Communications Lead (German-speaking)

Unrefugees; Genf; On-site; CHF 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work environment

Supportive team

Exposure to international operations

Job summary

A humanitarian organization in Switzerland is looking for a German-speaking Communications Lead. The role involves managing communication strategies and campaigns to increase public engagement and fundraising efforts. Ideal candidates will have at least 7 years of relevant experience, strong communication skills, and the capacity to work in a multicultural environment. The position offers flexibility and the chance to contribute to meaningful humanitarian work.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years relevant experience.
• Strong understanding of humanitarian, development sectors.
• Proven experience with communication strategies.
• Proven ability to lead editorial calendars and digital campaigns.

Responsibilities

• Promote public awareness and fundraising activities.
• Drive yearly communication calendar across campaigns.
• Lead conception and implementation of digital awareness campaigns.
• Lead editorial strategy and content governance.
• Serve as primary communications focal point for Philanthropy and Individual Giving.
• Lead digital campaigns and coordinate with media agencies.
• Monitor campaigns and report KPIs to stakeholders.
• Align content with awareness and fundraising goals.

Skills

Strategic communication

Problem-solving

Public relations

Campaign coordination

Teamwork

Negotiation

English language

Content strategy

Education

Advanced degree in relevant field

Tools

MS Office

CMS

Job description

Switzerland for UNHCR hires a Communications Lead (German-speaking)

Contract Type: Temporary (6 to 8 months maternity cover)

Starting date: As soon as possible

Department: Communications

Level: Manager

Location: Geneva (other locations in Switzerland can be considered)

Start Date: As soon as possible

Make your next job one with purpose

Do you believe in a world where everyone has a safe place to call home?

Do you thrive in engaging donors, building meaningful relationships, and crafting campaigns that inspire lasting support?

Switzerland for UNHCR (CH4U), the Swiss Foundation supporting the UN Refugee Agency, is looking for a German-speaking committed and creative Communications Lead to manage effective communication tools, strategies and campaigns that aim to increase public engagement and support Switzerland for UNHCR’s fundraising objectives.

We are not just another nonprofit. We are part of a global humanitarian movement, working every day to support people forced to flee war, conflict, and persecution. And we need passionate people like you to expand our impact.

What you will do

As our new Communications Lead, you will:

Strategic Communication & Leadership

• Promote CH4U and UNHCR’s public awareness and fundraising activities in Switzerland by implementing a public engagement strategy and content to support awareness, engagement, and fundraising goals.
• Drive the yearly communication calendar across campaigns, awareness and fundraising priorities with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to establish and implement editorial strategy.
• Serve as the primary communications focal point for Philanthropy and Individual Giving.
• Lead the conception and implementation of digital awareness campaigns.
• Collaborate with media and creative agencies, coordinate paid media execution.
• Monitor campaign performance and coordinate reporting with external providers.
• Ensure alignment between content, awareness and fundraising campaigns.

Content, Digital & Website

• Act as strategic content owner of the website, defining content direction in alignment with brand, awareness and fundraising priorities.
• Ensure clarity, consistency, SEO/GEO alignment, and message effectiveness across all digital platforms.
• Contribute to establish and implement editorial guidelines and processes and establish a governance model for cross-team content planning.
• Coordinate editorial calendar based on strategic direction.

Media & Public Relations

• Support in media relations, drafting of media releases and ad-hoc coordination with external PR agency or field staff.

Budget & Reporting

• Manage diligently and in collaboration with other units his / her budget from annual plan preparation to expenses’ monitoring.
• Prepare internal reporting on campaign performance, PR coverage and communication KPIs.
• In the absence of the Head of Communications, manage and guide the Communications team members in their daily activities.
• Facilitate cross-unit communication for campaign and content alignment.
• Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing with dedicated external relations staff.
• Ad hoc collaboration with the management for meetings and projects.
• Work closely with the Director and other Unit Heads to contribute to the development and implementation of a general public awareness and fundraising strategy.

What You bring

We are looking for someone who has:

• Minimum of 7 years’ relevant experience.
• Solid understanding of the humanitarian, development and sustainability sectors.
• Strong track record developing compelling brand and communication strategies and producing communication content/ assets, ideally with the aim to activate supporters.
• Proven experience coordinating awareness campaigns, tools and tactics for engagement.
• Experience working with creative agencies.
• Advanced post graduate degree or graduate degree with equivalent in experience to reach master level.
• High ability to use initiative, prioritize, multi-task, and work well under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Very clear and systematic thinking that demonstrates very strong judgment and problem-solving competencies.
• High analytical skills.
• Highly organized, detail oriented and structured.
• High written and oral communication and interpersonal skills in a fast-paced multi-cultural and multilingual environment.
• High capacity to work autonomously as well as a team player.
• High ability to interact with internal and external stakeholders with high negotiation and advocacy skills.
• Capacity to lead the exploration of new areas of activities, challenging ideas and projects.
• Knowledge, interest and a strong commitment for the work and mission of UNHCR and the refugee cause.
• Excellent command of English, native level of German mandatory.
• Excellent computer skills and knowledge of MS Office applications.
• Knowledge and practical understanding of fundraising and the role of communications within it.

Why Join Us?

• Work for a cause that truly matters.
• Collaborate with a motivated, supportive and mission-driven team.
• Be part of an agile and growing Foundation.
• Get exposure to international humanitarian operations.
• Enjoy a flexible and hybrid work environment.

Ready to bring your talent to a mission that saves lives? Submit your CV, motivation letter, and relevant documents by 6 April 2026 via our recruitment page.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis — early applications are encouraged!

Switzerland for UNHCR is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds (including those who have personally experienced displacement) and are committed to supporting others forced to flee.