Union for International Cancer Control

The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) is the largest global membership organisation dedicated to taking action against cancer. Founded in 1933 and based in Geneva, UICC has over 1,100 member organisations in 172 countries and territories. UICC’s mission is to both unite and support the cancer community in its efforts to reduce the global cancer burden, promote greater equity and ensure that cancer control remains a priority on the global health and development agenda.

UICC has consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and has official relations with the World Health Organization (WHO) and partnerships with the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). UICC is committed to working in partnership, and engages over 66 partners, including associations, companies and foundations, to amplify and extend its collective impact.

UICC is a founding member of the NCD Alliance, the McCabe Centre for Law & Cancer, the International Cancer Control Partnership (ICCP), established the City Cancer Challenge Foundation in January 2019 and the Access to Oncology Medicines (ATOM) Coalition in May 2022.

Summary of the position

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) runs the day-to-day operations of UICC and supports the CEO in developing and driving the strategic agenda.

The COO is responsible for finance & accounting, human resources, administration, IT and office management. The COO also supports the CEO in interactions with governance bodies: The Board of Directors and the General Assembly.

The COO has a primary role in internal execution and coordination. S/he ensures that the business plan is delivered in accordance with UICC’s long-term strategy. S/he is responsible for identifying, managing and overseeing organisational risks and for recommending mitigation actions accordingly.

The COO interacts with the Swiss and Geneva authorities and liaises with UICC’s auditor and lawyer.

Main responsibilities

• Advising the CEO in setting and driving UICC’s organisational strategy
• Overseeing financial planning, HR, administration, office management, and IT operations
• Ensuring that the Board of Directors receives the relevant information to facilitate their governance functions
• Leading the General Assembly coordination and overseeing that its decisions are implemented accordingly
• Reporting and working with the UICC Treasurer, the Finance, Risk and Audit Committee and the Board of Directors to ensure the financial health of UICC
• Liaising with external auditors and ensuring internal processes and systems are in line with audit requirements
• Developing, maintaining, and improving where necessary, the administrative processes, infrastructure, and systems required in a manner that supports and furthers UICC’s strategic objectives and growth
• Overseeing the development and execution of operational policies and procedures, including HR policies, and continually reviewing the adequacy of human and technology resources
• Facilitating communication across teams
• Representing the organisation in relevant external meetings as required
• Acting as a deputy to the CEO when required

Skills and experience

• Advanced university degree in business administration or any other relevant field, with at least 10 years of experience and a track record in executive leadership roles, preferably in the not-for-profit or health sector
• Understanding of business planning, financial management and Swiss regulatory issues
• Proven track record of facilitating progressive organisational change and development within a growing organisation
• Solid experience in program budgeting and fiscal management
• Experience managing a human resources function including personnel, compensation, and recruiting
• Energetic, flexible, collaborative, and proactive; a team leader who can positively and productively impact both strategic and tactical finance and administration initiatives
• Analytic and decisive decision maker with the ability to prioritise and communicate to staff key objectives and tactics necessary to achieve organisational goals
• Strong background in mentoring and coaching
• Excellent leadership skills and personal integrity
• Ability to influence and engage direct and indirect reports and peers
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; a persuasive and passionate communicator with excellent public speaking skills
• Passion, humility, integrity, positive attitude, mission-driven, and self-directed
• Fluent in English and French
• The candidate should be eligible to work in Switzerland

Applications

Send your CV and motivation letter explaining how you think your skills and experience make you a strong candidate for this position.

Interviews will be done on a rolling basis until the position is filled.