Program Officer (Mars Impact Fund)

Mars; London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global food and agriculture company in London is seeking two experienced Program Officers to manage partnerships aligned with their newly formed Impact Fund. Candidates should have at least 12 years of experience in global philanthropy and program management, with the ability to develop impactful community programs. This role offers a competitive salary, bonuses, and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits

Access to Mars University

Qualifications

• At least 12 years of experience in global philanthropy, partnership design, and program management.
• Experience in one of the Impact Fund’s focus areas.
• Proven ability to design impactful community programs and initiatives at scale.
• Experience in grants management and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead partnership development and cultivation.
• Manage grant application processes and develop recommendations.
• Contribute to Fund strategy and annual planning.
• Implement and manage grants management systems and reporting.

Skills

Global philanthropy experience

Partnership design

Program management

Excellent communication

Stakeholder relationship cultivation

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Job Description

At Mars, we believe the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. We are dedicated to making a positive impact on the people and communities we touch. The newly formed Mars Impact Fund is building a program team to work alongside the Executive Director. Specifically, we are hiring two Program Officers (POs) who will develop and manage a portfolio of partnerships aligned with the Impact Fund’s focus areas, including improving farmer livelihoods and resiliency, building the pipeline of food scientists and veterinary professionals, and enhancing companion animal well-being.

The POs will play a pivotal role in developing the Fund’s strategies, designing programs, managing relationships with NGOs, non-profits, academic, and impact organizations, and overseeing grantmaking and reporting processes. They will collaborate across Mars businesses and sustainability teams, ensuring alignment and best practices, and will represent the Mars Impact Fund externally.

What are we looking for?

• Bachelor’s degree
• At least 12 years of experience in global philanthropy, partnership design, and program management
• Experience in one of the Impact Fund’s focus areas (e.g., farmer livelihoods, science education, animal welfare, disaster response)
• Proven ability to design impactful community programs and initiatives at scale
• Experience working in complex, global supply chains
• Background in corporate or foundation philanthropy
• Ability to cultivate relationships with diverse stakeholders
• Excellent communication and influencing skills
• Ability to translate social impact concepts into business language
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a bias for action
• Experience in monitoring, evaluation, and learning
• Knowledge of the nonprofit/NGO sector and international development
• Experience in grants management and reporting

Key Responsibilities

• Lead partnership development and cultivation
• Build and maintain trusting relationships with NGOs, nonprofits, and academic institutions
• Manage grant application processes and develop recommendations
• Develop evaluation and learning practices to increase impact
• Manage budgets for grant programs
• Contribute to Fund strategy and annual planning
• Implement and manage grants management systems and reporting
• Engage with internal teams and external partners to promote the Fund’s goals

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with diverse, talented associates guided by the Five Principles
• Join a purpose-driven company committed to building a better tomorrow
• Access to world-class learning and development, including Mars University
• Competitive salary and benefits, including bonuses