advance Degrees’ mission to support equitable SRM research in the Global South. This role requires strategic oversight, attention to detail, and the ability to deliver complex international events from concept to completion. 

Key responsibilities

Lead planning and delivery of events

• Be responsible for the planning, coordination, and successful delivery of Degrees’ international events, including the biennial Degrees Global Forum and—in cooperation with the programmes team—quarterly regional research workshops.
• Support the delivery of policy engagement and fundraising events.
• Develop event concepts, agendas, and formats that align with organisational priorities.
• Work closely with colleagues across other workstreams—particularly the Fundraising and Policy Engagement teams—to ensure that events are aligned with strategic priorities, that logistical planning complements programme content and policy objectives, and that participants and speakers are appropriately supported.
• Be responsible for end-to-end event budgets, forecasting, variance reporting; lead procurement;

Operational and logistical management

• Ensure the smooth delivery of all event logistics, including venue selection, letters of contribution to participants, travel and lodging arrangements, visas, supplier contracting, budget management, insurances and risk assessments.
• Ensure events run smoothly, on schedule, and within budget, whilst maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and participant experience.

Collaboration and stakeholder engagement

• Work closely with colleagues across Degrees’ teams (programmes, policy engagement, communications, fundraising, and operations) to ensure events support strategic goals.
• Liaise with external partners, funders, and speakers to build strong relationships and deliver impactful, collaborative events.

Monitoring, learning, and continuous improvement

• Capture lessons learned from each event and contribute to refining Degrees’ event strategy and processes.
• Support post-event communications, reporting, and knowledge sharing to maximise the impact and visibility of Degrees’ work.

Key relationships

• Within the Programmes team forge close working relations with the Programmes Manager and the three Programme Officers.
• Develop strong working relations with colleagues from the following teams i) Operations, ii) Policy & Engagement and iii) Communications
• Depending on future organisational growth, the role may require managing an Events Officer

Qualifications

We are seeking a dynamic self-starter based in the UK, with experience in planning and running international events as well as academic workshops. As Degrees is still operating as a relatively small but growing team, the successful candidate will be flexible and motivated – prepared to turn their hand to whatever needs doing to deliver Degrees’ programme of work.

Essential

• At least 10 years’ relevant work experience, at least five of which have been managing international events;
• Proven experience delivering complex, multi-day international events: overseeing logistics, scheduling, participant experience, accessibility, and on-site coordination;
• Experience organising hybrid or virtual international events, including technical coordination, interpretation, and audience engagement;
• Strong track record in team leadership and financial management: managing budgets and external suppliers to ensure high-quality, on-time, and cost-effective delivery;
• Experience and comfort with Microsoft 365 and other common software tools;
• Experience with visa pipelines and implementation of travel policies;
• Dynamic, flexible, and self-motivated – able to take initiative and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment;
• Strong organisational and project management skills, including the ability to multi-task, set priorities, and work effectively under pressure;
• Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills, with the ability to maintain positive relationships with colleagues and partners from diverse backgrounds;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English;
• Comfortable working remotely as part of a small, international team;
• A university Undergraduate Degree in a relevant field such as event management, communications, international development, or environmental studies; and
• Ability to travel internationally, including to the Global South, for up to one week per visit.

Desirable

• Experience organising events within the research, academic, or non-profit sectors;
• Experience with risk management;
• Familiarity with climate change, or international research collaboration contexts;
• Proven ability to design events that are inclusive, accessible, and culturally sensitive;
• Experience working with academic researchers, government officials, or international NGOs;
• Previous line management experience;
• Experience creating and maintaining processes for events;
• Knowledge of fundraising, sponsorship, or partnership development in support of events;
• Proficiency in a second language relevant to Degrees’ regions of focus (e.g. French, Spanish, or Portuguese);
• Experience managing event communications, such as agenda design, invitations, participant briefings, and post-event reports; and
• Tech savvy and an eagerness to work with new event management software and digital collaboration tools).

