The organization: The Defeat-NCD Partnership was born from the recognition that Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are now the major contributor to the global burden of disease. They kill at least 40 million people each year, the equivalent to 70% of all deaths globally. Our vision is that of a world in which there is universal health coverage for NCDs. This is a direct contribution to the transformational 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to which all nations have subscribed. With the strong support of the World Health Organization, the Defeat-NCD Partnership was launched at the United Nations during the 73rd United Nations General Assembly in New York on 24th September 2018 as a “public private people” partnership to enable and assist all low-resource countries to scale-up action on Non-Communicable Diseases (“NCD”) through: (i) national capacity building, (ii) community scale-up of NCD services, (iii) affordability and accessibility of essential NCD supplies, and (iv) financing for country-level NCD programming.  Following being hosted by the UN agencies during the start-up phase, the Defeat-NCD Partnership is now an independent, tax exempted association, with an international mandate, registered in Geneva, Switzerland, in accordance with Articles 60 et sequents of the Swiss Civil Code. The Partnership has a not-for profit making purpose.

 The role: The incumbent will be responsible to:

• Provide strategic leadership for Operational and Financial function across the organizational entities of the Partnership. Develop and implement cost effective use of partnership resources and budgets to achieve the required service outputs based on assessments of the evolving business model and needs.
• Monitor the adequacy of resources to ensure the secretariat functions are carried out in a timely and cost-effective manner, ensuring that the Partnership works within the budget and achieves year-on-year efficiency gains and that the administrative service costs at all levels of the organizations, are in line with benchmarks in other international organizations with similar mandate and organizational structures.
• Ensuring administrative service cost is competitive with benchmarks from similar international organizations, ensuring financial sustainability and efficiency.
• Creating and maintaining a forward-looking operating plan, including the assessment and implementing a suitable ERP system, keeping in mind changes to the programme requirements of the DNCD partnership and anticipating future pressures that will come to the organization.
• In collaboration with the Chief Executive Officer, develop and implement organization policies that are inclusive of Partnership Financial Rules and Regulations (FRRs), Delegation of Authorities (DoA), the related risk management and workflow processes.
• Collaborating with the Chief Executive Officer and programme director(s) in setting and driving organizational practice vision and frameworks, operations strategy, and hiring levels.
• Translating organizational strategy through coaching and mentoring into actionable steps for growth, implementing organization-wide goal setting, performance management, and annual operations planning.
• Ensuring the internal and country office teams have the resources to fulfil respective mandates including training, people, and operational requirements. This includes developing and managing functional financial and administrative structures in the country offices.
• Implementing and monitoring performance data systems and taking corrective measures when necessary while preparing relevant updates and forecasts.
• Overseeing operations and employee productivity by building a highly inclusive, respectful, and diverse culture that ensures team members thrive, and organizational goals are met.
• Translate organizational strategy through coaching and mentoring into actionable steps for growth, implementing organization-wide goal setting, performance management, and annual operational planning.
• Ensuring compliance with International public sector accounting standards and Swiss accounting standards as may be relevant and also the federal, provincial, and municipal government/business regulations and taking appropriate action when necessary.
• Ensuring the timely preparation and certification of the annual statutory Financial Statements of the Partnership and its related entities as well as coordinating the required statutory and project audits.
• Operate as secretary of various compliance and oversight committees on budget, finance and administration with responsibility for organizing meetings, preparing and presenting effective documentation and providing authoritative strategic advice, particularly on finance, to senior managers and committee members, by adhering to the principles of good governance, respect and transparency.

RESULTS EXPECTED:

Demonstrates effective handling of strategic management of financial and operational functions across the Partnership. This includes optimizing resource allocation, maintaining financial sustainability, and achieving year-on-year efficiency gains while aligning costs with international benchmarks. The role will drive operational excellence by implementing robust financial controls, compliance measures, and risk management strategies. A key outcome will also be the successful deployment of an ERP system to enhance operational efficiency. The role also ensures adherence to international and Swiss accounting standards and oversees timely statutory financial reporting and audits. Through strong leadership, the incumbent will cultivate a high-performing, inclusive organizational culture, equipping internal and country teams with the resources and structures needed to fulfil their mandates. Additionally, they will provide authoritative strategic advice to senior leadership and governance bodies, fostering transparency, accountability, and good governance across all operational and financial functions. Discretely handles highly confidential and sensitive matters. Effectively functions as a key communications link and liaison with a broad range of internal and external contacts, many of which are at senior levels.

COMPETENCIES:

Professionalism: Strong expertise in financial management, budgeting, and operational strategy within international organizations; Deep understanding of financial regulations, risk management, and compliance, including International Accounting Standards and Swiss financial laws;  Ability to drive organizational efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and financial sustainability.;  Proven track record in managing large-scale budgets, audits, and financial reporting; Strong decision-making skills with the ability to assess risks and implement effective solutions.

Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to present complex financial and operational data in a clear, concise manner; Ability to engage effectively with senior leadership, governance bodies, and external partners; Strong negotiation and influencing skills to advocate for organizational priorities; Proficiency in preparing high-level reports, policy documents, and strategic briefings.

Teamwork: Ability to build and lead diverse, multicultural teams across multiple locations; Fosters a culture of collaboration, respect, and inclusion to drive organizational success; Works effectively with senior leadership, country offices, and external stakeholders to achieve common goals; Encourages knowledge-sharing and capacity-building within teams.

Planning & Organizing: Demonstrated ability to develop and implement long-term operational and financial strategies; Strong project management skills to oversee multiple workstreams, including ERP implementation and resource planning; Ability to set priorities, manage deadlines, and allocate resources efficiently.; Anticipates challenges and develops proactive solutions to ensure organizational resilience

Accountability: Holds self and teams accountable for delivering high-quality financial and operational outcomes; Ensures compliance with financial regulations, internal policies, and governance frameworks; Transparent in financial reporting, risk management, and decision-making processes; Takes ownership of challenges and drives continuous improvement across financial and operational functions.

Creativity: Develops and implements innovative financial and operational strategies to enhance efficiency and sustainability; Identifies and applies creative solutions to optimize resource allocation and cost management.; Drives process improvements and digital transformation, ensuring the adoption of cutting-edge technologies for financial analytics and ERP systems.; Encourages a culture of continuous improvement, fostering new ideas for organizational effectiveness.; Anticipates and adapts to changes in the nonprofit landscape, leveraging innovation to enhance impact and scalability.

Client Orientation: Understands the needs of internal and external stakeholders, ensuring financial and operational services align with strategic goals; Develops efficient service delivery models that support programmatic and administrative functions; Builds strong relationships with partners, donors, and governing bodies through responsive and solutions-driven engagement.; Strives for operational excellence to enhance the organization's impact and sustainability.

Technological Awareness: Strong understanding of financial and operational technology, including ERP systems, data analytics, and digital financial tools.; Ability to drive digital transformation initiatives that enhance efficiency and transparency; Keeps abreast of emerging technologies and best practices in financial management and operational systems.; Ensures staff have the necessary training and resources to leverage technology effectively.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• Required: Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration (MBA)
• Additionally preferred: Certificate or Diploma in International Financial Reporting

Professional Certification:

• Required: Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Accountant (CA), or Certified Management Accountant (CMA).

• Additionally preferred: Certified Internal auditor (CIA) focusing on governance, risk management, and compliance.

Experience:

•  Minimum 15 – 20 years of progressive and combined experience in managing Programmes and providing financial leadership within an international development sector and donor-funded initiatives.

Language requirements:

•  Fluent English is required (written and spoken).

Ideal Candidate will have:

• Strong global exposure, with integrated skills and experience in managing financial, operational and programme functions across multiple countries, particularly in low- and middle-income settings. Experience in conflict and crisis settings will be a definite advantage.

• Substantial experience managing complex, multi-country budgets for development programs, ensuring efficient allocation of donor and institutional funds.
• Strong understanding of financing models for development programmes, including grants, donor funding, and public-private partnerships.
• Knowledge of cost-effectiveness analysis and financial sustainability for global health interventions.

• Experience ensuring financial compliance with major health donors, including bilateral and multilateral agencies (e.g., WHO, USAID, Global Fund, EU, UN agencies).
• Direct experience working with international teams, regional offices, and in-country health programs to ensure effective resource management

• Proven ability to navigate complex regulatory and financial environments across different jurisdictions
• Experience in the management and delivery of development programmes in India will be an added advantage, considering the presence of a fully owned not-for-profit subsidiary of The Defeat-NCD Partnership in India

• Experience in selecting, implementing, and managing ERP systems tailored to global development programs.
• Experience in capacity-building and financial training for country offices, ensuring financial literacy and operational efficiency at all levels
• Candidates with valid residency permit in Switzerland will have added advantage.

APPLICATIONS

Send your CV and a motivation letter explaining how you think your skills and experience make you a strong candidate for this position to secretariat@defeat-ncd.org, with CFO and Director of Operations in the subject line.

Deadline for applications: 31 May 2025. Applications received will be evaluated on a rolling basis and application submission for this position may close early if we have enough suitable applicants.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted