SENIOR FUNDRAISER:IN MAJOR DONORS & INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERSHIPS (70-80%)

About the job

Biovision is committed to sustainable food systems – from field to plate. We promote agroecological approaches, social and fair value chains, and food security in harmony with nature. By supporting targeted research and practical projects in Sub-Saharan Africa and Switzerland, we develop solutions for the future both independently and together with our partner organisations. 

Biovision was founded in 1998 by the Swiss insect researcher and recipient of the Alternative Nobel Prize, Hans Rudolf Herren. Our projects and initiatives contribute to improving the lives of farming families and protecting the environment. We rely on agroecology. This holistic approach includes sustainable cultivation methods and socially responsible business practices as well as dialogue at the political level. In this way, we address global challenges such as hunger, climate change, and biodiversity loss. Our goal: a food system with a future. For our medium-sized, well-positioned NGO, we are looking to strengthen our Partnerships team in the area of Communication & Fundraising with a committed individual as

SENIOR FUNDRAISER:IN MAJOR DONORS & INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERSHIPS (70-80%)

(from 1.1.2027 or by arrangement)

You will take on a key role in developing and maintaining strategic partnerships with institutional funding partners, major donors, and legacy donors. You combine relationship management, strategic thinking, and sound application work with a high understanding of impact, financing, and sustainable development. In this role, you will significantly contribute to the expansion and measurable success of the Partnerships team. This is what you will achieve:

Institutional Fundraising

• Responsibility for managing and further developing institutional funding partnerships in Switzerland and internationally;
• Acquisition of new funding partners and financing sources such as foundations, public funders, and other funding organisations;
  
• Development of applications, budgets, and reports in close collaboration with programme and finance managers;
• Management of the entire grant management cycle;
• Monitoring of funding trends and identification of new funding opportunities.

Major Donor Fundraising and Legacies

• Responsibility for managing and expanding major donor and legacy relationships;
• Building and maintaining long-term, trusting relationships with major donors, legacy donors, as well as their advisors and networks;
• Personal acquisition, retention, and development of funding commitments;
• Organisation of target group-specific events and meeting formats;
• Coordination and support of estate cases.

For this versatile position, you bring the following skills and experience:

• At least 5 years of experience in institutional fundraising, major donor fundraising, philanthropy, or a comparable partnership-oriented role;
• Proven success in acquiring, managing, and developing demanding funding partnerships as well as experience with own portfolio and relationship responsibility;
• Existing network with foundations, philanthropic funders, major donors, or relevant actors in the funding environment is an advantage;
• Experience in preparing complex applications, budgets, and reports;
• Strong communication and advisory skills as well as a confident and engaging manner with different conversation and negotiation partners;
• Strategic and entrepreneurial thinking combined with enthusiasm for acquisition, personal relationship management, and the development of new financing opportunities;
• Very good understanding of international cooperation, sustainability, or development cooperation. Experience in the NGO or international cooperation environment is an advantage;
• Independent, structured, and solution-oriented working style as well as enjoyment of collaboration across departments;
• Fluent German (native/C2) and very good English skills (B2); French is an advantage.

We offer you the opportunity to take on a responsible and varied role in a dynamic team and an innovative non-profit organisation. You can expect good social benefits, an appropriate salary (annual salary at 100% from CHF 107,200 to CHF 110,400), as well as a centrally located workplace in Zurich, along with an intrinsically motivating working environment.

Please send your complete electronic application documents with photo by 25.10.2026 at the latest. For further information, Corina Tschudi, Partnerships staff member (Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, phone 044 512 58 02) and from 19-23.10.26 Nadja Mauchle, Head of Communication & Fundraising (phone 044 512 58 13), will be happy to assist you.

Apply now

Biovision, Heinrichstrasse 147, CH-8005 Zurich, +41 44 512 58 58, www.biovision.ch