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.

Your contribution will be

Strategic & Programmatic Leadership

• Providing thoughtful and visionary leadership that is inclusive, transparent, and empowering, guiding the organisation’s mission as defined by FOUR PAWS International
• Leading and shaping programmatic work, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and delivering tangible impact for animals
• Shaping and implementing impactful national projects and campaigns aligned with the international strategy and contributing meaningfully to the global mission
• Driving advocacy and lobbying efforts at the national level, representing FOUR PAWS in political and public arenas to influence policy and legislative change
• Demonstrating a strong understanding of the political landscape regarding animal welfare, using insights to inform strategic decisions and stakeholder engagement
• Translating the organisational vision and strategy into tangible outcomes, identifying priorities, opportunities, and risks
• Presenting strategic options and plans for organisational impact and gaining National Board approval to advance the mission

Team Leadership

• Leading the Switzerland team effectively, ensuring motivation, development, and retention in line with organisational principles
• Shaping the team’s profile to align with strategic objectives, fostering synergy with other teams and clearly communicating the links between strategy and team focus
• Safeguarding a healthy work-life balance for all employees in Switzerland

Operations & Processes

• Being accountable for planning and implementation within the FOUR PAWS global strategic framework to meet set objectives
• Establishing metrics and standards aligned with International to evaluate efficiency and effectiveness, identifying opportunities for improvement
• Challenging the status quo, embracing ambiguity, and fostering innovation and professional growth
• Overseeing fundraising plans and implementation, ensuring alignment with strategic goals
• Working closely with the Head of Finance and other department heads to monitor expenditure and ensure compliance with organisational principles
• Managing the Swiss risk register, reporting immediate risks to the Swiss Board, and implementing mitigation measures
• Ensuring alignment of national documents and procedures with international standards, including support for QM audits and document management systems
• Overseeing IT and office facility setup in Zurich, ensuring compliance with FP standards and legal requirements, and providing a safe working environment

External Representation & Relations

• Building constructive relationships to expand and promote the organisation’s impact on animal welfare, serving as a strategic partner to key stakeholders
• Ensuring FOUR PAWS Switzerland campaigns and public positions reflect the organisation’s values and priorities
• Representing FOUR PAWS Switzerland in membership groups and campaign coalitions, in close collaboration with the Head of Programmes
• Acting as the main spokesperson for FOUR PAWS Switzerland’s programmatic work and impact, guiding and coordinating Programs, Advocacy, Communications, and Marketing
• Supporting diversity, equality of opportunity, and inclusion in the workplace for both staff and volunteers

Your profile illustrates

• Fluent in German, English, and French
• Proven track record in senior leadership, operational and strategic roles within NGOs, ideally in animal protection and welfare
• Extensive knowledge in animal welfare or related areas, with a strong affinity for the FOUR PAWS mission
• A convincing and motivating leader in a fast-growing, diverse organisation
• Demonstrated ability to strategically position an organisation, constructively managing the relationship and natural tension between national and international priorities
• Strong understanding of the political landscape relevant to animal welfare, with the ability to translate insights into effective advocacy and positioning
• Skilled in leading through change, fostering adaptability and innovation
• Agile in decision-making, balancing urgency with thoughtful delegation
• Advanced interpersonal skills, adjusting communication to diverse audiences and encouraging open dialogue
• Exemplary in prioritisation and responsible delegation, ensuring clarity and accountability

Our offer includes

• The opportunity to truly contribute to global animal welfare
• A multinational team
• 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 days off at the end of the year
• Flexible and family-friendly working arrangements including the option of partial remote work
• Birthday leave: extra day off to use around your birthday
• A dog-friendly workplace and much more

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.

We reveal, rescue and protect unique animals from many different species through systems change and by creating species-appropriate environments at our sanctuaries!

We celebrate our colleagues' differences and strive to create an inclusive environment because we believe that only by working together, we can advance animal welfare worldwide. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we strongly encourage candidates from all diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals with diverse lived experiences, racial identities, national origins, religions, socioeconomic backgrounds, ages, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and disability statuses to apply. We welcome everyone who wants to support our mission.

FOUR PAWS is working with Minerva on this appointment. Please contact FOUR_PAWS@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: