Country Director Switzerland (m/f/d)
Hybrid | Full-time | 40 hours per week | Zürich, Switzerland
FOUR PAWS is the global animal welfare organisation for animals under direct human influence, which reveals suffering, rescues animals in need and protects them. Find out more about our sustainable campaigns and projects on www.four-paws.org.
Would you like to contribute to something meaningful and work with us along our mission? This is your chance. We are looking for dedicated people to enrich our team.
Your contribution will be
Strategic & Programmatic Leadership
- Providing thoughtful and visionary leadership that is inclusive, transparent, and empowering, guiding the organisation’s mission as defined by FOUR PAWS International
- Leading and shaping programmatic work, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and delivering tangible impact for animals
- Shaping and implementing impactful national projects and campaigns aligned with the international strategy and contributing meaningfully to the global mission
- Driving advocacy and lobbying efforts at the national level, representing FOUR PAWS in political and public arenas to influence policy and legislative change
- Demonstrating a strong understanding of the political landscape regarding animal welfare, using insights to inform strategic decisions and stakeholder engagement
- Translating the organisational vision and strategy into tangible outcomes, identifying priorities, opportunities, and risks
- Presenting strategic options and plans for organisational impact and gaining National Board approval to advance the mission
Team Leadership
- Leading the Switzerland team effectively, ensuring motivation, development, and retention in line with organisational principles
- Shaping the team’s profile to align with strategic objectives, fostering synergy with other teams and clearly communicating the links between strategy and team focus
- Safeguarding a healthy work-life balance for all employees in Switzerland
Operations & Processes
- Being accountable for planning and implementation within the FOUR PAWS global strategic framework to meet set objectives
- Establishing metrics and standards aligned with International to evaluate efficiency and effectiveness, identifying opportunities for improvement
- Challenging the status quo, embracing ambiguity, and fostering innovation and professional growth
- Overseeing fundraising plans and implementation, ensuring alignment with strategic goals
- Working closely with the Head of Finance and other department heads to monitor expenditure and ensure compliance with organisational principles
- Managing the Swiss risk register, reporting immediate risks to the Swiss Board, and implementing mitigation measures
- Ensuring alignment of national documents and procedures with international standards, including support for QM audits and document management systems
- Overseeing IT and office facility setup in Zurich, ensuring compliance with FP standards and legal requirements, and providing a safe working environment
External Representation & Relations
- Building constructive relationships to expand and promote the organisation’s impact on animal welfare, serving as a strategic partner to key stakeholders
- Ensuring FOUR PAWS Switzerland campaigns and public positions reflect the organisation’s values and priorities
- Representing FOUR PAWS Switzerland in membership groups and campaign coalitions, in close collaboration with the Head of Programmes
- Acting as the main spokesperson for FOUR PAWS Switzerland’s programmatic work and impact
- Supporting diversity, equality of opportunity, and inclusion in the workplace for both staff and volunteers
Your profile illustrates
- Fluent in English and either fluent German or fluent French, with the other being a strong asset
- Proven track record in senior leadership, operational and strategic roles within NGOs, ideally in animal protection and welfare
- Extensive knowledge in animal welfare or related areas, with a strong affinity for the FOUR PAWS mission
- A convincing and motivating leader in a fast-growing, diverse organisation
- Demonstrated ability to strategically position an organisation, constructively managing the relationship and natural tension between national and international priorities
- Strong understanding of the political landscape relevant to animal welfare, with the ability to translate insights into effective advocacy and positioning
- Skilled in leading through change, fostering adaptability and innovation
- Agile in decision-making, balancing urgency with thoughtful delegation
- Advanced interpersonal skills, adjusting communication to diverse audiences and encouraging open dialogue
- Exemplary in prioritisation and responsible delegation, ensuring clarity and accountability
Our offer includes
- The opportunity to truly contribute to global animal welfare
- A multinational team
- A varied and multifaceted area of responsibility with room for creativity
- A modern workplace in Zürich Altstetten, easily accessible by public transport
- 5 weeks’ vacation and extra days off at the end of the year
- Flexible and family-friendly working arrangements including the option of partial remote work
- Birthday leave: extra day off to use around your birthday
- A dog-friendly workplace and much more
All interested individuals are invited to submit their applications for the position. Please note that in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, having a valid work permit for the respective country or being eligible to obtain one is a requirement for this position prior to commencing employment.
We reveal, rescue and protect unique animals from many different species through systems change and by creating species-appropriate environments at our sanctuaries!
