Deadline: July 31, 2025
Applications are open to join the Grand Challenges Canada Investment Committee 2025. The Grand Challenges Canada (GCC), one of the largest impact-first investors in the world, is currently searching for outstanding candidates to join its Investment Committee.
GCC is dedicated to supporting Bold Ideas with Big Impact. Funded by the Government of Canada and other partners, GCC funds innovators in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). These bold ideas integrate science/technological innovation with social and business innovation – known as Integrated Innovation. Under its new 2025 – 2030 Strategic Plan, GCC has an ambitious goal to reach 750M lives through life saving and life improving innovations.
The Investment Committee is a standing committee of GCC’s Board of Directors. To support innovations’ journey to scale and sustainability, the IC’s mandate is to make investment decisions in alignment with the Board’s risk appetite. Structured as grants, loans or equity investments at the transition-to-scale phase, the IC reviews management’s investment proposals and identifies gaps, risks and improvements. Ultimately, the IC determines whether it would recommend these investments to the Board.
Eligibility
- Applicant should have a passion for impacting the most underserved and unserved LMIC communities through innovation.
- Relevant lived/work LMIC experience as well as extensive LMIC networks.
- Governance knowledge and experience such as previous IC experience/exposure in other entities.
- Subject matter expertise in ONE of the following:
- Experience with humanitarian crisis areas; OR
- Global health experience including the intersection with climate and health; OR
- Business expertise in the global south such as venture capital or entrepreneurial experience
- A keen understanding of the scaling and sustainability opportunities/challenges in LMIC environments.
Commitments
- The IC expects a very high level of commitment from its members. Quarterly meetings usually run from 3-8 hours and are convened virtually with an annual in-person 1-2 day meeting. IC members are volunteers and are not compensated for their time. All travel expenses are reimbursed by GCC consistent with their Travel Policy. Terms are for 3 years with the option of a renewal term.
Application
Direct application as well as nominations of prospective candidates are being accepted.
- Direct Application: To apply directly, please submit your curriculum vitae along with a statement of interest of no more than 200 words.
- Nomination: To nominate a prospective candidate, please send an email with the candidate’s name and a short explanation of why they would be a great addition to the Investment Committee. They will follow up with nominators about the candidate they intend to nominate.
All applications, nominations, and requests for additional information, can be sent directly to Akin Alaga, Chief Investment and Operating Officer, Grand Challenges Canada at [email protected]. Applications and nominations will be accepted until July 31, 2025.
For more information, visit Grand Challenges Canada Investment Committee.
