Announcement and Job Profile

Director – Pakka Foundation

 

Position: 60%

Place of Work: Pakka Offices, Geroldstrasse 33, CH-8005 Zürich, or remote

Start: 1 March or by agreement

Reports To: President of the Board of Directors, Ueli Baruffol

Organization Overview: Pakka Foundation, an entity of Pakka Group, is dedicated to enhance the living conditions of smallholder farmers, their communities and local processing companies in the nut and dried fruit sector through the development and promotion of sustainable, organic production and processing. It therefore works with various partners, including Pakka’s origin partners in Colombia, Georgia and Kenya.

Position Overview: The Pakka Foundation Director develops and manages Pakka Foundation’s project portfolio, and leads the strategic development, administration, and operational and financial management of the Pakka Foundation with a 60% position. He/she thereby supervises, guides and collaborates with Pakka Foundation’s country leads in Colombia, Georgia and Kenya, and regularly travels to partner countries (3-4 missions per year)

 

Core Responsibilities

Project management

  • Ensure strategic project steering and guidance through project committee meetings and regular exchange with country leads.
  • Supervise country leads and guide implementation partners in the effective and efficient implementation and monitoring of projects, i.e. in meeting budget requirements as well as targets at output, outcome and impact level.
  • Assure financial management of projects, including procurement, in compliance with donor requirements. Approve financial reporting by implementing partners to Pakka Foundation.
  • Ensure quality of operational and financial reports to financial and strategic partners.
  • Act as interlocutor to financial partners, and ensure a smooth and constructive communication.

Fundraising and project development

  • In close collaboration with and guidance of country leads in Colombia, Georgia and Kenya, ensure and guide the design of relevant sustainability projects addressing the needs of smallholder farmers and origin partners, the expectations of financial partners and the current development agenda.
  • Support and ensure the formulation of proposals for the submission to funding partners.
  • Engage in networking with strategic and financial partners to identify opportunities for partnerships and funding.

Communication and networking

  • Ensure Pakka Foundation’s pubic communication through its website and social media.
  • Represent the Foundation in meetings, committees, and taskforces.
  • Bring Pakka Foundation into the engagement of the Pakka Group, i.e. the Pakka Impact Team and tPakka Offsite Meetings.

Fundation and Board Management

  • Ensure the efficient administration of Pakka Foundation.
  • Develop, recommend, and administer strategic documents, policies, procedures, and processes to support the Foundations‘ goals and operations. Ensure compliance with relevant legal parameters and monitor adherence to approved policies and procedures.
  • Develop and oversee financial statements, budgets and cashflow, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives. Oversee Pakka Foundation’s accounts in exchange with the accountant.
  • Develop annual reports and a simple annual planning on the basis of the Pakka Foundation Mission Statement.
  • Support the operation of the Foundation Board. Develop agendas, inputs, documentation, and minutes for board meetings.

Qualifications

Thematic and methodological skills

  • Master degree with relevant experience in sustainability and development cooperation with specialisation on sustainable agriculture value chain and market development, as well as business development.
  • Sound understanding and experience of project cycle management.
  • Sound understanding and experience of financial management and reporting of development projects, and of collaborating with public and private funding partners.
  • Experience in and motivation for fundraising and managing donor relationships.
  • Experience in the management of non-profit organisations, especially operative foundations. Familiarity with requirements of legal and regulatory requirements relevant to non-profit organizations.

Social and personal skills

  • Leadership, autonomy and capability to drive initiatives and partnerships.
    • Good communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present to various stakeholders.
    • Experience in leading and working with international teams and a demonstrated sensitivity to diverse cultural contexts.
  • High level of efficiency and sense of prioritisation. Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
    • Ability to work collaboratively with a Board of Directors and other key stakeholders.
    • Commitment to the mission and values of the Pakka Foundation.

Language skills

  • Excellent skills in English, with proficiency in German and Spanish considered an advantage.

What we offer

  • Space for personal initiative and participation.
  • Self-determination and flexibility in the organisation of working day, including home office days.
  • A committed and supportive team.
  • Five weeks‘ holiday per year.
  • A centrally located workplace near Zürich-Hardbrücke station.
  • The best nuts, dried fruits and chocolates in the world!

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter detailing their experience and qualifications relevant to baruffol@pakka.ch by 1 February 2026.

 

This post is also available in: Englisch