Seeking to be a force for good during these critical times

The Irene M. Staehelin (IMS) Foundation, established in 2020, aims to fulfil the vision of its benefactor, Irène M. Staehelin-Schindler, to work on the challenges of our times and seek to improve the lives of those most in need. Based in Zurich, the IMS Foundation will focus its efforts across humanitarian aid, human and women’s rights, development and nature and species protection. With a substantial endowment to be spent until 2045, the IMS Foundation aims to become a significant force for good at a time of enormous challenges, change and opportunity. The IMS Foundation has chosen to work through a small team and to support a targeted number of partner organisations annually.

The IMS Foundation believes the philanthropic sector has a distinct role to support development assistance. In this context, IMS Foundation is now seeking a highly motivated Head of Programmes Development ("HoP Development") who will be leading the strategy development and be responsible for the design, selection, and management of all development activities. Reporting to the CEO, the HoP Development will further develop with the CEO and other team members the strategy for the Development pillar with a strong focus on the development and implementation of an entrepreneurship programme.

The HoP Development will be responsible for the development and implementation of the program strategy aligned with the values and guiding principles of IMS Foundation; scouting, selecting, and collaborating with partner organisations and funders; grant-making and monitoring; impact assessment, linking and learning. Furthermore, the HoP Development will co-operate closely with the other HoPs of IMS Foundation to assure proper consideration of human, women’s and indigenous rights as well as nature and species protection aspects in the Development portfolio and vice versa.

This role offers a unique opportunity for a highly motivated, entrepreneurial minded leader to contribute to the mission of the IMS Foundation. The successful HoP Development will be an expert in international cooperation in the (non)-profit environment and at grassroots level, bringing broad knowledge of and experience in the theory and practice of development. The ideal candidate will bear experience in developing and implementing entrepreneurship programmes that deliver vocational, business, financial training, and access to finance, and in providing business mentorship to support people living in poverty through self-employment and entrepreneurship. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter who is a strategic thinker and problem solver with an understanding of the various mechanisms and venues through which philanthropy and the IMS Foundation grantees can affect change. The successful individual will bring a track record of working in the Global South, cross-culturally, and with a breadth of stakeholders including grassroots organisations, representing marginalised groups and communities, governmental institutions, and academia. Fluency in English is required, any additional fluency in German, French or Spanish would be an asset.

The role can be based in Zurich, Switzerland, but also in one of the countries in Eastern, Southern or Western Africa or in Latin America where the Foundation is active. The successful candidate should be willing to travel 10-20% of the time. The salary is competitive and commensurates with the experience required.

To apply for the role or to ask any questions, please email Karina Rinaldi-Doligez via 7538@recruitment-imsfoundation.com Please state that your application or query is for the Head of Programmes Development, Irene M. Staehelin Foundation role in the subject line of your email and kindly quote reference 7538. The closing date for applications is Monday 14th October, 09.00 CEST.

Please note that EU and non-EU candidates are eligible to apply.