HEKS/EPER, Swiss Church Aid, supports projects designed to combat hunger, poverty and injustice in over 30 countries on four continents. HEKS/EPER also provides worldwide humanitarian assistance for victims of natural disasters and armed conflicts and supports the Church's diaconal work in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. In Switzerland, HEKS/EPER champions the rights and causes of refugees and socially disadvantaged people. Through its development and social policy work in the fields of climate justice, access to land and food, migration, and integration, HEKS/EPER strives for systemic change - globally and in Switzerland.
To further develop its work in humanitarian aid, HEKS/EPER is looking for a motivated and experienced person based in Switzerland (Zurich or Lausanne office) as of now or by agreement as a
Desk Officer Humanitarian Aid, 80-100%
Your main responsibilities:
Programme and Project Management
- You provide strategic guidance and contribute, advise, and review programmes in view of quality and compliance with the HEKS/EPER’s strategy and ensure the approval process
- You approve internal and donor annual financial and narrative programme reporting and planning
- You review and approve projects according to the financial competences and ensure the approval for projects above these limits
- You ensure the appropriate implication of HEKS/EPER’s specialists (e.g. MEAL, Thematic Advisor HA, Controlling and others) in the development of projects and programs, funding proposals and the effective collaboration and coordination among them
Finances
- You have the overall financial responsibility of the entrusted programmes
- You approve of the programme and projects budgets
- Together with our controllers, you review the monthly financial reports and approve release of fund transfers
Fundraising and acquisition
- You develop a strategic fundraising & acquisition strategy with the team and you support fundraising efforts at HQ
- You lead donor engagement and acquisition on HQ and regional level
- You ensure the visibility of the programmes of HEKS/EPER in different networks and with donors
Leadership, human resources management and security
- You live and implement HEKS/EPER’s mission statement, values, and policies
- You build and foster a strong team for operational excellence, innovation, learning and exchange
- You apply a caring and supporting role, creating an atmosphere of open and constructive dialog
- You lead and recruit the Country Director
- You support the Country Director to recruit potential further programme staff and support staff
Internal and external representation, networking and learning
- You ensure cooperation and coordination with Development teams to foster synergies
- You are responsible for networking and relationship management at HQ level with strategic partners and networks
To be successful you bring:
- University degree or similar qualification and at least five years of experience in humanitarian aid in the field setting up new operations
- Sound track record in program management (including Human Resources and finance)
- Strong experience in fundraising
- Willingness and flexibility to travel on short notice, sometimes for extended periods in fragile, unsecured contexts
- Fluent in English and German or French (oral and written)
- Strategic, research and analytical skills, including in learning, monitoring and evaluation, and ability to synthesize and communicate information
- Team player, performs under pressure, initiative and pro-active personality
What you can expect from us:
- A varied and interesting position in a dynamic environment
- A committed and a competent team
- Decent employment conditions and a competitive compensation package
- A modern work place in Zurich or Lausanne