Switzerland for UNHCR

hires a

 Strategic Partnerships Officer

Contract Type: Temporary (6-months maternity cover) 

Starting date: As soon as possible
Department: Strategic Partnership 
Level: Officer 
Contract Type: 80–100%, Maximum Term Contract 
Location: Geneva (other locations in Switzerland can be considered)
Start Date: As soon as possible 

Make your next job one with purpose

Do you believe in a world where everyone has a safe place to call home?
Do you thrive in engaging donors, building meaningful relationships, and crafting campaigns that inspire lasting support?

Switzerland for UNHCR (CH4U), the Swiss Foundation supporting the UN Refugee Agency, is looking for a committed and creative Strategic Partnerships Officer to help us develop and expand our fundraising activities in Strategic Partnerships.

We are not just another nonprofit. We are part of a global humanitarian movement, working every day to support people forced to flee war, conflict, and persecution. And we need passionate people like you to expand our impact.

What you will do

As our new Strategic Partnerships Officer, you will:

  • Initiate and participate to the development of specific new business opportunities with Corporates and Foundations, in line with the fundraising strategy.
  • Develop proposals and pitches for potential new private sector partnerships, prioritizing high-value (6- and 7-figure financial contributions) and multi-year commitments.
  • Support CH4U team’s efforts to position UNHCR as a “go to” charity brand for the private community in Switzerland.
  • Research new prospects, deliver best practice cultivation and stewardship to prospects.
  • Ensure an appropriate strategic and tactical response to prospects in the event of humanitarian emergencies.
  • Keep aware of the fundraising and business environment and proactively develop new opportunities for UNHCR in Switzerland, appropriately influencing the organization to explore new models of partnership.
  • Work within UNHCR’s due diligence screening policy and processes for Private Sector Partnerships.
  • Monitor and track interactions with prospects and progress of opportunities through the tools used by the team (Salesforce-based CRM environment, active pipeline management spreadsheet). 

What You bring

We are looking for someone who has:

  • Experience (3+ years) in strategic partnership and philanthropy - Experience working for an International non-for-profit agency / organization being considered a strong asset
  • Ability to use initiative, prioritize, multi-task, and work well under pressure to meet deadlines
  • Clear and systematic thinking that demonstrates strong judgment and problem-solving competencies
  • Very good analytical skills
  • Well organized and structured with high attention to details and process oriented
  • Ability to manage middle sized projects with budget management under supervision
  • Very good written and oral communication and interpersonal skills in a fast-paced multi-cultural and multilingual environment 
  • Good capacity to work autonomously as well as a team player
  • Ability to interact with internal and external stakeholders
  • 5+ years of experience in building solid partnerships with wealthy philanthropists, corporations, foundations and other potential donors
  • A track record of negotiating and securing significant cash donations from foundations, corporations and/or High Net Worth Individuals
  • Knowledge of the Swiss fundraising context
  • Knowledge, interest and a strong commitment for the work and mission of UNHCR and the refugee cause
  • Excellent command of French / German and English, other Swiss national languages (DE/IT) are an asset.
  • Excellent computer skills and knowledge of MS Office applications (Experience in using Salesforce is a plus.)

Why Join Us?

  • Work for a cause that truly matters

  • Collaborate with a motivated, supportive and mission-driven team

  • Be part of an agile and growing Foundation

  • Get exposure to international humanitarian operations

  • Enjoy a flexible and hybrid work environment

Apply Now

Ready to bring your talent to a mission that saves lives? Submit your CV, motivation letter, and relevant documents by 15 February 2026 via our recruitment page. 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis — early applications are encouraged!

Switzerland for UNHCR is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds (including those who have personally experienced displacement) and are committed to supporting others forced to flee.