What you will do

As our Philanthropy Manager, you will:

Identify & Research :

Build and manage a high-quality portfolio of UHNWI and major private donor prospects in German-speaking Switzerland and Liechtenstein; leverage an existing personal network of UHNWI and private philanthropists to identify new pipeline opportunities; conduct rigorous prospect research to inform tailored engagement strategies and cases for support

Reach Out :

Identify, approach and convert UHNWI prospects into major donors for UNHCR; ensure an appropriate strategic and tactical response to prospects in the event of humanitarian emergenciesCultivate :

Design and implement bespoke, multi-year cultivation plans for each UHNWI prospect; build and nurture meaningful relationships with UHNWI and private philanthropists, ensuring high-touch engagement at every stage of the donor journey; contribute to positioning UNHCR as the cause of choice among Swiss and Liechtenstein philanthropists, including through the organisation and attendance of high-level donor engagement events and networking occasionsSolicit :

Develop compelling, tailored donor propositions and cases for support that inspire transformational giving; conduct major gift solicitations with confidence, tact and skill; deploy advanced negotiation techniques to close six- and seven-figure commitments from individual philanthropists; proactively identify new giving opportunities for UNHCR

Steward :

Ensure exemplary donor stewardship: deliver personalised recognition, impact reporting and ongoing engagement to maintain and deepen long-term philanthropic relationships; when needed, accompany donors or prospects to visit field operations to deepen their connection to UNHCR's workRenew :

Manage and grow an active portfolio of high-value individual donors; design and implement multi-year stewardship plans that sustain and deepen commitment beyond the initial gift close; proactively identify opportunities for increased and diversified givingStrategy & Compliance :

Contribute to the development, monitoring and evaluation of Switzerland for UNHCR's major individual giving strategy; apply UNHCR's due diligence and compliance framework rigorously in all donor interactions and gift acceptance processes

Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends for donor engagement and networking events is required.

What You bring

You are a seasoned major donor fundraiser with a proven track record in individual philanthropic giving at the UHNWI level. You bring deep knowledge of the philanthropic landscape in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, an established personal network of private donors and prospects in German-speaking Switzerland, and the gravitas and relationship skills to operate at the highest levels of wealth and influence.

You are a passionate, results-driven professional with extensive experience in major individual giving, ideally gained within the Swiss or Liechtenstein philanthropic market. Experience with an international NGO or humanitarian organisation is a strong asset.

We are looking for someone who has:

·       7 - 8 years’ relevant experience including several at similar level

·       Experience and understanding of the humanitarian, development and sustainability sectors

·       Graduate or post graduate degree

·       Very strong ability to use initiative, prioritize, multi-task, and work well under pressure to meet deadlines

·       Very clear and systematic thinking that demonstrates strong judgment and problem-solving competencies

·       Creative and analytical thinker with strong problem-solving skills  

·       Very well organized and structured with high attention to details, accuracy and results oriented

·       High emotional intelligence and cultural sensitivity; ability to navigate complex personal and family dynamics in a philanthropic context and build trusted, long-term relationships with donors and their advisors

·       Excellent written and oral communication and interpersonal skills in a fast-paced multi-cultural and multilingual environment 

·       Very good capacity to work autonomously as well as a team player

·       Very strong ability to interact with internal and external stakeholders with very strong negotiation and advocacy skills

·       Comfortable at participating in the exploration of new areas of activities, challenging ideas and projects

·       Very good capacity to use natural leadership to motivate and create partnerships with various stakeholders 

·       Knowledge, interest and a strong commitment for the work and mission of UNHCR and the refugee cause

·       Excellent command of English and (Swiss-)German, other Swiss national language (FR/IT) is considered an asset

·       Excellent computer skills and knowledge of MS Office applications

·       Demonstrated track record of personally soliciting and closing six- and seven-figure gifts from Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals and major private donors 

·       Good knowledge of the Swiss fundraising environment, regulatory framework and market trends 

·       Exceptional presentation, communication and persuasion skills; able to convey UNHCR’s mission and impact in a compelling, concise manner tailored to a sophisticated philanthropic audience

Ready to bring your talent to a mission that saves lives? Submit your CV, motivation letter, and relevant documents by 28 May 2026 via our recruitment page :

Vacancy : Philanthropy Manager | UNHCR

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