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 in the process of 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 initial focus areas, which include improving farmer livelihoods and resiliency in our sourcing communities; building the pipeline of food scientists and veterinary professionals; and improving companion animal well-being. The two POs will play a pivotal role in developing the Fund’s strategies, designing breakthrough programs and managing relationships with non-governmental, non-profit, academic, and other impact organizations, and developing and implementing the Impact Fund’s grantmaking and reporting processes. The POs will work collaboratively across Mars businesses, sustainability teams, and other foundations/charities within Mars to ensure alignment, coordination and advance best practices. The POs will also represent the Mars Impact Fund with external audiences 

 

What are we looking for? 

Bachelor’s degree At least 12 years of direct experience in global, strategic philanthropy, partnership design, and program management Significant experience in at least one of the Impact Fund’s focus areas (e.g., farmer livelihoods and community resilience in low- income countries, science education; animal welfare, disaster response) Experience designing community-centered programs, pilots, and initiatives that drive significant impact at scale  Experience working in complex, global supply chains  Experience in global, corporate and/or foundation philanthropy Proven ability to cultivate and manage relationships with diverse stakeholders, including NGO’s, governments, higher education institutions and private sector partners. Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to articulate a compelling vision  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, international development Experience in grants management and reporting 

 

What will be your key responsibilities? 

 

Partnership development:  Lead the identification and cultivation of breakthrough impact partnership and program opportunities.     

Partner engagement: Build and lead trusting, long-term partnerships with NGOs, nonprofits, academic institutions, and international development organizations to deliver positive outcomes across our priority focus areas. 

Grantmaking: Manage the grant application and due diligence process; develop written grant recommendations for the Executive Director and the Board of the Mars Impact Fund. 

Monitoring, evaluation and learning: Develop and implement evaluation and learning practices that help refine the work and increase impact; establish and maintain relationships with field experts. 

Budget management: Develop and manage annual and 3-year rolling grant budgets for select focus areas. 

Project management: Contribute to the development of the Fund’s strategy; drive the development of annual implementation plans, including goals, workplans, and budgets; contribute to the annual reporting process; complete special projects as assigned 

Grant operations and reporting: Implement and manage a new grants management system, develop grant agreements, and ensure accurate financial and impact reporting. 

Internal engagement: Develop and maintain productive working relationships with Mars peers working in adjacent areas (e.g., philanthropy/charitable giving, sustainability, R&D, people and organization, corporate affairs) at the corporate and segment levels. 

External engagement: Represent Mars at external events; collaborate with partners to build and strengthen the nonprofit and international development sector in relevant areas of work; collaborate with the Executive Director and Mars External Communications to share the Fund’s goals and the impact of its work with key stakeholders. 

 

What can you expect from Mars? 

 

Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles. 

Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today. 

Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University. 

An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus. 

 

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