Rewrite of Job Description:

Role Summary
The role of Head of Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship represents an extraordinary opportunity to tackle one of the most critical global issues-climate resilience in Africa-through impactful collaboration, leadership, and innovation. Hosted within the Cross School Initiative Hub at the University of Cambridge, the position is part of the Mastercard Foundation Climate Resilience and Sustainability Collaborative Program. This program is specifically designed to empower Africa’s next generation of leaders, advancing climate solutions and stimulating the continent’s green economy by promoting scholarship, entrepreneurship, and social innovation.

Central to this role is leading the Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SI&E) arm, which aims to develop talent, ventures, and entrepreneurial ecosystems in partnership with African institutions and collaborators. The successful applicant will drive the strategic vision, manage partnerships across Cambridge, Africa, and beyond, and ensure measurable impact-including support for up to 200 climate-focused social ventures across Africa.

This leadership opportunity is ideal for professionals energized by driving systemic change, building cross-continental partnerships, and fostering innovation in climate sustainability for one of the most climate-vulnerable regions in the world.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategically lead and develop the Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SI&E) program in alignment with Africa’s climate priorities and opportunities.
• Implement initiatives to enable climate-focused SI&E ventures, fostering collaborations with anchor institutions across Africa and Cambridge.
• Build and maintain partnerships with African innovators, entrepreneurs, institutional partners, and advisory groups.
• Provide strategic oversight to the development, execution, and future-proofing of initiatives supporting the growth of social ventures in Africa.
• Maintain close engagement with the Mastercard Foundation and the University of Cambridge Management Board to ensure transparency, adaptability, and alignment of the program’s outcomes.

Why Cambridge?
The University of Cambridge is globally renowned for its academic excellence and commitment to innovation, diversity, and research-driven solutions to global challenges. This fixed-term role offers:

• Competitive salary with structured pay progression.
• Generous annual leave (41 days including holidays) and family-friendly entitlements.
• An auto-enrolment pension plan with significant employer contributions.
• Support for relocation or accommodation schemes.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements, fostering collaboration while accommodating work-life needs.

Cambridge provides a thriving and supportive environment for professionals aiming to make an international impact.

Application Advice for International Educators
This role is particularly suited for professionals with experience or aspirations in international education, cross-cultural collaboration, or global sustainability initiatives. Here are key recommendations for applicants from an international education perspective:

1. Highlight Cross-Cultural Experience: Demonstrate your ability to navigate and build partnerships across African contexts while leveraging global knowledge. For example, outline previous experience working in international collaborative projects, or mention multilingual abilities if applicable.

1. Focus on Climate Innovation Expertise: Make clear your knowledge or practical experience in climate resilience, sustainability, or green economy development. If you’ve integrated climate education or entrepreneurial training into curricula or programs, ensure this stands out.

1. Show Leadership in Education and Social Change: The program strongly emphasizes fostering African youth leadership capacity. Showcase moments where you’ve led or contributed to designing programs aimed at educating or empowering young leaders in emerging economies.

1. Engage with Adaptive Strategic Thinking: Highlight your experience in developing long-term, adaptable strategies for education, innovation, or entrepreneurship in dynamic contexts.

1. Connect with the Values of Cambridge: Reflect your alignment with Cambridge’s values-collaboration, inclusivity, and transformative research-for advancing change.

Prepare a tailored application that addresses your skills in building multicultural partnerships, your leadership in innovation-centered education, and your ability to translate vision into actionable outcomes.

To apply online for this vacancy, click the ‘Apply’ button above. For inquiries about the application process, contact Karin Kuchta via email: csihhr@admin.cam.ac.uk.

The University embraces equality, diversity, and inclusion, encouraging applications from all sectors of society. Join us in transforming African climate resilience!