Philanthropy Advisor
Starting Date / Initial Contract Details
September 2026, 100%, open ended
Role Summary
In collaboration with the Engagement team in particular the Institutional Philanthropy Team, support Medair’s mission by raising funds with foundations in the French Speaking part of Switzerland. Responsible of a portfolio of foundations that contributes significantly to the annual fundraising target and growth. Develop high-quality proposals and reports.
Project Overview
Medair Global Support Office (GSO) provides operational guidance for country programmes, along with both technical and compassionate support for our relief workers. Within our headquarters and affiliate offices, we are also responsible for promoting the work of Medair to the world, to raise and manage the funds needed to run our lifesaving and sustaining programmes, and to recruit international and GSO staff.
Workplace & Conditions
Position based in Ecublens, Switzerland, Swiss or eligible EU citizens, or those with a valid work permit for Switzerland.
Responsibilities
- Fundraising with foundations & governmental institutions: Manage a portfolio of foundations, municipalities and cantons, identify potential projects and submit high-quality proposals and reports in a timely manner as per solicitation plan. Maintain personal contact with representatives of foundations and build positive and sustainable relationships.
- Prospecting: Acquire new foundations and governmental organization using desk top research, networking, planning and organizing acquisition campaigns.
- Coordination: Coordinate internally with International Programs, Finance and the field locations to identify projects adapted to partners’ requirements. Keep up to date information and plan donor journeys using Salesforce (CRM). Plan, track and analyse personal targets and results, and report to team leader and manager. Develop tools and processes to optimise operations.
- Copywriting: Write appropriate and qualitative funding proposals and reports (mainly French but also English). Create communication material such as writing project summaries, letters and presentations. Plan and coordinate internally with the institutional philanthropy team, the development of new proposals and reports. Keep the shared library of proposals up to date to enable access to other teams.
- Philanthropy strategy and engagement: Contribute to the Philanthropy strategy, approach, tactics and initiatives in collaboration with the philanthropy team to foster innovation and best practices. Monitor institutional philanthropy trends and share knowledge. Plan, track and analyse personal targets and results, and report to manager. Support Philanthropy Manager with the affiliate Philanthropy working group. Co-organize philanthropic events.
Qualifications, Experience & Technical Competencies
- Excellent French and English language skills, particularly written.
- Experience in proposal writing and philanthropic account management. Previous successful experience in philanthropy or sales is an asset.
- Minimum of 2-5 years of work experience in the private or public sector. Demonstrable professional success in the area of fundraising, sales or communication/marketing.
- Ability to bring complex information in a simple way, to the point without losing essential content.
- Analytical skills and rigour.
- Desirable: Understanding of International and humanitarian context.
Behavioural Skills
- People-oriented, good relational skills and collaborative team player. .
- Goal, output and performance oriented.
- Self-starter and proactive.
- Builds trust with high-net-worth individuals and key stakeholders.
- Organised and strategic thinking.
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.