Caritas Switzerland is one of the leading Swiss NGOs in the field of poverty reduction in Switzerland and abroad. Our International Cooperation focuses on humanitarian aid, income generation, climate change and migration. Caritas Switzerland has been engaged in Cambodia since 2011. In 2014, Caritas Switzerland obtained registration as an International NGO by the Royal Government of Cambodia and maintains a permanent Country Office in Phnom Penh and project-based suboffices. In Cambodia, the impacts of climate change and disasters are further eroding livelihoods and exacerbating migration. The future of the country depends on decreasing its vulnerability to climate change and on creating sustainable livelihoods for the poor. The core themes of CACH in Cambodia are increasing the income of vulnerable people, building the resilience of communities and their adaptation to climate variability and change, and safe migration. Caritas Switzerland’s country programme supports communities most affected by disaster, poverty, and migration in northwestern provinces bordering Thailand.
Director of Strategy and Partnerships (60 %)
We are seeking a dynamic and strategically minded individual to strengthen our Cambodia Country Organisation with a focus on strategy development, external relations, and resource mobilization. The role includes leading on fundraising, proposal development, and networking with key stakeholders, especially international donors and networks. This is a key strategic role with high visibility, contributing to shared leadership and decision-making within the Senior Management Team – without direct line management responsibility. This position carries its own defined roles and responsibilities, while also forming part of a shared leadership structure. Specifically, it will operate within a dual leadership model alongside the Director of Operations and as a member of the four-person Senior Management Team (SMT). Decisions will be made in close collaboration with the other SMT members and the Headoffice in Lucerne, in line with the responsibilities outlined in the Terms of Reference/Job Description. Established coordination mechanisms will guide this process.
Tasks
Strategic Development & Partnerships - Lead strategic thinking and planning processes in close collaboration with the Director of Operations, the Senior Management Team and the Office in Lucerne.
- Lead resource mobilization by identifying funding opportunities, ensuring fundraising efforts are aligned with the Cambodia Country Strategy and global priorities, and coordinating the development of high-quality proposals.
- Build and maintain relationships with bilateral and multilateral donors, international NGOs, foundations, and networks.
- Together with the Director of Operations, represent the organization externally with professionalism and strategic clarity.
- Actively contribute to positioning the Cambodia Country Organisation within relevant regional and global platforms.
Internal Collaboration & Governance - Serve as a core member of the Cambodia Senior Management Team (SMT) together with the Director of Operations, the Head of Finance and the International Team Leader.
- Collaborate closely with the Regional Circle and participate in regular Holacratic governance and tactical meetings.
- Holds responsibility for nurturing a positive team culture and actively promoting a collaborative and supportive working environment.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, transparency, and shared leadership.
- Potential responsibility for developing and implementing a communication strategy, supported by the Communication Officer (with focus on social media: Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram)
Our requirements
- Master's Degree in International Affairs, Development Studies, Social Sciences, Environmental Science, or related field.
- Minimum 5 years of professional experience in international cooperation, including at least 3 years in foreign assignments.
- Proven track record in donor relations, partnership management, and fundraising, with strong proposal writing and reporting skills for institutional donors.
- Established network with key actors and stakeholders at national, regional, and global levels.
- Strong analytical, research, planning, and organizational skills; ability to manage multiple priorities in dynamic environments.
- Strategic and entrepreneurial mindset, with experience in organizational development.
- Solid knowledge of the international donor landscape and current development challenges in Cambodia, or strong motivation to acquire this expertise.
- Excellent oral and written English skills. French and / or German skills are an asset.
- High resilience, flexibility, and willingness to travel frequently within the country.
Desirable - Prior work experience in South-East Asia, especially Cambodia, is a strong asset
- Knowledge of (or willingness to learn) basic Khmer is considered a strong advantage
- Thematic expertise in the field of migration, climate adaptation, irrigation management, water governance and participatory approaches
- Openness to new ways of working, i.e. holacracy as organizational model and dual leadership
What we offer
- An attractive international assignment, with competitive and family-friendly benefits, in a vibrant Southeast Asian context.
- The opportunity to make a strategic contribution in a meaningful, impact-oriented environment.
- A high degree of flexibility in working hours and work modalities.
- The chance to be part of a shared leadership model, where responsibility, decision-making, and vision are developed collectively to foster innovation, trust, and sustainability.