We celebrate our colleagues' differences and strive to create an inclusive environment because we believe that only by working together, we can advance animal welfare worldwide. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we strongly encourage candidates from all diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals with diverse lived experiences, racial identities, national origins, religions, socioeconomic backgrounds, ages, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and disability statuses to apply. We welcome everyone who wants to support our mission.
FOUR PAWS is working with Minerva on this appointment. Please contact FOUR_PAWS@minervasearch.com if you require assistance applying to this position or if you would like an informal conversation about the role.
Be part of a good cause and apply for your next professional challenge. Please submit your application, which should be in the form of a CV and cover letter (in English) to:
HR Administrator (m/f/d)
35-40 hours per week | Hamburg, Germany
FOUR PAWS is the global animal welfare organisation for animals under direct human influence, which reveals suffering, rescues animals in need and protects them. Find out more about our sustainable campaigns and projects on www.four-paws.org.
Would you like to contribute to something meaningful and work with us on our mission? This is your chance. We are looking for dedicated people to enrich our team.
Your contribution will be
- Supporting the HR team in its day-to-day operations, e.g., by creating personnel-related documents throughout the employee life cycle
- Providing our employees with advice and assistance on general personnel issues
- Assisting with our application management and ensure that the recruiting process runs smoothly
- Preparing interim and final references
- Preparing and maintaining employment contracts and contract amendments
- Maintaining the digital personnel file and HR data in our systems
- Participating in various HR projects
- Assisting with preparatory payroll accounting
Your profile ideally illustrates
- Successfully completed training with a focus on HR
- Professional experience in the HR field
- Knowledge of labour, tax, and social security law is desirable
- Reliable, trustworthy, and organized personality with a strong service mentality
- Experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 is an advantage
- Passion for animal welfare and FOUR PAWS vision and mission
Our offer includes
- The opportunity to truly contribute to global animal welfare
- Flexible and family-friendly working arrangements including the option of up to 60% from home
- PAWSdays as extra days off at the end of the year and birthday leave to use around your birthday
- A multinational team with the spirit of being ONE FOUR PAWS
- A dog-friendly workplace, easily accessible by public transport, with a dynamic and pleasant working environment
- Fully paid Deutschland-Ticket
- Fully covered pension payments after six months of employment
- Attractive sports offerings with a small additional fee via EGYM Wellpass
- External psychological counselling for employees through “Growport”
- An annual gross salary of 43.617,14 EUR (40 hours/week) in accordance with our internal compensation system
- 2-year fixed-term contract with the wish for long-term partnership
We reveal, rescue and protect unique animals from many different species through systems change and by creating species-appropriate environments at our sanctuaries!
We celebrate our colleagues' differences and strive to create an inclusive environment because we believe that only by working together, we can advance animal welfare worldwide. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we strongly encourage candidates from all diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals with diverse lived experiences, racial identities, national origins, religions, socioeconomic backgrounds, ages, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and disability statuses to apply. We welcome everyone who wants to support our mission. Please contact bewerbung@vier-pfoten.de if you require assistance applying to this position.
All interested individuals are invited to submit their applications for the position. Please note that in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, having a valid work permit for the respective country or being eligible to obtain one is a requirement for this position prior to commencing employment.
Join our passionate team to make a difference for animals. Apply with your CV in German or English today via:
Operations Specialist - Insurance Management (m/f/d)
Limited Contract | Part-time | 20 hours per week | Vienna Headquarters, Austria
FOUR PAWS is the global animal welfare organisation for animals under direct human influence, which reveals suffering, rescues animals in need and protects them. Find out more about our sustainable campaigns and projects on www.four-paws.org.
Would you like to contribute to something meaningful and work with us on our mission? This is your chance. We are looking for dedicated people to enrich our team.
