Executive Director

Position Type: Full-Time, Executive Level
Place of work: Geneva
Reports to: Board of Trustees, Switzerland for UNHCR, working in close collaboration with UNHCR Private Sector Partnerships
Application Deadline: 20 April 2025 -
Starting date: asap

About Switzerland for UNHCR, the Swiss Foundation for UNHCR

Switzerland for UNHCR (CH4U) is the national fundraising partner of UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, dedicated to mobilizing resources to support forcibly displaced people worldwide. As a Swiss-based Foundation, we focus on raising funds from individuals, corporations, foundations, and philanthropists across Switzerland and Liechtenstein, channelling these contributions to UNHCR’s global efforts to protect refugees, internally displaced persons, and stateless individuals. Operating from Switzerland—a global humanitarian hub—we are committed to driving impactful fundraising initiatives that empower UNHCR’s life-saving work.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Switzerland for UNHCR seeks an exceptional fundraising leader to serve as Executive Director, steering the organization toward ambitious growth in resource mobilization at a critical time. This role is ideal for a professional with a proven ability to unlock significant donor support and a passion for humanitarian causes. The Executive Director will lead fundraising & engagement strategies, oversee operations and inspire a team to maximize Switzerland’s contribution to UNHCR’s mission, focusing primarily exclusively on private-sector partnership and individual giving.

Reporting to the Board of Trustees and working in close collaboration with its members, the Executive Director will be responsible for defining the vision, mission, and strategic direction of the Foundation, ensuring its effective implementation and the achievement of key targets. The Executive Director represents CH4U to internal and external stakeholders, fostering transparent and effective communication.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Organization Mission and Strategy

• Manage the overall CH4U team and, together with the Leadership team, implement strategic development within the framework of the Board’s guidance and UNHCR standards.
• Drive the implementation of innovative, high-impact, and sustainable fundraising strategies to secure substantial contributions from individual donors, including high-net-worth individuals and ultra-high-net-worth individuals, foundations, and corporations, with an emphasis on unrestricted and multi-year funding.

• Oversee the financial health and legal compliance of CH4U, ensuring effective risk management and the proper implementation of robust financial reporting systems.
• Anticipate and mitigate risks and associated opportunities.
• Elevate Switzerland for UNHCR’s visibility as a premier fundraising entity, ensuring compelling storytelling and marketing efforts resonate with donors and reflect UNHCR’s impact.

Governance and Communication

• Ensure efficient communication with the Board, management and employees through appropriate levels of information.
• Provide timely and accurate information/reports necessary for the Board to function properly and make informed decisions.
• Ensure optimal information flow and effective communication with UNHCR’s ecosystem, particularly the PSP Service, in accordance with existing agreements.

Representation

• Serve as the principal public figure for the organization’s constituents, the media, and the public within the designated area of responsibility, in cooperation with the Board and UNHCR local representatives.
• Establish and maintain relationships with key decision-makers from business, civil society, and other relevant actors throughout Switzerland and Liechtenstein to strategically enhance CH4U’s mission.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Board of Trustees and relevant UNHCR stakeholders.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a fundraising expert with a strategic vision to expand Switzerland for UNHCR’s reach and a deep commitment to humanitarian impact. Passionate about refugee rights, he/she demonstrates strong leadership, resilience, and innovation in a fast-paced environment. With exceptional interpersonal, communication, and networking skills, he/she excels in building high-value donor relationships and driving organizational success. He/she has a proven ability to manage complex fundraising operations, engage with diverse stakeholders, and lead teams toward ambitious revenue growth goals.

Experience & Expertise

• Minimum of 12 years of leadership experience in fundraising, nonprofit development, or private-sector sales/marketing, with a proven track record of overseeing fundraising programs generating seven-figure revenues or more.
• Proven success in building and scaling private donor portfolios, particularly with U/HNWIs, foundations, and corporations, ideally in a Swiss context.
• Extensive experience leading teams and operations in a fundraising-focused organization, with a proven track record of driving revenue growth and transitioning from a startup model to a scalable and sustainable fundraising structure.
• Strong understanding of the multilateral system, UN agencies (ideally UNHCR), and the humanitarian and development sectors; humanitarian field experience is an asset.
• Deep knowledge of the Swiss philanthropic landscape and donor behavior.
• Expertise in financial planning, budgeting, and resource allocation.
• Proven ability to collaborate with national and international stakeholders, authorities, and funding institutions.

Personal Attributes

• Passionate about promoting the rights and safety of refugees, with a strong alignment to Switzerland for UNHCR’s mission and values.
• Entrepreneurial and innovative, with the ability to develop and implement fresh approaches in a competitive donor market.
• Strong ability to identify and seize new opportunities, drive innovation, and lead large-scale strategic initiatives.
• Adopts an integrative leadership style based on best practices, demonstrating proactivity, cooperation, transparency, efficiency, and a solution-driven mindset. Acts with empathy and natural authority.
• Strong strategic vision, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.
• Resilient and adaptable, thriving in a fast-paced environment while achieving ambitious goals.
• Confident and diplomatic, with strong political acumen and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments.
• Excellent communicator and storyteller, skilled in crafting compelling narratives for fundraising and stakeholder engagement.
• Collaborative leader with high integrity, committed to fostering team success and organizational excellence.
• Languages: Fluency in English and French; German, Italian, or additional languages are a plus.
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of leadership and organizational culture.
• Willingness to travel occasionally within and outside the country.

Why Join Us?

This is a rare opportunity to lead an ambitious fundraising organization at the forefront of global humanitarian support, based in Switzerland—a hub of philanthropy and innovation. The Executive Director will directly shape the future of Switzerland for UNHCR, driving resources that transform the lives of millions of displaced people. Competitive compensation, aligned with experience, will be offered, along with the opportunity to work with a passionate team and a global network of humanitarian champions.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a CV and a cover letter detailing their fundraising achievements and vision for the role to the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Switzerland for UNHCR, Andrés Luther by 20 April 2025, exclusively through our recruitment page APPLY NOW

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and early submission is encouraged. Only selected candidates will be contacted.

Switzerland for UNHCR is an equal opportunity employer, welcoming candidates from all backgrounds who share our dedication to supporting displaced populations through impactful fundraising.