Programme Analyst

Organisation: Jacobs Futura Foundation
Salary: Available upon request
Location: London, UK
Contract type: Permanent (Full time)
Closing date: 23 February 2026
Job Description: The Jacobs Futura Foundation (JFF or the Foundation) is a philanthropic foundation based in London and aiming for lasting impact. We operate in two distinct areas of focus: (1) preserving the integrity of tropical rainforests and (2) enabling athletes to thrive in life after high-performance sport.

The core values for JFF, which frame how we think and operate, are:
• Ambition: we are positive, with a bias to action and identifying solutions that deliver lasting impact.
• Humility: we are keen to learn from others; we are pragmatic and open.
• Commitment: we are intentional in how we target our efforts, we are patient, and we have a determination to follow through.
• Collaboration: we can only make a difference working with others; we will bring value to our partnerships.

Our Athletes Portfolio has been established to support current and former athletes in preparing for life after high performance sport. Athletes develop valuable skills and experience that can be of use to them beyond just their sport. With the right support, athletes can navigate to the next stage smoothly and effectively, benefiting them and society as a whole. We focus on enhancing the provision of support available to them as they make this transition and identify opportunities for lasting improvement. We prioritise non-professional sports, for example, Olympic and Paralympic sports, where athletes are less likely to have a salary, with a particular focus on disadvantaged athletes.

Jacobs Futura Foundation has also established a Global Rainforest Portfolio to support key tropical forest regions in the Amazon Basin, the Congo Basin and West Africa. The Foundation is supporting partners dealing with a range of drivers of deforestation across these regions and applies a deep learning approach, rooted in long-term partnerships and adaptive targeted interventions. Over the coming years, we will expand and, importantly, deepen our contribution in the chosen geographies.

Purpose of role
The Programme Analyst will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering the Foundation’s growing portfolio of programmes, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and a strong focus on achieving lasting, real-world impact. While the role is anchored within the Athlete Portfolio, the Analyst will also contribute to the Rainforest Portfolio and work closely with internal teams and external partners across the Foundation.

Beyond grant-making, the Programme Analyst will act as a coalition builder and trusted stakeholder manager, supporting relationships with athletes, partners, and grantees, and helping translate strategy into action. The role requires a highly organised, detail-oriented self-starter who can progress work independently to near completion, balance multiple priorities, and bring clarity and rigour to complex programmes.

With a strong awareness of athlete performance, lived experience as an athlete or a genuine passion for sport and physical activity, the Analyst will bring credibility, empathy, and insight to the Athlete Portfolio. As a collaborative team player who is not tied to rigid ways of working, they will contribute energy, curiosity, and commitment to driving impact across both portfolios.

Primary responsibilities
The job holder will have the following key responsibilities:
• Scoping and assessing potential grantees, grant administration, including research, insights, budgeting, and progress assessment, whilst ensuring that the grant-making activity aligns with portfolio goals and objectives.
• Conducting research and developing insights into programmatic areas as directed, actively engaging with key stakeholders and partners. This includes reviewing and summarising materials provided by partner grantees throughout the project lifecycle.
• Proposing and developing approaches and partnerships based on research and insights, bringing new ideas and approaches in furtherance of programmatic objectives.
• Conducting monitoring, learning, and evaluation activities across activities, developing insights to inform strategic decision‑making.
• Leading on specific projects, providing internal briefings ahead of relevant meetings, organising meetings or convenings and assisting in the drafting of internal papers, programme strategies or grant proposals.
• Drafting external-facing articles, website and LinkedIn materials and external conferences.
• Developing and managing stakeholder relationships, including engaging with partner grantees to access relevant information, compiling reports, escalating issues and risks internally.
• Inputting into, and ensuring, the Foundation’s systems are up to date and accurate with the latest information on funders, partners and grantees as relevant.
• Keeping abreast of relevant developments and applying these to support the learning of the Foundation.
• Representing the Foundation in relevant external forums under the direction of the relevant Portfolio Lead. Be an advocate for the Foundation, including interacting with the Foundation’s Board, senior stakeholders and partners about relevant aspects of our work.

Experience
• Graduate or equivalent level of qualification with an excellent academic record.
• A minimum of 3 years of professional experience.
• An understanding of issues relating to performance sport and some experience of partnering with the sporting sector is essential. An interest in rainforests would be an advantage.
• Lived experience as an athlete or having an understanding of the challenges faced by athletes transitioning out of professional sport would be desirable.
• Excellent use of Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and Word.
• Well-developed research and analysis skills.
• Proven experience of building trust-based relationships, with strong interpersonal skills, able to influence others and work collaboratively.
• Knowledge of working with funding institutions or in multi-donor initiatives in the UK would be an advantage. This experience may have been gained in a charity, foundation, Government, or consultancy.
• Self-directed and proactive with an ability to thrive in a team environment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. Fluent in English.
• Demonstrate a clear passion for the two key priorities for the Foundation.

JFF’s Commitment
We are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and to a transparent recruitment process that fosters belonging. We encourage people from all backgrounds to apply.
How to apply: To apply for this role, please submit a copy of your CV/resume, a cover letter outlining your interest in and suitability for the role including addressing the following question succinctly, ‘What opportunities or challenges do athletes face when leaving high performance sport?’ by clicking: https://recruitcrm.io/apply/17695133959220039627uVc If you have any questions about the role or organisation and would like an informal chat ahead of submitting a formal application, please reach out to Ruth Gardner at ruth@upsallinternational.com. To note: in order to keep your application safe and ensure your data is GDPR compliant, applications will not be accepted via email. • The deadline for applications is Monday 23rd February 2026, 9:00 am CET •