Background

The International Hospital Federation (IHF), headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, is seeking a Sustainability Director for the Geneva Sustainability Centre (GSC). Established three years ago, the GSC supports hospital leaders worldwide in advancing low-carbon, climate-resilient, and sustainable healthcare operations.

The GSC offers leadership development, masterclasses, online tools, and resources to help hospitals respond to climate challenges, strengthen resilience, and embed sustainability into health service delivery. The Sustainability Director will serve as a subject-matter expert and core technical professional in this global work.

Position overview

The Sustainability Director is a subject-matter expert in sustainable, low-carbon, and climate-resilient healthcare, particularly in the hospital sector. The role ensures the GSC remains current, credible, and relevant by tracking global developments, best practices, innovations, and regulatory changes in hospital sustainability.

Working as part of the GSC team, the Sustainability Director supports the design and delivery of GSC programmes, including masterclasses, workshops, lectures, and knowledge products, such as the Carbon Emissions Learning Lab (CELL) and Sustainability Accelerator Tool (SAT).

The role also provides expert guidance to colleagues, partners, and IHF members, ensuring the GSC activities are evidence-based and aligned with emerging global trends. The Sustainability Director frames the opportunities for healthcare and hospital leaders to drive this transformation.

The Sustainability Director reports directly to the IHF’s Chief Operating Officer (COO).

This is a full-time position with flexibility to accommodate a minimum of 60%.

Key responsibilities

Subject matter expertise and healthcare and hospital sector insights

• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of global sustainability trends, practices, technologies, and policy frameworks relevant to hospitals and health systems.
• Represent the GSC on the public stage, including at events, conferences, and other external engagements.
• Advise and mentor the GSC team on integrating sustainability into hospital operations, leadership practices, and organizational approaches and how this may need to be tailored across countries or regions or phased according to maturity of the organization.
• Ensure all GSC content, tools, and training materials reflect the latest science, practices and global frameworks.

Programme delivery and content development

• Support the development and delivery of GSC offerings including the SAT, CELL, Healthcare Sustainability Certification (HSC), and GSC Masterclass.
• Deliver masterclasses, workshops, lectures, and executive education sessions. Present confidently to hospital executives, clinicians, policymakers, and system leaders.
• Contribute to teaching materials, case studies, guidance notes, and practical tools.

Engagement with IHF members and global partners

• Provide insights and expert guidance to IHF members integrating sustainability into hospital and healthcare operations.
• Participate in learning communities, knowledge exchange initiatives, and global dialogues on hospital and healthcare sustainability.
• Build and maintain relationships with academic, clinical, and sustainability partners supporting GSC programming.

Research, knowledge, and innovation

• Track and analyse new evidence, tools, and innovations to strengthen sustainable healthcare delivery, especially in hospital settings.
• Contribute to GSC and IHF research, publications, reports, and communications.

Internal collaboration and supportive teammate

• Work closely with the COO, IHF and GSC teams to ensure programmes remain high-quality, relevant, and impactful. Support strategic planning, coordination, and delivery of GSC activities.

Profile requirements

Qualifications and professional experience

• 10 years of relevant experience in healthcare sustainability, climate and health, hospital operations, or a closely related health sector.
• Strong understanding of climate–health linkages and pathways to net zero and resilient hospital operations.
• Experience designing and delivering training, workshops, or education programmes.
• Master’s degree in a relevant field (public health, environmental sciences, health management, sustainability) or equivalent professional experience.
• International exposure and knowledge of global sustainability topics.

Skills and competencies

• Ability to communicate complex sustainability concepts clearly to non-technical, to C-suite audiences and to governmental representatives.
• Strong facilitation and presentation skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with partners at multiple levels.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English (other languages are an asset).
• Strong analytical skills and ability to translate evidence into practical guidance.
• Ability to relate to individuals and organizations across regions, cultures and contexts.

Other requirements

• Motivated, self-directed, and committed to advancing sustainability in healthcare.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and relevant business technology tools.
• Willingness to travel internationally and work in virtual settings.
• Geneva-based position with a minimum of two days per week in Loëx (Bernex, Geneva) and central Geneva offices. Alternative working arrangements are possible for the right candidate.

How to apply

Please email your application (in English) to gscrecruitment@ihf-fih.org with the subject “GSC Sustainability Director”.

Attach to your email:

• a cover letter detailing why this is the right position for you (maximum length one page)
• a concise CV or resume.

Application deadline: 22 December 2025.

The IHF is committed to fostering an organizational culture which values respect, teamwork, and excellence, and to building a working environment in which all staff are empowered and respected. In recruiting candidates, we seek candidates with the proven skills required, irrespective of race, gender, religion or belief, age, disability, or sexual orientation.