Seeking to be a force for good during these critical times
The Irene M. Staehelin (IMS) Foundation, established in 2020, aims to fulfil the vision of its benefactor, Irène M. Staehelin-Schindler, to work on the challenges of our times and seek to improve the lives of those most in need. Based in Zurich, the newly funded IMS Foundation will focus its efforts across humanitarian, human rights, women’s rights, development aid and nature and species protection. With a substantial endowment to be spent over 25 years, the IMS Foundation is poised to become a significant force for good at a time of enormous challenges, change and opportunity. The IMS Foundation has chosen to work through a small team and to support a targeted number of partner organisations annually.
The IMS Foundation believes the philanthropic sector has a distinct role to further human rights. In this context, IMS Foundation is now seeking a highly motivated Head of Programmes, Human Rights who will be leading the strategy development and be responsible for the design, selection, and management of all human rights activities. Reporting to the CEO, the candidate will be the programmatic leader in building the strategic vision, operational framework, and portfolio of partner organisations aligned with the values and guiding principles of the IMS Foundation. Responsibilities include the development and implementation of the programme aligned with clear objectives, scouting, selecting, and collaborating with partner organisations, grant-making and monitoring, supporting the CEO in budget proposition and expense planning the human rights portfolio, impact assessment, linking, and learning.
This role offers a unique opportunity for an individual, to share and live the values and mission of the IMS Foundation. The successful Head of Programmes will bring deep knowledge in the field of human rights and experience in a non-profit environment. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter who is a strategic thinker and problem solver with an understanding of the various mechanisms and venues through which philanthropy and the IMS foundation grantees can affect change. A personality who has managed considerable portfolio’s and teams in human rights, and cheers to go back to hands-on direct support of partner organizations including global players and grassroot organizations. The successful individual will bring a track record of working cross-culturally and with grassroots organisations representing marginalised groups and communities, with experience in working in the Global South, with a breadth of stakeholders including governmental institutions and academia. Fluency in English is required, and additional fluency in German, French or Spanish would be an asset.
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