Your contribution will be
- Designing a global insurance management strategy and executing a framework tailored to FOUR PAWS' operations
- Overseeing the organisation’s insurance portfolio, the procurement and renewal of insurance policies
- Ensuring global insurance coverage compliance, working with local teams to identify and manage region-specific needs and regulations
- Maintaining an inventory of all insurance policies, coverage terms and conditions, premiums, and claims
- Serve as the primary point of contact for insurance brokers and insurance providers
- Monitoring developments in global insurance markets and providing recommendations for modifications
- Supporting claim processes and managing insurance-related documentation and reporting
- Training staff in insurance processes, insurance coverage, and responsibilities
Your profile ideally illustrates
- Several years of experience in the insurance field, ideally gained within an insurance company, as an insurance broker, or within a similar setting
- Bachelor’s degree in finance, business, risk management or related field
- Strong knowledge of insurance markets, products, and global risk management practices
- Fluent in English and German
- Excellent organisational, negotiation, and communication skills
- Proven ability to operate effectively across diverse cultural, regional, and legal environments
- Passion for animal welfare and FOUR PAWS' vision and mission
Our offer includes
- The opportunity to truly contribute to global animal welfare
- A multinational team
- Flexible working times with the option of partial remote work
- A dog-friendly workplace with a dynamic and pleasant work environment
- Workplace health and wellbeing initiatives
- Wiener Linien annual ticket (or partial contribution to Klima Ticket) and pension fund after probationary period
- PAWSdays: extra days off at the end of the year on top of your 25 days of annual leave
- Birthday leave: extra day off to use around your birthday
- A limited contract of 12 months
- Part-time position, 20 hours per week
- The yearly gross salary range for this position is 24,000 - 26,000 EUR (consisting of 14 payments) according to our internal compensation scheme
We reveal, rescue and protect unique animals from many different species through systems change and by creating species-appropriate environments at our sanctuaries!
We celebrate our colleagues' differences and strive to create an inclusive environment because we believe that only by working together, we can advance animal welfare worldwide. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we strongly encourage candidates from all diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals with diverse lived experiences, racial identities, national origins, religions, socioeconomic backgrounds, ages, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and disability statuses to apply. We welcome everyone who wants to support our mission. Please contact careers@four-paws.org if you require assistance applying to this position.
All interested individuals are invited to submit their applications for the position. Please note that in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, having a valid work permit for the respective country or being eligible to obtain one is a requirement for this position prior to commencing employment.
Join our passionate team to make a difference for animals. Apply with your CV in English today.
Data Privacy Senior Specialist (m/f/d)
Maternity leave cover | 40 hours per week | Vienna Headquarters, Austria
FOUR PAWS is the global animal welfare organisation for animals under direct human influence, which reveals suffering, rescues animals in need and protects them. Find out more about our sustainable campaigns and projects on www.four-paws.org.
Would you like to contribute to something meaningful and work with us on our mission? This is your chance. We are looking for dedicated people to enrich our team.
Your contribution will be
- Providing expert advice on compliance with the GDPR, ePrivacy and equivalent data privacy laws
- Collaborating with external data privacy consultants and lawyers to ensure comprehensive and consistent legal support across jurisdictions
- Managing relationships with external Data Protection Officer(s), overseeing their activities and integrating their advice into the organisation’s privacy framework
- Collaborating with internal teams to raise privacy awareness and support risk monitoring and management, incl. the design and delivery of trainings
- Developing and maintaining a cohesive organisational privacy programme that ensures alignment between legal requirements and organisational needs
Your profile ideally illustrates
- Demonstrable professional experience in EU data protection law
- Degree in law, business, or economics and/or qualification in the field of data protection
- Fluent in English, advanced knowledge of German
- Ability to familiarise with privacy legal frameworks in other jurisdictions quickly
- Understanding of core technical concepts necessary for the implementation of measures to reduce risks
- Ability to adequately communicate complex legal and technical concepts with varying levels of depth for different audiences
- Passion for animal welfare and FOUR PAWS' vision and mission
Our offer includes
- The opportunity to truly contribute to global animal welfare
- An international, dynamic work environment
- Flexible working times with the option of partial remote work
- A dog-friendly workplace
- Workplace health and wellbeing initiatives
- Wiener Linien annual ticket (or partial contribution to Klima Ticket) and pension fund after probationary period
- PAWSdays: extra days off at the end of the year on top of your 25 days of annual leave
- Birthday leave: extra day off to use around your birthday
- Maternity leave cover with a limited contract
- The yearly gross salary range for this position is 54,000 - 59,000 EUR (full-time base, consisting of 14 payments) according to our internal compensation scheme
We reveal, rescue and protect unique animals from many different species through systems change and by creating species-appropriate environments at our sanctuaries!
We celebrate our colleagues' differences and strive to create an inclusive environment because we believe that only by working together, we can advance animal welfare worldwide. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we strongly encourage candidates from all diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals with diverse lived experiences, racial identities, national origins, religions, socioeconomic backgrounds, ages, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and disability statuses to apply. We welcome everyone who wants to support our mission. Please contact careers@four-paws.org if you require assistance applying to this position.