Benefits of working at Degrees

• You will join a growing and dynamic charity operating at the intersection of climate change and global development.
• You will have the opportunity to contribute to a potentially high-impact issue by helping shape global conversations on climate science, empowering researchers in the Global South, and collaborating with some of the world’s leading SRM experts.
• The role is fully remote, allowing you to live anywhere within the United Kingdom. The charity has no central office and offers each employee up to £250 per month (including VAT) to cover co-working space costs. The team meets face-to-face at quarterly ‘awaydays’ in the UK, which are organised and paid for by the charity.
• Degrees provides an 8% employer pension contribution with no required employee contribution, which is generous by the standards of the UK third sector.
• The role includes opportunities for international travel.
• You will receive 25 days of annual leave per year, in addition to UK public holidays. If the charity closes between Christmas and New Year, you may also receive up to three extra days of leave.
• Personal development budget of £1,000 per year.

To apply

Ready to apply? Please complete the form below by answering the questions and uploading your CV. To help us process your application faster, please title your file Firstname_surname_EM_CV. 

You will receive a reply confirming receipt of the application.

The deadline for applications is 02 January 2026 (23:59 GMT). Successful applicants will be invited to a first interview in January 2026 and will be asked to undertake an assessment exercise before the interview. Successful applicants will be invited to a second interview.

If you have any questions regarding the role, please email jobs@degrees.ngo. 

Application form

Data protection statement

The Degrees Initiative collects and processes personal data as part of the recruitment process. This information is used solely to assess your suitability for the role and to take necessary steps prior to entering into an employment contract.

We rely on the lawful basis of Article 6(1)(b) of the UK GDPR (processing necessary for the performance of a contract or to take steps prior to entering into a contract). If your application is successful, your data will also be used to administer your employment.

Your personal data will be handled confidentially and stored securely. We may retain recruitment data for record-keeping, future recruitment opportunities, or legal compliance purposes.

Under the UK GDPR, you have the right to access, correct, or erase your data, and to object to or restrict processing, where applicable.

Salary: £55,000-60,000 p.a. (based on profile and experience)

Duration: Full-time, permanent contract  

Location: Remote within the United Kingdom

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Preferred start date: As soon as possible 

The Degrees Initiative seeks a dynamic and experienced Development Manager in a new role to expand and diversify funding and drive the growth of an organisation focused on climate change and scientific capacity building in the Global South.

About Degrees 

The Degrees Initiative is a UK-based NGO that builds the capacity of the Global South to evaluate solar radiation modification (SRM) geoengineering, a controversial proposal for reducing some impacts of climate change by reflecting sunlight away from the Earth. Degrees is neutral on whether SRM should ever be used, but we believe that the Global South should be empowered to conduct their own research and to play a central role in SRM discussions. The initiative has been working in different forms for over a decade, and our work receives worldwide coverage and widespread acclaim.

We seek a Development Manager to deepen and manage relationships with our existing funders and to help bring in new donors and partners to diversify our funding base. This position offers a fantastic opportunity for the right candidate to increase the capacity of a field-leading charity, help empower researchers in the Global South, and contribute to one of the world’s most important climate debates. If you are an ambitious, relationship-driven fundraising leader with a passion about climate change, this is an opportunity to step into a role with purpose, international influence, and real impact.

Role

The charity is rapidly scaling up, recently doubling its annual support to £6 million. Degrees has partnered with leading climate change funders and research partners including the Quadrature Climate Foundation, Open Philanthropy, Crankstart, Navigation Fund, Outlier Projects, LAD Climate Fund and UK Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA). Transparency of funding is essential to our work. We do not accept support from anonymous donors or funding from the fossil fuel industry. Fundraising for the organisation has been led by the Founder and CEO, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Chief of Staff, and the Chair of the Trustees with the support of an experienced Senior Philanthropy Advisor.

We now seek a full-time team member to build on this base. Reporting to the COO, and working closely with senior staff and the Chair, the Development Manager will support high‑performing fundraising that secures multi‑year, diversified funding. He / she will also introduce robust processes for pipeline management and donor stewardship and manage the complete donor lifecycle (from identification to cultivation to solicitation and stewardship) of a portfolio of top prospects. The post holder will receive initial onboarding support from the Senior Philanthropy Advisor. As fundraising grows, the team may expand in the future.

Initial priorities include expansion beyond the current donor pool, with a strong push to identify and engage new funders, and putting in place the systems (CRM, reporting cadence, key performance indicators) to support growth at scale.

