Overview
Description
Job Title: Associate Director, Global Operations, Switzerland
Reports-to: Senior Director of Global Technology and Operations and Vice President, Europe
Department: Operations and Strategy
Center Background: The Center for Reproductive Rights is a global human rights organization working to ensure that reproductive rights are protected in law as fundamental human rights worldwide. With offices in New York City, and Washington, D.C.; Nairobi, Kenya; Bogota, Colombia; and Geneva, Switzerland, the Center is a non-profit, non-partisan organization changing law and policy throughout Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the United States. Our 270+ diverse professionals are committed to advancing the Center’s human rights mission through game-changing litigation, legal policy, and advocacy work. We have a global pro bono network including over 2,000 lawyers across 6 continents, 64 countries, and 130 law firms. Last year, law firms contributed over $30 million USD in pro bono legal services. The Center’s Strategic Plan sets ambitious goals for impact by 2030. Since our founding in 1992, the Center has transformed how reproductive rights are understood and applied by courts, governments, and human rights bodies worldwide on issues including maternal health, abortion, assisted reproduction, and adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights. To learn more, visit www.reproductiverights.org
The Job: The Associate Director of Global Operations Switzerland (AD) plays a crucial role in the Center’s operations, overseeing the Geneva office, providing human resources, local regulatory alignment support, and financial management for the Center’s operations in Geneva. The AD will support the delivery, management, and improvement of Geneva office operations and services, including office operations, facility management, financial management, health and safety, security, regulatory and risk management, and day-to-day human resources management. The AD will support the operationalisation of the new Swiss Association: the Center for Reproductive Rights Europe Association and will work closely with the VP Europe and the Swiss Association Board to ensure the association is fully operational and compliant with Swiss regulations and good practice.
The AD operates within a matrix reporting environment. The primary reporting line is to the Senior Director for Global Operations with a secondary reporting line to the Vice President, Europe. The AD works closely with HR and Finance leadership, including the Director of Global HR and the Center’s Chief People and Culture Officer. The AD will manage the Senior Operations Manager for the Geneva Office. The AD role offers the opportunity to lead a team of professionals and contribute to the Center's global operations. As a member of the Global Operations and Technology Department, the AD will contribute to shaping the Center's global operations systems and standards, including global health and safety protocols, procurement procedures and travel management. The position will be based in the Center’s Geneva office.
Primary Responsibilities
* Office Operations: Oversee Geneva Office operations and management ensuring best practices, compliance with local regulations, and operational effectiveness.
* Provide management and leadership for the Sr. Geneva Operations Manager and oversee their work to lead day-to-day office operations and administration.
* Provide leadership support for internal office communications, office staff meetings, and relevant operations training.
* Oversee office and HR vendor relationship management, including contract management and procurement.
* Oversee management of insurance, leases, facilities, finances, safety, and security.
* Oversee operations process and policy improvement and implementation activities.
* Regulatory Adherence and Swiss Association Operations: Support operationalization and administration of the Swiss Association: Center for Reproductive Rights Europe in partnership with the VP Europe and Swiss Association Board.
* Develop and manage a transition project plan including coordinating necessary financial, governance, regulatory, and operational components.
* Support VP Europe with board liaison vis-a-vis the Swiss Association board.
* Coordinate legal and regulatory compliance by managing documentation, identifying operational changes, and implementing transition activities.
* Implement financial setup and compliance for the association, including planning for reporting obligations, and preparing for audits.
* Support VP Europe and CPCO with HR setup and compliance for the association, including regarding employment contracts and reporting obligations.
* Human Resources: Partner with the Director of Global HR Operations and the HR Operations team to ensure data, documentation, and communications within the Region comply with Swiss and EU regulations.
* Support CPCO, Director of Global HR Operations and VP Europe with day-to-day management of HR operations for the Geneva Office and Europe.
* Serve as the primary liaison with the local payroll provider, Swiss and Geneva authorities and third-party vendors on payroll and new hire matters.
* Ensure HR and payroll policies, practices, and benefits comply with local law and policy.
* Partner with Talent Acquisition to ensure compliance with recruitment processes in Europe.
* Uphold strict confidentiality regarding organizational and employee information.
* Financial Management and Operations: Ensure internal controls and finance policies conform to Swiss standards; lead monthly budget review and forecasts; ensure adherence to finance timelines; lead annual budget and reprojection for Geneva operations; manage annual expenses and budget; facilitate center-wide audits as needed; manage Swiss banking; advise on financial decision-making and system improvements.
* Health and Safety: Oversee Geneva office security, safety procedures, and emergency management; ensure compliance with health and safety regulations; monitor security alerts and incidents; maintain global security, emergency, and crisis operations.
* Global Operations Community Leadership: Contribute to the Global Operations community of practice across all offices; provide guidance and strengthen communication among regional management and operations teams; be sensitive to regional contexts; build institutional trust among stakeholders.
* Other: Any other relevant duties assigned.
Compensation and Terms
Compensation: The annual salary for this position is CHF 150,000.
Duration: This is a two-year, fixed term role.
Deadline: Please apply by September 25th, 2025.
Activity Rate: 100%
Projected Start Date: December 1st
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Center is committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in our work and staff. We strongly encourage people from all communities to apply. If you are excited about this role but unsure about whether your experience aligns with the job description, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this or other roles.
To learn more about the Center’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, please visit Diversity, Equity and Inclusion | Center for Reproductive Rights.
Requirements
* Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration, Human Resources, Business Management, Financial Management and Accounting, Law or a related field required.
* 12+ years of progressively responsible global operations, financial management, and human resource experience or equivalent; preferably in a non-profit international NGO setting with accountability for managing multiple priorities.
* At least 5 years of experience in operations management in Geneva required; NGO/IGO experience in Switzerland beneficial.
* Demonstrated experience in payroll management in Switzerland and knowledge of LPP, accident insurance, Swiss social insurances, tax at source, and related benefits.
* Familiarity with Swiss employment regulations and alignment of staff policies with Swiss law.
* Demonstrated experience in financial management, budget oversight, Swiss accounting, audit, taxation, and banking systems.
* Strong understanding of Geneva operating environment for INGOs and regulatory requirements for Swiss charitable associations.
* Experience in cross-functional teams and development of systems and processes for efficiency.
* Fluency in English and French required; German desirable.
* Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills; ability to translate complex data for diverse audiences.
* Project management and internal control experience; experience opening/closing field offices preferred.
* Live the Center’s mission and values; strong commitment to DEI.
* Analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to work across functions and time zones.
* Excellent communication, interpersonal, and diplomacy skills; able to earn trust.
* Strong organizational skills; ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.
* Attention to detail and ability to manage complex projects while maintaining big-picture view.
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