FOUR PAWS is the global animal welfare organisation for animals under direct human influence, which reveals suffering, rescues animals in need and protects them. Find out more about our sustainable campaigns and projects on www.four-paws.org.

Would you like to contribute to something meaningful and work with us along our mission? This is your chance. We are looking for dedicated people to enrich our team.

In an exciting time of development, and as we prepare to launch our new organisational strategy, we are looking to appoint a new Director Switzerland. We are looking for a dedicated new Director who wants to contribute something meaningful and work with us to achieve our mission, leading the Switzerland country office to make a global impact.

 Your contribution will be

• Providing thoughtful and visionary leadership that is inclusive, transparent, and empowering in a manner that supports and guides the organisation’s mission as defined by FOUR PAWS International.
• Organising, motivating, and mentoring internal team leaders to strategically grow the organisation’s impact, programmes, and fundraising activities and fulfill its mission.
• Contributing to the development of the organisational vision and strategy, and translating this into a strategy for Switzerland. Identifying tangible outcomes, priorities, opportunities, and risks.
• Presenting strategic options and plans for organisational impact and gaining National Board approval as needed to carry out the work of the organisation’s mission and strategy.
• Continually fostering a creative, inclusive, motivated, and welcoming culture that encourages collaboration between departments and recognises positive contributions.
• Collaborating with FP International on international projects and campaigns.
• Being accountable for the recruitment, development, and retention of the Switzerland team in accordance with agreed organisational principles, objectives, and processes.

Operations & processes:

• Overseeing and being ultimately accountable for the plans, operations, and day to day running of FOUR PAWS Switzerland.
• Overseeing fundraising plans and implementation, working closely with the Head of Finance and other Heads of Department.
• Building constructive relationships to expand and promote the role of the organisation for a bigger impact on animal welfare, modeling collaboration, and serving as a strategic partner to key stakeholders. Anticipating and addressing stakeholder needs, using insights to drive the development of new initiatives.
• Acting as the main speaker and advocate on behalf of FP CH regarding their work and impact on animal welfare, guiding and coordinating the work of programs, advocacy, communications, and marketing teams toward the same direction.
• Supporting diversity, equality of opportunity, and inclusion in the workplace for both staff and volunteers.

Your profile ideally illustrates

• A successful track record in senior strategic and operational leadership, ideally internationally and within NGOs.
• A passion for and dedication to animal welfare and FOUR PAWS’ vision and mission.
• The ability to communicate, influence and engage stakeholders at all levels and build persuasive arguments and solutions based on data, logic, and open dialogue.
• A drive for continuous improvement, and a track record in promoting a culture of both individual and team accountability.
• Experience of fundraising, financial management, and the successful delivery of strategic plans.
• The ability to work as a convincing and motivating leader within a fast-growing and diverse organisation.
• A positive, proactive, and professional approach.
• Fluency in German and English.

Our offer includes

• The opportunity to truly contribute to global animal welfare.
• A multinational team with the spirit of being ONE FOUR PAWS.
• A varied and multifaceted area of responsibility with room for creativity.
• A modern workplace in Zürich Altstetten, easily accessible by public transport.
• 5 weeks’ vacation and extra family days at the end of the year.
• Flexible and family-friendly working arrangements including the option of partial remote work.
• A dog-friendly workplace and much more.

FOUR PAWS works towards a world filled with respect, empathy and understanding for animals and believes in the same values for people: we strongly encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply as we welcome everyone who wants to support our mission.

FOUR PAWS is working with Minerva on this appointment. Please contact fourpaws@minervasearch.com if you require assistance applying to this position or if you would like an informal conversation about the role.

Be part of a good cause and apply for your next professional challenge. Please submit your application, which should be in the form of a CV and cover letter (in English), to fourpaws@minervasearch.com.

Interview dates are to be confirmed.

All interested individuals are invited to submit their applications for the position. Please note that in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, having a valid work permit for the respective country or being eligible to obtain one is a requirement for this position prior to commencing employment.