About the Role
Are you passionate about social entrepreneurial solutions to address the ongoing climate crisis Do you bring a strong background in climate mitigation and adaptation initiatives
Our global Climate Solutions portfolio consists of two priority themes : Nature-based Solutions and Disaster Risk Reduction .
As the Senior Manager, you are responsible for shaping the topical strategy, managing the budget, developing a pipeline of promising partners and projects, and selecting those that most effectively contribute to the Foundation's goals.
In addition, you will support our partners throughout project implementation, monitor their impact, and manage reporting. Your focus on partners' needs, along with your skills and collaborative spirit, helps you find the best solutions to achieve shared societal impact goals. Your compelling storytelling about the impact created will engage and convince different stakeholder groups.
Your systematic approach to working in a global team enables you to strategically enhance the portfolio.
Key Responsibilities
Portfolio management of Climate Solutions :
- Define the topical strategy with a focus on Nature-based Solutions and Disaster Risk Reduction
- Ensure achievement of strategic goals and manage a CHF 10m budget over the 2025–27 strategic cycle
- Create an evidence base for supported approaches and business models for scaling and replication
- Develop financial support strategies beyond grants to enhance the Foundation's 'for-impact investing' portfolio
- Streamline the support model for entrepreneurial solutions across the Foundation
- Connect partners with relevant networks to optimize support and collaboration
- Revisit / refine approaches, conduct reviews, and monitor implementation
- Support and mentor climate solution team members in reviewing grants and project opportunities
- Co-develop the future strategy of the Foundation with senior colleagues
Pipeline Development and Project Management :
Identify and document 3–5 grant proposals annually for Board reviewOwn the full lifecycle of each project : solicit and review applications, conduct due diligence, refine focus and deliverables, and negotiate contractsMonitor implementation and support partners in achieving agreed goalsEnhance tools and processes for managing projects and the portfolioDevelop expertise and establish best-in-class practicesStrengthen the impact assessment framework to suit the Foundation's and partners' needsCollaborate with IT colleagues to refine impact frameworks and derive meaningful insights from reporting platformsStakeholder / Relationships Management :
Actively position the Foundation with internal and external stakeholdersBuild and strengthen coalitions with like-minded ecosystem partners globallyRepresent the Foundation externally as a subject matter expertSupport corporate volunteering by identifying engagement opportunities at Swiss Re office locationsBuild collaborative relationships within Swiss Re (e.g., Group Sustainability, Public Sector Solutions) to leverage expertise for partnersManage relationships with external vendors and service providersAbout You
Minimum 15 years of professional experience in the social development sector, preferably in a corporate or social enterprise / start-up settingPostgraduate degree in social, sustainability, or environmental sciences is preferredProven track record in impact-oriented global portfolio managementPractical knowledge of climate change scenarios and application of climate projects is preferredStrong understanding of trends and best practices in Climate Solutions, particularly Nature-based Solutions and Disaster Risk ReductionExperience with 'for-impact investing' is an advantageConfident communicator with global stakeholders and leadership teamsSkilled in conveying societal impact to diverse audiencesStrong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven mindsetHigh energy, organized, and able to manage complex projects independentlyCollaborative, culturally sensitive, and able to work across organizational hierarchiesDetail-oriented and able to manage multiple prioritiesWillingness to take end-to-end ownership of the portfolio and perform hands-on tasksAbout the Foundation
We aim to build resilient societies. In collaboration with our partners and Swiss Re employees, we support efforts to strengthen societal resilience in developing regions and countries where we operate. Our initiatives focus on climate solutions and access to health. The Foundation's corporate volunteering program also supports these goals.
To learn more, visit www.swissrefoundation.org
About the Team
The Swiss Re Foundation team designs and implements global initiatives in close collaboration with Swiss Re experts across the Americas, APAC, and EMEA. We explore innovative approaches that combine internal expertise, tailored financing models, and the strength of our partners to make the world more resilient.
About Swiss Re
Swiss Re is one of the world's leading providers of reinsurance, insurance, and other risk transfer solutions, working to make the world more resilient. We manage risks from natural catastrophes and climate change to cybercrime, across Property & Casualty and Life & Health.
Our inclusive, flexible work environment fosters equal opportunities and personal growth for all, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, background, or identity. We support experienced professionals returning to the workforce after a career break to apply for positions aligned with their skills and experience.
Skills Required
Senior Portfolio Manager SR Foundation