Executive Director and Academic Head: University of Cambridge Africa Climate Collaborative (in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation)

• Fixed Term until 31 July 2030.
• The salary for this post is between £82,932 and £105,009 negotiable, commensurate with experience and subject to approval. Plus excellent benefits and 41 days of annual leave.

University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge is one of the world's foremost universities, recognised internationally for its excellence in research, teaching and innovation. At the heart of the University's mission is a commitment to addressing global challenges through education, collaboration and leadership.

In partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, the University has established a flagship initiative that combines the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program with the Africa Climate Collaborative. Together, these programmes seek to empower talented African scholars, advance climate resilience and sustainability, and build long-term, equitable partnerships with institutions across Africa.

We are now seeking an exceptional leader to take on the role of Executive Director and Academic Head, a senior position of strategic importance to the University.

The Role

Reporting to the Senior Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education and Environmental Sustainability, the Executive Director and Academic Head will lead the University's strategic partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, shaping the vision, direction and impact of both the Scholars Programme and the Africa Climate Collaborative.

You will act as the University's senior representative for the partnership, providing inspirational leadership across the Collegiate University and internationally. You will drive alignment between academic, professional services and external partners to ensure the successful delivery of a wide-ranging, multi-faceted programme that is central to Cambridge's global strategy.

Key responsibilities include:

• Setting and delivering the long-term strategic vision for the Scholars Program and Africa Climate Collaborative
• Building and sustaining high-level relationships with the Mastercard Foundation and African partner institutions
• Leading complex, international partnerships and major strategic initiatives
• Advocating for the programme at the highest levels within the University
• Championing equity, inclusion and Africa-led approaches to climate resilience and sustainability
• Providing governance leadership, oversight of performance and delivery against agreed objectives

About You

You will be a highly credible and accomplished leader with substantial experience operating at the most senior levels within an academic or comparable environment. You will bring a strong record of delivering complex international programmes and building effective, values-driven partnerships, particularly within an African context.

You will combine strategic vision with a pragmatic, delivery-focused approach and will be able to engage and influence across cultures, disciplines and institutions. Strong leadership, communication and relationship-building skills are essential, alongside sound financial acumen and experience of securing and stewarding funding.

A strong academic background is required, with a doctorate or equivalent experience. Experience in a field related to climate resilience and sustainability is essential, and holding a professorial post or equivalent experience would be an advantage.

Why Join Us?

This is a rare opportunity to lead a transformational global partnership at one of the world's leading universities. You will play a central role in shaping the future of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Cambridge and advancing ambitious work in climate resilience and sustainability.

You will join a collaborative and purpose-driven leadership community, with the opportunity to influence University strategy, create lasting international impact, and support the development of the next generation of African leaders.

This role is offered on a fixed-term basis until 31 July 2030.

Applications are welcome both from external and internal candidates, including internal candidates interested in taking a secondment from their current role in the University.

Part-time and flexible working arrangements will be considered in line with the requirements of the role.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Applications should include a CV and a covering letter.

The closing date for applications is Sunday 31 May 2026 at midnight.

We encourage early applications, as the vacancy may close before the advertised deadline if a sufficient number of suitable applications are received.

Interviews will be held on Monday 06 July 2026.

Informal enquiries regarding this position can be made to: Dr Tabitha Mwangi, Programme Director (twm39@cam.ac.uk)

If you have any queries about the recruitment process, please contact Rachel Hughes, Recruitment Adviser, Senior Professional Appointments (Rachel.Hughes@admin.cam.ac.uk)

Please quote reference XN49518 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Apply online

Key information

Department/location
Cross School Initiative Hub

Salary
£82,932

Reference
XN49518

Category
Academic-related

Date published
30 April 2026

Closing date
31 May 2026