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Head of Global Cooperation, 80-100%

HEKS/EPER•Switzerland

ngo

Job Description

About the Company

HEKS/EPER is a Swiss non-profit organization with over 1,500 permanent employees. Active at 24 locations in Switzerland and in 35 countries worldwide, it runs 290 programs and projects with a budget of around CHF 144 million. In 2024, HEKS/EPER reached approximately 16 million people with its work.

HEKS/EPER envisions a just world where the dignity of every person is respected, peace prevails, and the natural environment is preserved. The organization aims for systemic change at social, economic, and political levels. It works to improve living conditions for people in Switzerland and globally, promoting their rights, raising awareness, and mobilizing support.

HEKS/EPER values lived diversity and inclusion. Applications are welcome regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, age, or sexual orientation.

Position Overview

HEKS/EPER is seeking an experienced, strategically minded, and inspiring leader for the position of Head of Global Cooperation (80-100%) at its head office in Zurich. This key role is available as soon as possible or by agreement. As a member of the Executive Board, you will carry overall responsibility for HEKS/EPER's international work, both strategically and operationally.

Together with your Deputy, you will lead the Global Cooperation division across its working domains: development cooperation, humanitarian aid, church cooperation, and development policy. You will position HEKS/EPER in the international arena and shape its international program in line with the overall strategy.

Qualifications

To succeed in this role, you bring:

A relevant university degree at Master's level or equivalent experience, including having lived and worked 3-5 years in highly fragile program areas
At least 10 years of experience at senior management level in international cooperation, ideally with experience in humanitarian aid, development cooperation, development policy, church cooperation, or impact investment
Proven experience leading motivated, results-driven, diverse, and intercultural teams
Proven experience managing multi-million budgets in complex international environments
A track record in the successful acquisition and implementation of internationally funded projects, and in building networks of partners and donors
Proven experience in crisis, security, and incident management
Strategic, visionary thinking with excellent analytical and conceptual skills, and a sound command of business administration instruments
Excellent communication, representation, and intercultural skills, combined with strategic vision, resilience, integrity, sound judgment, and a collaborative, value-based leadership style
Diplomatic experience, for example in multilateral settings and negotiations
Availability for frequent international travel, sometimes at short notice
Excellent command of English and German and/or French; additional languages are an asset
Willingness to identify with the objectives and values of HEKS/EPER, including its proximity to the Protestant Church

Responsibilities

In this executive role, you will:

Member of the Executive Board

Carry overall responsibility for HEKS/EPER's international work, strategically, operationally, financially, and in terms of leadership. Lead the division across its working domains and position HEKS/EPER in the international arena.

Leadership, Culture, and Organisational Steering

Provide strategic leadership to the Global Cooperation division, ensuring organizational effectiveness, long-term impact, and alignment with HEKS/EPER's overall strategy
Lead the division in close cooperation with the Deputy Head, being accountable for strategic leadership, organisational performance, and strategic development
Lead, develop, and recruit Heads of Programmes and Team Leaders in partnership with HR, promoting a professional, caring, and participative leadership culture
Lead change management processes, ensure agility, and proactively steer the division through shifting political, societal, funding, and security contexts
Strengthen collaboration within and across divisions, as well as with partners at local, national, and international levels

Programme Management

Forward-thinking strategic development and implementation of the HEKS/EPER international programme across complementary working domains
Ensure compliance of all programmes and processes with HEKS/EPER standards, and implement efficient instruments and governance structures

Representation, Networking, and Fundraising

Represent HEKS/EPER to institutional donors, including the SDC, and maintain membership in relevant national and international executive networks such as Alliance Sud and ACT Alliance
Build and maintain an active network of strategic and consortium partners at executive level
Expand the donor base of Global Cooperation through proactive engagement and relationship building

Finances

Ensure sound and sustainable financial management of the division, including budgeting, financial planning, controlling, compliance, and maximizing cost recovery
Maintain adequate financial risk management and compliance processes

Human Resources, Security, and Safeguarding

Lead and recruit team leaders and heads
Take overall responsibility for HEKS/EPER's security policies, processes, and instruments, and lead or participate in crisis management task forces
Ensure division-specific HR instruments and compliance with HEKS/EPER's HR and safeguarding standards

Public Communication and Advocacy

Position HEKS/EPER in public discourse and the global context, ensuring appropriate and coordinated advocacy
Shape the international public profile of Global Cooperation in collaboration with the Communications division

Benefits

HEKS/EPER offers:

A challenging and impactful executive leadership role at the top management level of a renowned NGO with national and international reach
Significant scope to shape the future of the Global Cooperation division and contribute to HEKS/EPER's strategic direction as a member of the Executive Board
A highly committed, professional, and diverse team, as well as a collaborative and value-driven Executive Board
Modern employment conditions, including flexible working arrangements, and an attractive workplace in the heart of Zurich

How to Apply

If you are ready to take on this key leadership position, we look forward to receiving your application. Please apply online through the HEKS/EPER careers portal. For further information, visit www.heks.ch.

Apply Now