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Quantedge Advancement Initiative logo

Associate / Senior Associate (Climate)

Quantedge Advancement Initiative • Singapore • Added on Oct 30, 2026
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This role helps shape and run Quantedge Advancement Initiative’s climate grant portfolio in Southeast Asia. The Associate or Senior Associate researches prospective grantees, assesses funding proposals and manages selected grants, connecting programme plans and budgets with evidence about progress and outcomes. The position reports to the Programme Lead (Climate), with a possible Programme Manager appointment for an exceptional candidate ready to take on broader scope.

The portfolio backs nature-based solutions and sustainable agriculture and livelihoods, placing grant decisions within practical climate mitigation and adaptation work. QAI is a Singapore-based, privately funded charity that selects opportunities with the potential for high impact per dollar. The work therefore links careful analysis and grant stewardship to the effectiveness of climate initiatives and the communities they serve.

This suits someone with at least three years in climate, sustainability, development, philanthropy or a related field, who can assess evidence, manage programmes independently and build constructive relationships across Southeast Asia.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The role combines climate portfolio research and grant management. It involves identifying potential funding partners, assessing proposals and conducting due diligence, then preparing evidence-based grant recommendations aligned with QAI’s climate priorities. For assigned grants, the Associate manages timelines, budgets, reporting, monitoring and risks. They review programme performance, draw out lessons for future funding decisions, and maintain relationships with grantees, peer funders and other climate-sector stakeholders.

Key learning opportunities for this job

The position could build practical expertise in philanthropic grantmaking, from opportunity assessment and due diligence through grant monitoring and portfolio learning. Working across nature-based solutions and sustainable agriculture may also deepen knowledge of climate mitigation and adaptation in Southeast Asia. Regular contact with grantee partners and peer funders could develop skills in programme evaluation, evidence-based decision-making and regional partnership work. The posting does not specify formal training or certifications, though broader programme management responsibilities may be possible for an exceptional candidate.

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

The stated profile calls for at least three years of relevant professional experience in climate, sustainability, international development, philanthropy, non-profit or government work, alongside a degree in a related subject such as environmental studies, agriculture, food systems or development. A good grasp of climate mitigation and adaptation is expected. The work also calls for independent programme management, careful analysis, sound judgement and clear English communication. Grantmaking, monitoring and evaluation, impact assessment, data analysis, familiarity with nature-based solutions or sustainable agriculture, and a Southeast Asian language are listed as advantages.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

Use the application form specified in the posting and submit a CV that makes your programme ownership clear. For each relevant example, explain the scope you managed, how you assessed evidence or risk, and what changed as a result. Connect your climate experience to QAI’s stated focus on nature-based solutions and sustainable agriculture and livelihoods in Southeast Asia. If applicable, give concrete examples of grant assessment, partner monitoring, evaluation or work in the region, and note relevant language skills.

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

The role is directly tied to QAI’s Climate Change Action portfolio, which focuses on nature-based solutions and sustainable agriculture and livelihoods in Southeast Asia. Grant assessment and monitoring are likely to consider how proposed programmes address climate mitigation or adaptation and their progress toward intended outcomes. The position also contributes to portfolio strategy and learning, so its sustainability focus includes deciding which climate opportunities merit funding and using programme evidence to inform future grantmaking. The posting does not specify formal emissions targets or a company-wide ESG reporting remit.

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

A likely challenge is judging the quality and potential impact of diverse proposals when evidence may be incomplete or results take time to emerge. The role must balance due diligence, programme risks, budgets and timelines while making recommendations that fit QAI’s climate priorities. Working across Southeast Asia may also require adapting communication and monitoring to different partners and operating contexts. The posting calls for independent ownership and stakeholder engagement, while providing no detail on portfolio size or internal team capacity.

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

A day could involve reviewing a funding proposal or programme update, checking a grant’s budget and timeline, and documenting questions or risks for follow-up. The Associate might then discuss progress with a grantee or analyse findings to inform a funding recommendation or portfolio learning. Other days may include research into climate organisations, meetings with peer funders, planning a site visit or representing QAI at a sector event. The balance is likely to shift with proposal cycles, grant reporting dates and regional travel.

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

The role could build a path from managing individual grants to taking wider responsibility for programme strategy and portfolio decisions. QAI states that exceptional candidates who show readiness for broader programme management may be considered for a Programme Manager appointment. Further development could include deeper expertise in climate philanthropy, grant evaluation, nature-based solutions and sustainable agriculture, as well as regional partnership experience. The posting does not specify a formal promotion framework or training programme.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

The Associate reports to the Programme Lead (Climate) and works with QAI colleagues on climate portfolio research and grant decisions. A central relationship will be with grantee partners, including through progress monitoring, reporting and site visits. The role may also involve peer funders, climate-sector organisations and other stakeholders connected to collaborative initiatives and knowledge exchange. Regional travel and engagement across Southeast Asia are indicated, though specific partner organisations are not named.

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