Job description – Director of Partnership Development and Fundraising

Job vacancy

Position title: Director of Partnership Development and Fundraising
Location: Geneva, Switzerland (hybrid working possible, two days a week) 
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Contract type: Full-time, permanent

About UICC  

The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) is the largest global membership organisation dedicated to reducing the global cancer burden and promoting greater equity. Headquartered in Geneva, UICC brings together 1,100+ member organisations across 170 countries and territories, including cancer societies, research institutes, treatment centres, government agencies and patient support groups.

UICC drives impact by convening and supporting the global cancer community, building capacities, shaping policy, and delivering high-profile initiatives such as World Cancer Day, the World Cancer Leaders’ Summit and the World Cancer Congress. UICC is also spearheading priority programmes including the Access to Oncology Medicines (ATOM) Coalition, an initiative aiming to increase access to oncology medicine across 46 countries.

Over the next 3 years, UICC is focused on implementing its new business plan which will deliver global impact in cancer control and be driven by an increase in staff levels from 50 to 80 and funding of the organisation by more than 50%.

For more information, check UICC annual report

About the role

UICC is seeking an experienced, strategic, charismatic, results-focused and relationship-driven Director of Partnership Development and Fundraising to lead and grow its partner and funding base supporting UICC’s Business Plan. This senior leadership role will focus on strengthening and expanding the existing portfolio of partnerships with private sector organisations, while also developing new funding avenues with foundations and other institutional donors.

The successful individual will play a critical role as part of the UICC senior leadership team, working with individuals across the organisation and with the Board of Directors and in ensuring UICC’s sustainability and capacity to deliver its ambitious goals in supporting the global cancer community.

Main responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and oversee the implementation of UICC’s fundraising strategy in alignment with the organisation’s overall Business Plan 2025-28.

• Serve as a key member of the senior leadership team, contributing to organisational decision-making, planning and financial sustainability.

• Provide strategic foresight on emerging funding opportunities and global philanthropic trends.

• Work closely with the Chief Executive Officer to develop a compelling business development strategy.

Fundraising 

• Drive revenue growth through existing partnership relationships and innovative fundraising initiatives and partnerships.

• Cultivate and steward relationships with existing partners (private sector, cancer organisations, foundations and others), ensuring strong engagement, high satisfaction, and long-term alignment with UICC's mission.

• Lead the identification and pursuit of new funding opportunities from private foundations, high-net-worth individuals, and institutional donors.

• Prepare and oversee high-quality, tailored funding proposals and grant submissions in close collaboration with UICC’s technical teams.

Team leadership and internal coordination 

• Lead a high-performing fundraising and partnerships team of three to five (with potential to grow to six), providing strategic direction monitoring of performance, mentoring and capacity building.

• Ensure strong internal coordination with programme, communications, finance, and events teams to align fundraising with organisational priorities.

• Establish KPIs, monitor performance, and regularly report on fundraising progress to the senior leadership team and UICC Board.

• Work closely with the senior leadership team to ensure that fundraising efforts are coordinated across the organisation.

Representation and stakeholder engagement

• Represent UICC with professionalism and credibility in external meetings, conferences and partner discussions.

• Attend networking events and meetings with potential partners and/or prospects.

• Act as a key spokesperson with private sector donors and philanthropic organisations.

• Develop thought leadership positioning for UICC within the global health and philanthropy landscape.

Candidate profile

Skills and experience

• Advanced degree in business, international relations, public health, development studies, or related field.

• Minimum 10 years of professional experience in partnership development, fundraising, or business development, preferably in global health, development, or international NGOs.

• Proven success in securing major grants and partnerships with private sector entities and philanthropic foundations.

• Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing multi-stakeholder fundraising strategies with a track record of success.

• Experience working in or with international organisations, with an appreciation for working in a multicultural, mission-driven environment.

• Strong leadership and people management skills, with experience managing cross-functional teams.

• Strong negotiation and networking skills.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; able to build compelling value propositions and influence senior-level stakeholders.

• A deep understanding of corporate social responsibility (CSR), shared value models, and innovative financing.

• Full professional proficiency in English and French is required; another UN language is an asset.

What we offer

• Opportunity to work at the heart of the global cancer control community in Geneva.

• Strategic leadership role within a mission-driven and highly regarded and multi-award-winning organisation.

• International and diverse team environment operating in outstanding office space close the United Nations.

• Competitive compensation and benefits package.

• International travel to UICC annual events such as the World Cancer Congress and World Cancer Leaders’ Summit.

Applications 

Please submit your CV and a cover letter explaining how you think your skills and experience make you a strong candidate. Please address your application to careers@uicc.org.

Applications will be evaluated on a roll-out basis and only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Deadline for applications: 31 July 2025

We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier when we have received a sufficient number of quality applications.