Philanthropy Advisor- Zurich
Starting Date / Initial Contract Details
April 2026. Full-time, Open-ended
Role Summary
In collaboration with the Engagement team, in particular the Institutional Philanthropy Team, support Medair’s mission in Switzerland and Liechtenstein by raising funds with foundations. Increasing the organisation visibility within Philanthropy in Switzerland. Responsible for a growing portfolio of foundations present in the German-speaking area of Switzerland and Liechtenstein that contributes significantly to the annual fundraising target and growth.
Project Overview
Medair Global Support Office (GSO) provides operational support and guidance for country programmes. Within GSO and affiliate offices, the Engagement department promotes the work of Medair to the world, to raise awareness and the funds needed to run our life-saving and sustaining programmes.
Workplace & Conditions
Position based in our office in Zurich, Switzerland, Swiss or eligible EU citizens, or those with a valid work permit for Switzerland.
Responsibilities
- Foundation Fundraising: Manage and grow a portfolio of foundations, acquire new partners, and build sustainable relationships; coordinate internally to identify projects aligned with donor requirements.
- Proposal & Report Development: Write high-quality funding proposals and reports (mainly German, also English); ensure timely submission and alignment with solicitation plans.
- Internal Collaboration & Communication: Work closely with International Programs, Finance, and international colleagues to gather resources; create impactful summaries, letters, and presentations for donor engagement.
- Account Management & Strategic Contribution: Support philanthropy strategy and innovation; monitor institutional trends, track personal targets, and report progress to management.
- CRM & Donor Journey Planning: Maintain accurate data and donor journeys in Salesforce (CRM); plan and coordinate proposal development with the Institutional Philanthropy team.
Qualifications, Experience & Technical Competencies
- Degree in relevant discipline (International Relations, Business Development and/or Sales, Communication, Account Management)
- Excellent German language skills, particularly written, incl. translation from English into German. Good French working knowledge.
- Proven success in fundraising, sales, or communication/marketing, ideally with experience in philanthropy.
- Strong analytical skills, ability to simplify complex information, and strategic thinking to align with Medair goals.
- Understanding of international/humanitarian context (desirable) and 2–5 years of experience in private or public sector roles.
Behavioural Skills
- People-oriented, networker, skilled at building trust with stakeholders and high-net-worth individuals.
- Goal-oriented, focused on achieving results with perseverance and a long-term perspective.
- Proactive initiative-taker, drives tasks forward independently.
- Collaborative team player, fostering cooperation and shared success.
- Organised, maintains structure and attention to detail in planning and execution.
Team Spiritual Life
Reflect the values of Medair with team members, local staff, people we serve, and external contacts. Work, live, and pray together in our Christian faith-based teams. Fully contribute to a rich spiritual team life, including team devotion, prayer, and words of encouragement.
Before you apply
Please ensure you are fully aware of the:
- Medair is committed to safeguarding the protection of beneficiaries, volunteers, staff and partners, and particularly children. Therefore, we do not employ staff whose background we understand to be unsuitable for working with children. Medair staff are required to give the utmost respect to, and comply with, Medair’s accountability policies and best practices.
- Medair Relief & Recovery Orientation Course (ROC) (which forms part of the recruitment selection process for field positions).
Application Process
To apply, go to this vacancy on our Medair page. Please do not make multiple applications. We will not review email applications. Only English-language applications / CVs will be reviewed. Advertised on Jobupfree.