All interested individuals are invited to submit their applications for the position. Please note that in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, having a valid work permit for the respective country or being eligible to obtain one is a requirement for this position prior to commencing employment.
Join our passionate team to make a difference for animals. Apply with your CV in English today!
Major Gifts Officer (m/f/d)
Full-time | 40 hours per week | Boston, MA or New York, NY
FOUR PAWS is the global animal welfare organisation for animals under direct human influence, which reveals suffering, rescues animals in need and protects them. Find out more about our sustainable campaigns and projects on www.four-paws.org.
Would you like to contribute to something meaningful and work with us on our mission? This is your chance. We are looking for dedicated people to enrich our team.
Your contribution will be
- Identifying prospects, developing and implementing cultivation and solicitation strategies, tracking progress, and staying on top of existing, new, and developing funding opportunities
- Managing and cultivating relationships with existing major donors and prospects, acting as their main point-of-contact at the organisation and conducting outreach in a timely and professional manner
- Researching, preparing, submitting, and managing proposals that demonstrate a compelling case for support
- Working closely with the Fundraising Team Lead to develop and deliver an annual revenue strategy for major giving from individuals, foundations, corporates, and legacies
- Working with fundraising colleagues to develop segmented appeals and stewardship premiums for the major donor audience
- Coordinating and hosting donor events and meetings, both in-person and virtually
- Maintaining monthly donation report records and coordinate coding, tracking, and reporting in partnership with Fundraising Team Lead and Database Manager
- Remaining well-informed on animal welfare topics and FOUR PAWS’ programs and activities globally
- Providing accurate and timely documentation of all work
Your profile ideally illustrates
- Several years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, with a proven track record of securing major gifts and grants
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills
- Highly developed organisation and follow-through skills and capacity to prioritise tasks
- Experience successfully raising funds through individuals, foundations, and/or corporations for a nonprofit organisation
- Knowledge of philanthropic motivations to give, tax-effective giving, and best practices related to donor relations and philanthropy
- Ability to work independently and recognise opportunities to inspire increased support from donors
- Experience with developing and maintaining long-term donor relationships, and ability to establish rapport with stakeholders internally and externally
- Proven ability to communicate and analyse outcomes and data to a high standard
- Basic budgeting and accounting skills
- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally on occasion for donor visits and internal meetings and trainings
- Passion for animal welfare and FOUR PAWS vision and mission
Our offer includes
- The opportunity to truly contribute to global animal welfare
- A flexible and caregiver-friendly work environment with a hard-working and motivated team of animal lovers
- Time off to recharge with 20 days annual leave, 14 holidays per year inclusive of one birthday leave (extra day off to use around your birthday), 8 sick days and summer Fridays
- PAWSdays: extra days off at the end of the year on top of your annual leave
- Coverage up to 90% of individual health insurance costs for all employees, a generous HRA plan, and 100% of STD, LTD, and Life insurances
- Seniority bonus program
- Local and international career development opportunities
- The yearly gross salary range for this position is $65,000.00 - $70,000.00 USD (full-time base)
We reveal, rescue and protect unique animals from many different species through systems change and by creating species-appropriate environments at our sanctuaries!
We celebrate our colleagues' differences and strive to create an inclusive environment because we believe that only by working together, we can advance animal welfare worldwide. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we strongly encourage candidates from all diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals with diverse lived experiences, racial identities, national origins, religions, socioeconomic backgrounds, ages, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and disability statuses to apply. We welcome everyone who wants to support our mission. Please contact kevin.macdonald@four-paws.org if you require assistance applying to this position.
All interested individuals are invited to submit their applications for the position. Please note that in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, having a valid work permit for the respective country or being eligible to obtain one is a requirement for this position prior to commencing employment.
Join our passionate team to make a difference for animals. Apply with your Resume in English today via:
Tour Guide (m/f/d)
Part-time | 15 hours per week | Arbesbach, Austria
FOUR PAWS is the global animal welfare organisation for animals under direct human influence, which reveals suffering, rescues animals in need and protects them. Find out more about our sustainable campaigns and projects on www.vier-pfoten.at and www.four-paws.org.
Would you like to contribute to something meaningful and work with us on our mission? This is your chance. We are looking for dedicated people to enrich our team.
