Secretary General - Foundation

Reporting to the Foundation Board, the Secretary General is responsible for managing the foundation's activities as well as implementing its philanthropic strategy. A true conductor, he/she ensures the development, coordination and monitoring of funded projects, while guaranteeing operational excellence and the quality of partnerships.

Convinced that major contemporary challenges require innovative and responsible approaches, the foundation supports philanthropic projects led by organisations, associations and partners committed to creating long-term positive impact.

Based in Geneva, this role offers significant autonomy and direct exposure to a family board of directors particularly involved in defining strategic directions.

Strategic development and management

• Contribute to defining and evolving the foundation's strategy.
• Identify emerging issues and impact opportunities.
• Develop annual action plans and budgets.
• Develop a long-term vision to strengthen the foundation's positioning and visibility.
• Propose new initiatives and areas of intervention consistent with the organisation's values.

Project portfolio management

• Identify, evaluate and select supported projects.
• Conduct necessary preliminary analyses (impact, governance, risks, ethical and financial aspects).
• Oversee funding monitoring and project progress.
• Define performance and impact measurement indicators.
• Prepare analyses, recommendations and presentations for the Foundation Board.
• Maintain close relationships with beneficiary organisations and partners.

Institutional relations and outreach

• Represent the foundation to actors in the philanthropic, associative, academic and institutional sectors.
• Develop and animate a network of strategic partners.
• Participate in conferences, events and sector initiatives.
• Oversee communication strategy and institutional content.
• Ensure coherence and quality of the foundation's image.

Governance and administration

• Prepare and coordinate Foundation Board meetings.
• Draft or supervise governance-related documentation.
• Ensure administrative follow-up of decisions made.
• Oversee contractual, financial and regulatory aspects.
• Ensure compliance with legal obligations and supervisory authority requirements.

Operational management

• Oversee the foundation's administrative and financial activities.
• Coordinate external service providers and specialised partners.
• Ensure budgetary and financial monitoring of activities.
• Ensure quality and efficiency of internal processes.
• Contribute to continuous organisational improvement.

Experience

• Significant experience in a leadership role, general secretariat or management of high-impact programmes.
• Experience in the philanthropic, foundation, associative, institutional or mission-driven economy sectors.
• Strong experience in managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders.
• Experience collaborating with governance bodies or boards of directors.
• Excellent analytical, synthesis and reporting skills.

Skills

• Strategic vision combined with strong execution capability.
• Excellent interpersonal and diplomatic skills.
• Ability to unite actors with diverse sensitivities.
• High autonomy, sense of priorities and entrepreneurial spirit.
• Ease in institutional representation.
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Good understanding of financial and budgetary issues.

Personal qualities

• Natural leadership.
• Maturity and discernment.
• High sense of ethics and confidentiality.
• Intellectual curiosity.
• Agility and ability to operate in complex environments.
• Pragmatism and results orientation.
• Strong adherence to values of public interest and societal impact.

Languages

• Fluent French.
• Fluent English.
• Any other language is an asset.

After the first year, the successful candidate will have:

• Strengthened the foundation's positioning and impact.
• Developed trusting relationships with key stakeholders.
• Structured and advanced the portfolio of supported projects.
• Contributed to increasing the organisation's visibility and reputation.
• Consolidated governance and management processes.
• Supported the development of new strategic partnerships to maximise the impact of funded actions.

Location: Geneva
Work rate: 100%
Occasional travel expected in Switzerland and internationally.