As this is a new role, responsibilities are expected to evolve but some key items will include:

Strategy & planning

• Work with the CEO, Chief of Staff, COO, Senior Philanthropy Advisor, programme staff and the Chair of the Trustees to help develop and implement a multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with organisational objectives;

Pipeline development & new opportunities

• Manage the fundraising pipeline, guiding the ongoing fundraising activities of senior staff and the Chair;
• Research and identify new funding opportunities from trusts and foundations, government funders, and multilateral donors in the development and climate sectors on an ongoing basis;
• Reach out to networks of donor advisors and established relationships for referrals;
• Initiate and manage contact with funding opportunities;

Grant writing

• Draft and coordinate the preparation and submission of grant proposals;

Donor stewardship & reporting

• Maintain excellent relations with existing funders by keeping them informed on charity and sector updates, inviting them to events, and ensuring the delivery of annual reports and notices;
• Ensure and manage ongoing formal grant reporting on behalf of the organisation;

Events & engagement

• Often working with partners, plan and deliver fundraising events for existing and potential funders, particularly in the UK and US;
• Manage invitation lists, track attendance and ensure bespoke follow–up to attendees;
• Assist in the design of events that will inspire and engage funders while involving Southern experts in the Degrees research community;
• Coordinate all fundraising outreach and related programming for the Degrees Global Forum (a conference to be held in 2027);

Processes, systems & administration

• Create and implement structured processes across the entire fundraising and donor lifecycle;
• Develop and track KPIs, providing regular reports to senior staff and the Trustees;
• Be responsible for fundraising data, contacts and administrative records.

Qualifications

Essential

• At least ten years’ experience in fundraising or transferrable relevant experience;
• A proven background of working with six– and seven–figure donors;
• Track record of helping secure income from a variety of funders;
• Strong organisational and project management skills;
• Experience and comfort with Microsoft 365, fundraising CRMs and other common software tools;
• Experience organising events;
• Ability to write clearly and communicate effectively in English with a keen attention to detail;
• Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills, including an ability to work with people of all levels and backgrounds;
• Experience creating and maintaining fundraising processes;
• Ability to adapt and remain comfortable in a dynamic, remote start-up environment in a small organisation;
• Ability to travel internationally;
• Legal right to work in the UK.

Desirable

• Experience successfully fundraising from climate donors;
• Experience with a strong network of international funders;
• Experience building and scaling a fundraising effort;
• Experience supervising staff (as we expect the team to grow in future);
• Experience with choosing a fundraising CRM system;
• Tech savvy and an eagerness to work with new software solutions;
• Knowledge of climate science, policy and SRM.

Benefits of working at Degrees

• You will join a growing and dynamic charity operating at the intersection of climate change and global development.
• You will have the opportunity to contribute to a potentially high-impact issue by helping shape global conversations on climate science, empowering researchers in the Global South, and collaborating with some of the world’s leading SRM experts.
• The role is fully remote, allowing you to live anywhere within the United Kingdom. The charity has no central office and offers each employee up to £250 per month (including VAT) to cover co-working space costs. The team meets face-to-face at quarterly ‘awaydays’ in the UK, which are organised and paid for by the charity.
• Degrees provides an 8% employer pension contribution with no required employee contribution, which is generous by the standards of the UK third sector.
• The role includes opportunities for international travel.
• You will receive 25 days of annual leave per year, in addition to UK public holidays. If the charity closes between Christmas and New Year, you may also receive up to three extra days of leave.
• Personal development budget of £1,000 per year.

To apply

Please answer the questions below and attach a copy of your CV titling it “First name_surname_DM_CV”.   

You will receive a reply confirming receipt of the application.

The deadline for applications is 05 January 2026 (23:59 GMT). Successful applicants will be invited to an initial interview. Those progressing further will be invited to a second interview, which will include a presentation exercise. 

If you have any questions regarding the role, please email jobs@degrees.ngo

Application form

Data protection statement

The Degrees Initiative collects and processes personal data as part of the recruitment process. This information is used solely to assess your suitability for the role and to take necessary steps prior to entering into an employment contract.

We rely on the lawful basis of Article 6(1)(b) of the UK GDPR (processing necessary for the performance of a contract or to take steps prior to entering into a contract). If your application is successful, your data will also be used to administer your employment.

Your personal data will be handled confidentially and stored securely. We may retain recruitment data for record-keeping, future recruitment opportunities, or legal compliance purposes.

Under the UK GDPR, you have the right to access, correct, or erase your data, and to object to or restrict processing, where applicable.