About the Africa Youth Climate Fund (AYCF)
The Africa Youth Climate Fund (AYCF) is a flagship initiative of the Green Africa You
Organization (GAYO), established to redistribute power, resources, and decision-making
to Africa’s youth climate movements. Born out of the recognition that young African
changemakers are driving some of the continent’s most transformative climate
solutions, yet remain underfunded and undervalued, the AYCF exists to close this equity
gap and accelerate systemic change.
Anchored in a participatory grantmaking model, the Fund champions a youth-for-youth
approach that empowers emerging leaders and organizations to design, implement, and
scale context-driven climate interventions. AYCF provides catalytic support across
three pillars: entrepreneurship and innovation, movement building, and research, while
nurturing ecosystems of transparency, accountability, and collaboration across Africa.
By strengthening local ownership, fostering strategic partnerships, and aligning with
global climate finance priorities, the AYCF serves as both a funding mechanism and
movement-building platform, driving a future where African youth lead the continent’s
transition toward climate justice, resilience, and sustainable development.
Position Description
The Director will serve as the founding leader of the Africa Youth Climate Fund,
responsible for building the Fund from the ground up, securing and stewarding
partnerships, establishing governance and operational systems, and ensuring AYCF’s
long-term sustainability and impact. This role requires a strategic, entrepreneurial, and
relationship-driven leader who thrives in building new institutions. The Director will
represent the Fund to global partners while nurturing its deep roots in African youth
leadership and movements.
Position Title: Director, Africa Youth Climate Fund (AYCF)
Duration: Two (2) years, renewable based on performance
Location: Remote – open to African nationals based in any African country.
Start Date: January 2026
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Fund Establishment – 25%
● Lead the design and implementation of AYCF’s vision, strategy, and operating
model, in alignment with GAYO’s mission and the AYCF Advisory Circle’s guidance.
● Establish governance structures, policies, and accountability systems to ensure
transparent and inclusive leadership.
● Develop annual priorities and multi-year strategic frameworks connecting
fundraising, grantmaking, and capacity-building goals.
● Serve as the main link between the GAYO Secretariat, the AYCF Advisory Circle,
and broader stakeholders.
Fundraising, Partnerships, and Philanthropy – 30%
● Design and execute AYCF’s fundraising and partnership strategy to mobilize core,
flexible, and long-term financial resour
● Build strategic relationships with philanthropic foundations, climate and
development partners, and high-net-worth donors.
● Develop compelling investment cases, donor briefs, and co-funding
opportunities to support practical fundraising effort
● Represent AYCF in regional and global fora to elevate its visibility and influence
Africa’s youth-led climate fund.
● Collaborate closely with GAYO’s leadership to ensure alignment with
organizational fundraising and reporting systems.
Program and Grantmaking Oversight – 15%
● Provide strategic oversight for the design and rollout of participatory
grantmaking windows, ensuring alignment with AYCF’s principles and values.
● Guide the setup of fair, transparent, and efficient grantmaking systems, wi
appropriate due diligence and monitoring tools.
● Establish clear metrics for grantee accountability, learning, and impact,
supported by participatory feedback mechanisms that foster ongoing learning
and evaluation.
● Supervise pilot funding rounds and refine processes based on the lesso
learned.
Governance and Institutional Strengthening – 10%
● Coordinate AYCF governance processes and ensure effective engagement of t
Advisory Circle.
● Lead periodic governance reviews and the onboarding of new members.
● Ensure compliance with GAYO’s governance and risk standards, and embed youth
representation and equity in all decision-making structures.
Team Building and Operations – 10%
● Recruit, supervise, and mentor the inaugural AYCF team.
● Build a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and innovation.
● Oversee operational systems, budgets, and internal coordination in partnership
with GAYO’s operations and finance team
● Develop digital and data systems to enable efficient grant management a
decision-making.
Communications, Advocacy and Presentation – 5%
● Serve as AYCF’s principal spokesperson, representing its mission and results
across philanthropic and media platforms.
● Oversee the development of a communications and visibility strategy (supported
by GAYO’s Communications team or future hire).
● Amplify youth narratives in global climate finance conversations and influ
policy and funding practices.
Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning – 5%
● Oversee the design of a light, participatory MEL framework to track institutional
and grantee performance.
● Commission learning reviews and shares insights to improve practice and
influence the broader philanthropic fi
● Partner with researchers and learning institutions to document the fund’s
innovations and impact.
Early Success Indicators (18 – 24 months)
● AYCF governance, operational, and grantmaking systems are established and
functional.
● Minimum of USD 1.5 – 3 million in multi-year philanthropic commitments secured.
● The core team and Advisory Circle are recruited and operational.
● The first pilot funding round has been completed, with evidence of learning a
impact.
● AYCF is recognized as a credible and visible actor in Africa’s youth-led climate
finance landscap
Qualification and Experience [Ideal Prof
● Minimum of 8 years of experience in philanthropy, climate, or social impact
funding, including at least 5 years in senior leadership.
● Demonstrated success in fundraising and partnership development with
foundations, bilateral donors, or development partners.
● Strong experience in institution-building or organizational startup phases.
● Deep understanding of participatory or community-led approaches, ideally
within youth or climate movements.
● Strategic thinker and relationship builder with excellent communication,
storytelling, and negotiation skills.
● Familiarity with African civil society, global philanthropic ecosystems, and youth
organizing.
● Commitment to feminist, decolonial, and justice-centered leadership principles.
Reporting and Team Structure
The Director reports to GAYO’s Executive Director and collaborates closely with the
GAYO Programs and Operations teams. The role will initially supervise 2–3 direct reports
(to be recruited):
● Programs & Grants Manager
● Communications & Partnerships Offic
● Operations & MEL Officer
Terms and Conditions
● Contract Duration: Two years (renewable based on performance and funding).
● Working Hours: 40 hours per week.
● Working Language: English.
● Compensation: A competitive monthly remuneration in the range of USD $2,000
– $2,500, commensurate with experience, qualifications, and the scope
responsibility.
Application Deadline: December 18, 2025, at 10:00 P.M. GMT
METHOD OF APPLICATION
Prepare your application package, which should consist of a
one-page cover letter stating your interest in the role a
highlighting your relevant achievements, as well as a recent
CV, all merged into a single PDF.
2. Ensure that your application package is accessible and does
not exceed 10 MB in size.
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