RELEX Foundation is looking for an expert to join us in building our work on nature and climate

RELEX Foundation for a Better Future began its operations in 2023 with the purpose of improving the state of the environment and climate, and promoting human rights and equality. We primarily seek and fund actors and projects that foster biodiversity and prevent climate change and its impacts, both globally and in Finland. We strive to be a good partner for those working towards a better future, helping them succeed in their work. We strive actively to promote the transformation into a just and sustainable world.

About the Role

We are seeking an expert to work alongside the CEO to advance the foundation's goals and create and implement grant-making for nature and climate. You will be responsible for managing and developing the grant process. The Foundation proactively seeks actors and projects that fulfill the foundation's goals. The application process is collaborative, and collaboration with grantees does not end with the grant decision. As the second employee in the history of RELEX Foundation, you will be fully involved in shaping the foundation's strategy and work. The final job title can be discussed with the selected candidate, taking into account their experience level.

Examples of tasks expected of the applicant include:

• Management and development of the grant process:
• Scoping and guiding, such as mapping potential partners and projects to fund globally, advising applicants, evaluating and providing feedback to develop the projects and applications
• Coordination of the application process, such as communication with applicants, expert reviews, due diligence of applicants, and grant agreements
• Preparation of materials for funding decisions and monitoring for RELEX Foundation's board and for other partners as needed
• Support and monitoring, such as interaction and mutual learning with funded partners to advance their work and develop understanding and measurement of their impact, evaluation of final reporting
• Development of the foundation's grant process and approach
• Participation in the strategic and operational development of RELEX Foundation, for example by
• Building foundation’s networks globally in the fields of biodiversity and climate action and funding
• Creating strategic understanding by tracking trends, opportunities, and gaps in the areas where the foundation operates now and possibly in the future, and processing this information into insights for directing the foundation's operations and for the use of the foundation's stakeholders

Thriving in this role is supported by:

• A strong desire to advance the foundation's goals and a good society for both people and other organisms within the planet's limits
• Experience working on biodiversity, climate, or other environmental issues, understanding of the international context, and personal vision
• The ability to combine strategic vision with practical action
• A self-directed, goal-oriented, and systematic work approach, ability to take responsibility as part of a small team, and good interaction skills
• A learning-oriented and courageous attitude, as well as the ability to tolerate ambiguity
• Excellent written and spoken English skills, fluent reading and functional spoken skills in Finnish (fluent writing in Finnish is not necessary). Note: You can fill out the application form in Finnish or English.

Additionally, we appreciate:

• Experience with grant processes or other funding instruments
• Experience in impact thinking and evaluation
• Extensive networks relevant to the job

We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet all of the above criteria.

The role is new, and the final title can be discussed with the selected candidate.

What you can expect from us

• The opportunity to advance society's understanding of the dual challenge of preserving biodiversity and preventing climate change and work together with interesting actors addressing these challenges around the world
• The opportunity to be involved in building a new foundation, its strategy, approach, and culture
• A work culture characterized by a love for the goals of the work, collaboration, and informal interaction
• The opportunity for professional development together with an evolving foundation

The employment is full-time and permanent. The salary at the start of employment is EUR 4,200–5,200 per month. The start date for the position is in August 2024 or at another agreed-upon time.

The workplace is in Helsinki, currently in the House of Science and Hope at Puistokatu 4, where we are part of a multidisciplinary community of foundations, actors, and researchers united by the goal of building an ecologically sustainable future and good life within the planetary boundaries. About three days a week is in-person work, and there is large degree of flexibility in how you organize your work. The facilities at Puistokatu 4 are mostly accessible.

Application Process

If you think you are the person we are looking for and this work motivates you, apply for the position by filling out this form. You can fill out the form in Finnish or English. The application period ends on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at 12 noon.

The first interview round will be held on Tuesday, May 14, Wednesday, May 15, and Thursday, May 16, 2024. If none of the days are suitable, we will try to find an alternative time. Interviews will be held in Helsinki at Puistokatu 4. In exceptional cases, interviews can be conducted remotely. All applicants will be informed of the first-stage selections on Wednesday, May 8, 2024.

The Foundation's CEO, Outi Kuittinen, will answer questions by phone at the following times:

• Thursday, April 11, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m.
• Wednesday, April 17, from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. (N.B. New time)
• Thursday, April 18, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m.
• Thursday, April 25, from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m.
• Monday, April 29, from 8:45 to 10:00 a.m.

To promote equity and equality, we encourage applications from people of different ages and backgrounds. We use anonymous recruitment. In practice, this means that in the first stage of the recruitment process, applications are reviewed with names, email addresses, and any LinkedIn links covered. The aim of anonymous recruitment is to focus attention on the applicant's professional skills and work experience.