Your contribution will be
- Welcoming visitors to the sanctuary making it a unique and memorable experience for them by providing knowledgeable and engaging information while on the tour
- Supporting the development and implementation of the education concept for activities and guided tours at BEAR SANCTUARY Arbesbach
- Communicating between the tour groups and the staff of the Visitor Service Team
- Passing on knowledge about the work of FOUR PAWS and the BEAR SANCTUARY to the visitors
- Organising workshops about animal welfare topics for adults, teenagers and children
- Helping with organising events at the BEAR SANCTUARY
Your profile ideally illustrates
- Excellent knowledge of written and spoken German
- English or other language skills are appreciated
- Excellent in verbal communication
- Very friendly and positive natured character
- Open for flexible working times including weekends
- Driver License B
- Passion for animal welfare and FOUR PAWS vision and mission
Our offer includes
- The opportunity to truly contribute to global animal welfare
- A highly motivated and welcoming team
- Dog-friendly work place
- Flexible working hours
- The yearly gross salary range for this position is 32,000 EUR – 35,000 EUR (full-time base, consisting of 14 payments) according to our internal compensation scheme
We reveal, rescue and protect unique animals from many different species through systems change and by creating species-appropriate environments at our sanctuaries!
We celebrate our colleagues' differences and strive to create an inclusive environment because we believe that only by working together, we can advance animal welfare worldwide. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we strongly encourage candidates from all diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals with diverse lived experiences, racial identities, national origins, religions, socioeconomic backgrounds, ages, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and disability statuses to apply. We welcome everyone who wants to support our mission.
All interested individuals are invited to submit their applications for the position. Please note that in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, having a valid work permit for the respective country or being eligible to obtain one is a requirement for this position prior to commencing employment.
Join our passionate team to make a difference for animals. Apply with your CV in German today.
Sanctuary Lead (m/f/d)
Full-time | 40 hours per week | BEAR SANCTUARY Arbesbach, Austria
FOUR PAWS provides a safe home for wildlife such as bears and big cats from non-species-appropriate keeping conditions around the world. Find out more about our sustainable campaigns and projects on www.four-paws.org.
Would you like to contribute to something meaningful and work with us along our mission? This is your chance. We are looking for dedicated people to enrich our team.
Finden Sie hier das Inserat auf Deutsch
Your contribution will be
- Managing the Sanctuary in all operational, strategical and legal matters
- Being responsible for leading and motivating the team
- Being responsible for cost control and budget planning, including the efficient use of resources
- Being responsible for ensuring a functioning visitors service with a focus on awareness raising on animal welfare topics
- Ensuring the well-being of the animals in the sanctuary based on FOUR PAWS quality standards
- Representing the Sanctuary in external relations and with partners, collaborating with relevant authorities
- Serving as an interview partner for media requests
- Having a strong collaboration with the country office in order to support the 'One FOUR PAWS' spirit; close alignment with the country office in all regards, particularly in administrative and financial concerns, communication and awareness raising, as well as fundraising activities
Your profile ideally illustrates
- Holding a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree in business administration, hospitality management or project management
- Several years of experience in a leadership position, preferably in a multicultural environment
- Excellent German skills written and spoken
- Very good English skills written and spoken
- Driver's license B
- High level of responsibility and personal drive
- Passion for animal welfare and FOUR PAWS vision and mission
Our offer includes
- The opportunity to truly contribute to global animal welfare
- A multinational team with the spirit of being ONE FOUR PAWS
- An animal-friendly workplace with a dynamic and pleasant job environment
- A modern leadership culture and promotion of training measures
- Home-Office and flexible working possibilities
- Partial coverage of the Klimaticket up to a maximum of 461 EUR
- Additional private pension insurance, premium contribution is paid in full by FOUR PAWS
- The yearly gross salary for this position is 75,000 EUR (full-time base, consisting of 14 payments) according to our internal compensation scheme
We reveal, rescue and protect unique animals from many different species through systems change and by creating species-appropriate environments at our sanctuaries!
We celebrate our colleagues' differences and strive to create an inclusive environment because we believe that only by working together, we can advance animal welfare worldwide. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we strongly encourage candidates from all diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals with diverse lived experiences, racial identities, national origins, religions, socioeconomic backgrounds, ages, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and disability statuses to apply. We welcome everyone who wants to support our mission. Please contact careers@four-paws.org if you require assistance applying to this position.
All interested individuals are invited to submit their applications for the position. Please note that in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, having a valid work permit for the respective country or being eligible to obtain one is a requirement for this position prior to commencing employment.
Join our passionate team to make a difference for animals. Apply with your CV and motivation letter by the 15th of February 2026.