Director Advisory Services (F/M/D) 80-100%

Helvetas is an organization specialized in development cooperation and humanitarian response, anchored in Switzerland. Our vision is a just world in which all people determine the course of their lives in dignity and security, using environmental resources in a sustainable manner. 

For our Advisory Services department we are looking for an experienced, result-oriented, and visionary Director to join our organisation at the Swiss Head Office as of September 01, 2024, or upon agreement.

The Advisory Services department consists of a multi-disciplinary team of development experts. They provide thematic and methodological support to Helvetas’ field projects, contribute to the thematic steering of the organization, and to capacity strengthening of collaborators and partner organisations. The department also guides systematic monitoring of intervention effectiveness and promotes approaches to enhance their quality. Our specialists advise private, civil society, public and multilateral organisations on their thematic orientation as well as specific development projects and contribute to Swiss and international networks.

• Strategic Leadership: Lead the strategic direction and operational management of the Advisory Services (AS) department in a co-management arrangement, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.
• Thematic Steering: Guide and support your teams in developing thematic strategies, aligning closely with the International Programmes Department to position Helvetas effectively among a broad range of national and international stakeholders.
• Partnership Management: Identify key stakeholders, cultivate sustainable relationships, and leverage partnerships to advance joint development goals.
• Inspiring Teams to Deliver Excellence: Motivate and guide teams to deliver high-quality, innovative, efficient, and demand-responsive results to internal and external clients.
• Team Empowerment: Provide strategic orientation to working area teams, motivating, and enabling them to achieve their thematic and financial goals.
• Quality Assurance: Ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of internal work processes and controlling procedures.
• Financial Sustainability: Take responsibility for the financial sustainability of the department, contributing to successful acquisitions and revenue generation efforts.
• Senior Advisor Role: Work as a Senior Advisor in a thematic working area matching your main expertise, dedicating 30 to 50% of your time to advising and guiding development initiatives.

• Educational Background: Hold a master's or Ph.D. degree in a relevant field.
• Leadership Experience: Bring at least eight years of experience in a management position in development cooperation.
• Global Perspective: Possess at least three years of experience with continuous long-term assignments in the global South/East in the frame of development cooperation and three years of short-term consultancy assignments for different clients and on various continents.
• Interpersonal Skills: Exhibit strong capacities for strategic leadership, intercultural competence, and diversity management, with a proven ability to motivate, coach, and mentor individuals and teams.
• Networking Abilities: Excel as an effective networker with a strong partner/client orientation, adept at building sustained relationships.
• Communication Skills: Demonstrate advanced negotiation, facilitation, and presentation skills, coupled with fluency in English and French (additional languages are assets).
• Programmatic Expertise: Proven experience in programmatic planning and operational management, with solid PCM competencies.
• Proficiency in Capacity Building and Advisory Skills: A good flair for capacity building, strong advisory skills as well as competencies in participatory planning and assessment methods
• Policy Dialogue: Have experience in policy dialogue at various levels.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Possess a solid track record in acquisition and entrepreneurship, driving financial sustainability and innovation.
• Global Engagement: Be willing to undertake regular duty trips abroad as part of your senior advisory role.

We offer you an interesting challenge in a motivated team with attractive working conditions. You can expect a modern workplace in a multicultural setting in the centre of Zurich and Bern with attractive working conditions.

We look forward to receiving your complete application including motivation letter, work certificates and diplomas by May 12, 2024, via our online recruiting portal. For further information please contact Melchior Lengsfeld (melchior.lengsfeld@helvetas.org) or Esther Haldimann (esther.haldimann@helvetas.org) or visit our website www.helvetas.org.