Innovation Fund Lead

We are hiring an Innovation Fund Lead who will drive the IRC’s Innovation Fund to the next stage of growth, unlocking its full impact and scale potential. In this role, you will (i) push the ambition and drive the implementation of the Fund’s strategic vision as well as an external network of high-profile investors and advisors to the Fund; (ii) position the Fund to increase its size and scope and articulate its value proposition internally and externally, and (iii) continuously evolve and improve the Innovation Fund structure, including launching a new model for investing in external start-ups and entrepreneurs in the contexts where IRC operates.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy Implementation & Development

• Drive forward the vision and strategy of the Innovation Fund to enhance its potential for impact and scale.

• Launch a new arm of the Innovation Fund that invests in external start-ups and entrepreneurs, including identifying investors and promising investment opportunities, and demonstrating measurable results in impact, scale, and cost-effectiveness.

• Determine how to optimally allocate capital (beyond project grants/investments) to increase impact at scale.

Fundraising and Partnership Management

• Support Director of Partnerships and frontline fundraisers on fundraising and external positioning of the Fund, including with ongoing investor relations, to increase capital for the Fund

• Drive Innovation Fund collateral development for investors and internal staff, including annual reports and other fundraising materials (pitch decks, concept notes, talking points, etc.)

• Shape, grow, and coordinate an external network of high-profile investors and advisors to the Fund as well as innovators and start-ups in the contexts where IRC works.

• Leverage networks to maintain an active pulse on innovations -- within and outside the humanitarian space -- relevant to IRC priorities.

• Establish strong working relationships with colleagues across the IRC to represent the Fund and source more grant opportunities.

Fund Structure and Governance

• Dynamically manage portfolio success by evaluating historical and real-time data and determine the optimal risk profile of the Fund.

• Conduct research and analysis of peer funds to enhance idea sourcing strategies.

• Serve on the internal panel that reviews and assesses internal Innovation Fund applications.

• Lead the continuous evolution and improvement of the Innovation Fund structure, including the project selection process, to enhance impact and scale.

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

• 8+ years of relevant experience, including investing in start-ups/entrepreneurs in the Global South and/or demonstrated track record of portfolio management, and supporting early stage ventures to deliver on their growth and impact goals.

• Significant track record in fundraising and partnership development for innovation, tech, or ventures - either directly or part of a team delivering results in closing financing and partners

• Experience in setting impact vision and goals, and implementing that vision through a significant and complex portfolio

• Demonstrated experience generating data-driven models to make strategic decisions.

• Experience in developing clear communications for and delivering compelling presentations to executives; able to present complex ideas concisely.

• Experience with social impact measurement and developing / tracking metrics to measure impact

• Experience in growing new areas and capabilities of an organization, and testing / iterating with collaborators to continuously improve

• Ability to proactively identify gaps, improve processes, problem-solve, and anticipate challenges with minimal supervision

• Ability to effectively shift between strategy and day-to-day implementation

Bonus if you also have:

• Experience in humanitarian setting or development contexts and/or an international NGO

• Knowledge of, and interest in, relevant innovations and trends, particularly in the humanitarian sector.

Working Environment:

• Standard office work environment (with remote work an option)

• Up to 25% travel possible.

Compensation:

Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity:

IRC is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of inclusivity. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal.

Gender Equality:

IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols and other supportive benefits and allowances.

Professional Standards:

The IRC and IRC staff must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Global Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti-Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

US Benefits:

We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days (depending on role and tenure), medical insurance starting at $145 per month, dental starting at $7 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare, childcare, and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with up to 4.5% immediately vested matching contribution, plus a 3-7% base IRC contribution (3 year vesting), disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.

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Qualifications