Associate / Senior Associate (Climate)

Quantedge Advancement Initiative; Singapore; On-site; SGD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Quantedge Advancement Initiative (QAI) in Singapore seeks an Associate / Senior Associate to support the development and management of its Climate Change Action portfolio, focusing on nature-based solutions and sustainable agriculture and livelihoods in Southeast Asia. The ideal candidate has at least 3 years of relevant professional experience.

You will independently manage grants, identify funding opportunities, and engage with grantees to monitor progress and outcomes, reporting to the

Qualifications

• 3+ years of relevant professional experience in climate, sustainability, international development, philanthropy, non-profit or government sectors, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience independently managing programmes or workstreams.
• Good understanding of climate change mitigation and adaptation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.

Responsibilities

• Identify and assess promising organisations and funding opportunities aligned with QAI's climate priorities.
• Evaluate funding proposals, conduct due diligence, and make grantmaking recommendations.
• Contribute to portfolio strategy and development through targeted research and analysis.
• Independently manage assigned grants, including programme timelines, budgets, reporting, monitoring, and risk management.
• Assess programme performance and synthesise learning to inform future grantmaking and portfolio development.
• Build and maintain relationships with grantees, peer funders, and other stakeholders in the climate sector.
• Represent QAI at relevant meetings, site visits, and sector events.
• Contribute to collaborative initiatives, knowledge exchange, and ecosystem-building efforts.

Skills

Programme management

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s or higher in climate change / environmental studies / agriculture / development studies

Job description

Quantedge Advancement Initiative (QAI) is a privately funded philanthropic organisation established in Singapore. Our mission is to catalyse transformative solutions and collaboratively drive scalable, sustainable change for people and the planet.

Our grantmaking work across Southeast Asia spans two portfolios:

• Global Development focusing on early childhood development, and youth employment and livelihoods; and
• Climate Change Action focusing on nature-based solutions, and sustainable agriculture and livelihoods.

THE OPPORTUNITY

We are seeking an Associate / Senior Associate to support the development and management of our Climate Change Action portfolio, which focuses on nature-based solutions and sustainable agriculture and livelihoods in Southeast Asia.

The ideal candidate should have at least 3 years of relevant professional experience. Reporting to the Programme Lead (Climate), you will be responsible for independently managing a portfolio of grants, identifying and assessing new funding opportunities, and engaging with grantee partners to monitor programme progress and outcomes.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Identify and assess promising organisations and funding opportunities aligned with QAI's climate priorities.
• Evaluate funding proposals, conduct due diligence, and make grantmaking recommendations.
• Contribute to portfolio strategy and development through targeted research and analysis.
• Independently manage assigned grants, including programme timelines, budgets, reporting, monitoring, and risk management.
• Assess programme performance and synthesise learning to inform future grantmaking and portfolio development.

Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships

• Build and maintain relationships with grantees, peer funders, and other stakeholders in the climate sector.
• Represent QAI at relevant meetings, site visits, and sector events.
• Contribute to collaborative initiatives, knowledge exchange, and ecosystem-building efforts.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are looking for a mission-aligned individual with a strong interest in addressing climate and environmental challenges, and the ability to independently manage programmes and work effectively with diverse partners.

KEY QUALITIES & ATTRIBUTES

• Strong programme management and organisational skills: Highly organised, proactive and reliable, with the ability to take ownership of assigned work, manage competing priorities and follow through on commitments.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills: Intellectually curious, with the ability to critically assess complex issues, exercise sound judgement and develop evidence-based recommendations, including in uncertain or evolving circumstances.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills: Able to build effective relationships with diverse stakeholders and communicate clearly and concisely.

REQUIREMENTS

• At least 3 years of relevant professional experience in climate, sustainability, international development, philanthropy, non-profit or government sectors, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience independently managing programmes or workstreams.
• An undergraduate or advanced degree in climate change, environmental studies, agriculture, food systems, development studies, economics or a related discipline.
• A good understanding of climate change mitigation and adaptation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.

The following would be advantageous:

• Experience in philanthropic grantmaking; monitoring, evaluation and learning; impact evaluation; or data analysis.
• Familiarity with nature-based solutions, sustainable agriculture or other relevant climate mitigation and adaptation approaches.
• Proficiency in a Southeast Asian language, e.g. Bahasa Indonesia, Tagalog, Vietnamese.

Exceptional candidates who demonstrate readiness for broader programme management responsibilities may be considered for appointment as Programme Manager.

LOCATION

This is a full-time position based in Singapore. Applicants should be legally authorised to work in Singapore. Regional travel may be required.