Programmes and Compliance Specialist (100%)  

You connect people, processes and purpose – to strengthen programmes for children around the world.

As the largest independent children’s rights organisation in the world, Save the Children has been working specifically for the rights of children since 1919. In Switzerland and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm.

For our offices in Zurich the International Programmes Department is looking for an:

Programmes and Compliance Specialist (100%)

Starting date: as per arrangement

In our dynamic International Programmes department, you will be part of a team of eight and report to the Head Grants & Compliance. As a Programmes & Compliance Specialist you will be responsible for efficient project cycle management of our donor awards from initial proposal development to reporting and closure. Your previous experience in grants management and donor compliance, combined with excellent people communication (direct and remote) and workload prioritisation skills, will be fully utilised in supporting our programmatic work whilst maintaining our high level of quality service to both our donors and country teams.

What makes your role special

1. Proposal Development & Reporting

· Coordinate and contribute to the development of high-quality project proposals and donor reports in line with organizational and donor guidelines.

· Ensure alignment of proposals with donor and internal quality standards.

2. Award Compliance, Monitoring & Programme Coordination

· Act as the main operational and administrative focal point for assigned projects.

· Track project deliverables, milestones, and donor deadlines, flagging risks proactively.

· Ensure donor compliance and maintain accurate data in the Awards Management System (AMS).

· Conduct budget monitoring and variance analysis.

3. Knowledge Management & Country Team Engagement

· Build strong contextual and country knowledge and maintain a network of country staff.

· Stay informed about institutional donor strategies and country programme priorities.

· Facilitate continuous improvement by documenting donor feedback and lessons learned

· Conduct project visits as necessary (1–2 per year)

4. Additional Responsibilities

· Depending on your experience and interests, you may take on additional tasks that contribute to team goals and support your professional development.

What we are looking for

· Master’s degree in International Development, Social Sciences, Public Administration, or related field; relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.

· 2–3 years of relevant experience in project and grant management (NGO/INGO environment preferred).

· Familiarity with donor compliance and reporting requirements for Swiss and international institutional donors (e.g., SDC/DEZA/SECO, Swiss Solidarity, IOM, UN agencies, etc.).

· Experience working with multicultural and remote teams.

· Excellent organizational and analytical skills, attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks and meet tight deadlines.

· Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural skills, working collaboratively in a dynamic environment with changing priorities.

· Proven experience in working with remote based, multi-cultural teams and proficiency in adapting communication styles across various mediums (direct face-to-face, phone, digital conferences, verbal and written) as well as successful negotiation skills.

· Excellent written and verbal fluency in English; German, French and/or Spanish are an asset.

· Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, project management software experience is an asset.

· Any expertise in specific sectors (such as migration, child protection, education, emergency response, child rights and governance, child rights and business, health, livelihoods, gender, and climate) are an asset.

What we can offer

· An exciting, meaningful challenge in an international environment

· Extensive exposure to the international aid and development sector

· A diverse team culture that combines professionalism with a relaxed, supportive atmosphere.

· Flexible working hours, home office option and central offices in Zurich

· A competitive remuneration and social benefits package

We promote diversity in our team and therefore welcome applications from people of diverse nationality(ies), ethnic and social origin, religions, sexual orientation and identity, different ages and genders, as well as people with disabilities.

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is the basis of all our work. Our child protection policy requires that all employees sign our child safeguarding declaration and hand in their criminal record.

Planned first interview dates

· July 14th / 15th or July 21st / 22nd (remote possible)

Interested? Please send us here your complete application incl. your salary expectations.