Current vacancies

Principal Consultant: Systems Change (12 month initial fixed term) 

Are you an experienced consultant with an interest in systems change? Join our team to support the impact sector to be as effective as possible. In this varied role you support clients of all types (charities, foundations, philanthropists, impact investors, social enterprises, corporates, and the public sector) on their journey to use systems thinking and practice to solve today’s most pressing problems. You’ll be part of a fun, values-driven interdisciplinary team of wide specialisms and expertise, who combine innovative consultancy with research and thought leadership.  

Our organisation

NPC is the think tank and consultancy for the Impact sector. Our mission is to help charities, foundations, philanthropists, impact investors, social enterprises, corporates, and the public sector to maximise social impact in the lives of the people they serve. Through our publications, events, policy work and consulting, we support individuals and organisations, challenge and inspire the sector, and help to create the conditions for impact. 

By working across charities, funders and government, we have a unique perspective and influence, while our consultancy department works with some of the leading organisations advancing great practice. As a hub for ideas, questions and debate, we have a lively work environment, and a supportive community of colleagues and collaborators.  

This role

The Principal Consultant Systems Change role offers a great mix of consultancy and thought leadership development: 

• You will design and sponsor innovative research and consultancy projects, manage senior client and funder relationships, ensure high quality delivery, and develop skills and capacity of NPC’s (senior) consultants
• You will build out NPC’s external profile, developing external relationships, convening and collaborating with people through events, partnerships, training and other sector-facing activities
• You will develop new ideas and contribute to NPC’s systems practice thought leadership, for example around best practices in evaluating complex programmes (such as systems change or multi-year policy and advocacy programmes), or by developing new models and guidance that help practitioners grapple with complexity
• You will be responsible for developing business and raising funds to meet the financial targets within the area of systems change.

 The attributes we are looking for include: 

Essential 

• A keen interest in systems change, systems practice and systems thinking, with evidence of applying systems practice tools such as systems change strategy, systems mapping, or systems change evaluation. Relevant experience in the impact sector, consulting, professional services, academia, or public policy 
• A strong inner drive, able to kick-start new ideas, generate business and develop client and funder relationships. 
• Intellectual curiosity and creativity, and showing a genuine passion for and awareness of the impact sector  
• Excellent research, analytical and problem-solving skills 
• Excellent client and project management skills  
• High quality standards with an attention to detail 
• Structured thinking and the ability to cut through complexity  
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills: the ability to develop and deliver compelling presentations, to be robust and influential in discussions, and to write in a clear and engaging manner. 

Desirable 

• Knowledge of the impact consulting market and systems change sector in the UK 
• A track record of successfully scoping and sponsoring consultancy and research projects, including managing and developing project teams.

The diversity of work and topics, autonomy, intellectual stimulation and supportive culture makes this a special role. But we understand nobody has everything in the job description. What’s more important to us is a real enthusiasm for the job, and we are committed to supporting and developing you through informal and formal learning and training.  

Hybrid working, hours and benefits 

We are based in London and have regular in person meetings. We are open to applicants who wish to work compressed hours or on a part time basis, at least 3.5 days per week, and agree hybrid arrangements. We also offer a range of competitive benefits.  

The initial contract will be for a 12-month fixed term, with the possibility to convert it to a permanent contract after that period upon mutual agreement. 

Salary: £44,000 – £54,000 per annum, pro rata, dependent on experience.  

Take a look at the more detailed job description. 

You can apply by sending: 

• a cover letter that highlights the attributes that you believe that you would bring to this role. 
• your CV 
• a completed equal opportunities form.

to recruitment@thinkNPC.org before 10am Monday 5 May 2025 quoting Reference PR:02 in the subject line. We encourage you to apply early, as we may close the vacancy early if we receive sufficient high-quality applications for the role. 

Those interested in applying are invited to join a briefing call at 12.30pm on Monday 28 April to get a better sense of the role and working at NPC.  All potential applicants will remain anonymous during this call.  Anyone who would like to attend this call should email recruitment@thinkNPC.org – you are welcome to submit questions in advance via email. 

Please note that we are unable to accept applications from those without the right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we cannot offer sponsorship for this role at this time.  

Principal Consultant – Effective Philanthropy 

Are you an experienced grant-maker or philanthropy advisor who would like to help a range of individuals and organisations to maximise their impact? Would you like to work for a sector leading organisation to develop best practice and thought leadership to drive better philanthropy to address a range of societal challenges?  

You’ll be part of a fun, values-driven team with wide specialisms and expertise, who combine innovative consultancy with research and thought leadership.  

Our organisation

NPC is the think tank and consultancy for the impact sector. Our mission is to help charities, foundations, philanthropists, impact investors, social enterprises, corporates, and the public sector to maximise social impact in the lives of the people they serve. Through our publications, events, policy work and consulting, we support individuals and organisations, challenge and inspire the sector, and help to create the conditions for impact. 

By working across charities, funders and government, we have a unique perspective and influence, while our consultancy department works with some of the leading organisations advancing great practice. As a hub for ideas, questions and debate, we have a lively work environment, and a supportive community of colleagues and collaborators.  

This role  

We are looking for someone who can work with a range of funders and philanthropists to increase the impact of their giving. You will support a full range of grant-giving activities from designing strategies, undertaking landscape reviews, and supporting monitoring and evaluation. You will also be responsible for driving forward our think-tank work on funding and philanthropy best practice.  

The attributes we are looking for include:  

• You will design and sponsor philanthropy and grant-making projects, manage senior client and funder relationships, ensure high quality delivery, and develop the skills and capacity of NPC’s consultants
• You will develop new ideas and contribute to NPC’s philanthropy thought leadership. Some of our recent projects in this space have included ‘how to embed DEI in grant-making’ and how funders can best create long-term positive change for children and young people facing mental health challenges
• You will build out NPC’s external profile, developing external relationships, convening and collaborating with people through events, partnerships, training and other sector-facing activities
• You will be responsible for developing business and raising funds to meet the financial targets within the area of philanthropy. 

We are looking for someone who is passionate about creating impact through good grant-making and philanthropy.  

Essential 

• A keen interest in grant-making and philanthropy, with some prior experience in either grant-making or advising philanthropists from work in the impact sector, consulting, or professional services
• A strong inner drive, able to kick-start new ideas, generate business and develop client and funder relationships
• Intellectual curiosity and creativity, and showing a genuine passion for and awareness of the impact sector  
• Excellent research, analytical and problem-solving skills 
• Excellent client and project management skills  
• High quality standards with an attention to detail 
• Structured thinking and the ability to cut through complexity  
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills: the ability to develop and deliver compelling presentations, to be robust and influential in discussions, and to write in a clear and engaging manner. 

Desirable 

• Knowledge of the impact consulting market and philanthropy sector in the UK 
• A track record of successfully scoping and sponsoring consultancy and research projects, including managing and developing project teams.

The diversity of work and topics, autonomy, intellectual stimulation and supportive culture makes this a special role. We understand nobody has everything in the job description. What’s more important to us is a real enthusiasm for the job, and we are committed to supporting and developing you through informal and formal learning and training.  

As an equal opportunity employer, we particularly welcome applications from working class and ethnic minority candidates, groups currently underrepresented in our workforce. 

Hybrid working, hours and benefits 

We are based in London and have regular in person meetings. We are open to applicants who wish to work compressed hours or on a part time basis, at least 30 hours per week, and agree hybrid arrangements. We also offer a range of competitive benefits. 

Salary: £44,000 – £54,000 per annum, pro rata, dependent on experience.  

Take a look at the more detailed job description.

And apply by sending: 

• a cover letter that highlights the attributes that you believe that you would bring to this role.
• your CV
• a completed equal opportunities form.

to recruitment@thinkNPC.org before the deadline of 10am 28 April 2025 quoting Reference PR:01 in the subject line. 

Those interested in applying are invited to join a briefing call on Tuesday 22 April 2025 at 1pm to get a better sense of the role and working at NPC.  All potential applicants will remain anonymous during this call.  Anyone who would like to attend this call should email recruitment@thinkNPC.org – you are welcome to submit questions in advance via email. 

Please note that we are unable to accept applications from those without the right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we cannot offer sponsorship for applicants at this time.