The Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO) is recruiting the first Director of the Africa Youth Climate Fund (AYCF)—a pioneering fund created to expand resources, influence, and leadership opportunities for young Africans advancing climate solutions across the continent.

About the Africa Youth Climate Fund

The AYCF was launched to put greater decision-making power and financial resources directly in the hands of young African climate actors. The Fund supports youth-led initiatives through a participatory grantmaking model rooted in equity, transparency, and community leadership. Its work focuses on strengthening entrepreneurship, supporting movements, and encouraging research that drives climate justice and long-term resilience in Africa.

Role Summary

The Director will lead the establishment and long-term development of the AYCF, shaping its structure, strategy, partnerships, and public presence. This is a role for a visionary builder—someone capable of turning an emerging idea into a solid institution with continental reach. The Director will guide fundraising, partnership engagements, program oversight, governance, and team development while ensuring strong alignment with GAYO’s core mission and values.

Key Areas of Responsibility

1. Strategy & Fund Development

• Design and implement the Fund’s strategic direction, operating model, and growth pathways.

• Create governance and accountability systems that reflect youth-centered leadership.

• Set annual work plans and multi-year strategies connecting fundraising, grants, and capacity-building.

2. Fundraising & Partnerships

• Lead the Fund’s resource mobilization efforts to secure flexible, long-term financing.

• Build and maintain relationships with philanthropic partners, foundations, climate funders, and other stakeholders.

• Articulate AYCF’s value through investment cases, donor materials, and global advocacy.

• Represent the Fund in international and regional climate and development spaces.

3. Grantmaking & Program Oversight

• Provide guidance for designing participatory grantmaking processes.

• Develop systems for due diligence, impact tracking, and equitable distribution of resources.

• Coordinate initial pilot rounds and refine grantmaking models based on community feedback.

4. Governance & Institutional Development

• Manage the AYCF Advisory Circle and related governance processes.

• Strengthen institutional systems and ensure compliance with GAYO standards.

• Promote inclusive, youth-led decision-making at all stages of the Fund’s work.

5. Team Leadership & Operations

• Recruit and supervise the AYCF’s first core team.

• Establish internal systems for finance, operations, and digital tools that support efficient grant management.

• Foster a collaborative, mission-driven work culture.

6. External Communications & Advocacy

• Serve as the Fund’s public voice and spokesperson.

• Work with GAYO’s communications staff to develop visibility strategies.

• Elevate youth leadership narratives in climate finance spaces.

7. Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning

• Oversee a light, participatory MEL framework.

• Commission internal learning reviews and share findings with the wider ecosystem.

• Collaborate with research partners to document impact and innovations.

Early Milestones Expected in the First 18–24 Months

• Fully functional governance and operational systems.

• USD 1.5–3 million secured in multi-year commitments.

• Advisory Circle and core operational team onboarded.

• Completion of a pilot funding round.

• Recognition of AYCF as a credible youth-led climate finance institution.