Head, Investments

1. About the Role 

This role is central to shaping Gavi’s investment strategy by delivering high-quality macroeconomic analysis and identifying both strategic and tactical investment opportunities. Working closely with the Chief Investment Officer, the role promotes strong market intelligence and thought leadership across the Investments team. It involves cultivating relationships with investment managers, industry peers, and service providers to support Gavi’s investment portfolios, while also leading research initiatives and advancing the team’s risk management framework to ensure strong risk-adjusted returns. 

In addition to strategic responsibilities, the role ensures the delivery of accurate and insightful performance and risk reporting to internal stakeholders, the Investment Committee, and the Gavi Board. It emphasizes clear, persuasive communication through data visualization and reporting tools, and supports the development of internal capabilities by mentoring team members and interns. Ultimately, this position plays a key role in aligning investment decisions with Gavi’s broader mission and fiduciary responsibilities. 

2. Key Responsibilities 

• Industry engagement: Cultivates strong relationships with senior executives at investment firms, peer institutions, and key vendors to support Gavi’s investment strategy and reputation. 

• Cross-functional collaboration: Provides financial markets guidance and fosters cooperation across internal teams including Finance, Governance, Internal Audit, Ethics, Risk & Compliance, and Resource Mobilization. 

• Manager due diligence and oversight: Leads due diligence on investment managers, prepares hiring/firing recommendations, coordinates risk assessments and audit documentation. Risk Management: Leads discussions with internal risk teams to ensure consistent organizational understanding and evaluation of portfolio and operational risk.  

• Strategic research and communication: Identifies key market themes and integrates them into Investment Committee and Board communications, enhancing strategic alignment. 

• Oversight of tools and compliance: Assesses and recommends software and data tools; ensures adherence to investment policies and advises on portfolio changes. 

• Scenario analysis and asset allocation: Synthesizes internal forecasts, market assumptions, and risk appetite to drive scenario planning and annual asset allocation studies. 

Note: The essential functions listed in this section are not exhaustive of the job responsibilities; other duties may be assigned consistently with the department needs.  

3. Your Experience and Skills  

Experience: 

• Typically 10-15 years of relevant work experience at a non-profit, corporate or government pension plan, endowment, foundation, sovereign wealth fund, or investment advisory consultancy.  

Education and qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree required from an accredited university, with preference for finance, economics, or international relations studies.  

• Graduate degree such as a master’s in business administration or science highly desirable. 

• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification required. 

• Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) certification or other professional certification is helpful. 

Technical and functional skill:  

• Excellent communication skills: Ability to convey complex investment concepts clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical audience which include strong writing, data visualization, and presentation capabilities. 

• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills: Demonstrated ability to apply quantitative techniques to interpret data, generate insights, and support investment strategy and portfolio construction. 

• Strong understanding of capital markets and portfolio management: Well-developed knowledge of asset allocation principles and investment frameworks. 

• High proficiency in Microsoft Excel: Ability to use advanced Excel functions for financial modeling, data analysis, and reporting. 

• Proficiency with Bloomberg: Experience using Bloomberg for market research, data extraction, and investment analysis. 

• Ability to exercise tact and discretion: Especially in handling sensitive information and navigating organizational dynamics. 

• Familiarity with institutional policies and systems: Understanding of organizational procedures and governance frameworks relevant to investment operations. 

• Willingness to travel (<20%): Flexibility to support occasional travel needs for meetings, conferences, or site visits. 

      Language needed: 

• Written and spoken fluency in English.  

• Proficiency in French is an asset. 

4. How You Work (Behaviours and Mindsets) 

• Independent and deadline-driven: Demonstrates the ability to think critically and work autonomously while consistently meeting tight deadlines. 

• Collaborative and open-minded: Embraces teamwork, values diverse perspectives, and contributes creatively to group efforts. 

• Culturally adaptable: Comfortable and effective working in a multicultural and international environment. 

• Lifelong learner: Shows a strong passion for continuous learning and actively shares knowledge and insights with colleagues. 

• Proactive networker: Builds and maintains strong relationships within the organization and with external peers and industry experts. 

5. Your Leadership  

• One Gavi Mindset: Thinks and acts with Gavi and the Alliance best interest in mind, role models values and behaviours, fosters shared accountability, promotes and exhibits strong collaboration within and across departments.  

• Agile Leadership: Adapts quickly to shifting contexts, guides teams through uncertainty, and drives decisions that balance long-term strategy with short-term responsiveness. 

• Strategic-Pragmatic: Balances long-term vision with operational realities, translating strategy into clear, outcome-driven actions. 

• Influence and Drive Change: Builds alignment and commitment among diverse stakeholders, driving progress through diplomacy, credibility, and shared purpose. 

• Talent Development: Grows talent with an organisation-wide perspective, cultivates high-performing teams by setting clear expectations, providing regular feedback, and mentoring talent to thrive in a dynamic, mission-driven environment

If you wish to apply, please provide a cover letter and resume through our Careers webpage and apply by clicking on ”Head, Investments”. Deadline for applications is 12 November 2025. 

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In support of Gavi’s commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion, we hire globally and welcome applications regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, national origin, family status, sex, gender identity or expression, physical characteristics, race, religion, spirituality or sexual orientation. Gavi has zero tolerance towards sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse as well as any form of discrimination or harassment. Everyone at Gavi is expected to conduct themselves with integrity and respect towards each other. Gavi is committed to creating a work environment that is safe and professional, therefore all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference checks. Read more here.

Gavi brings together the public and private sectors to save lives and protect people’s health by increasing equitable and sustainable use of vaccines against 18 infectious diseases. You will work in a culturally diverse environment with over 70 nationalities. You will collaborate with partners such as WHO, UNICEF, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the World Bank – and from business, civil society and government. And you will work in the first global health organisation to receive equal gender salary certification. Your unique experience, skills and talents can help us achieve our vision of leaving no one behind without the life-saving power of vaccines.