Senior Portfolio Manager SR Foundation

About the Role

Are you passionate about social entrepreneurial solutions to address the ongoing climate crisis Do you bring a strong background in climate mitigation and adaptation initiatives

Our global Climate Solutions portfolio consists of two priority themes: Nature-based Solutions and Disaster Risk Reduction.

As the Senior Manager, you are responsible for shaping the topical strategy, managing the budget, developing a pipeline of promising partners and projects, and selecting those that most effectively contribute to the Foundation's goals.

In addition, you will support our partners throughout project implementation, monitor their impact, and manage reporting. Your focus on partners needs, along with your skills and collaborative spirit, helps you find the best solutions to achieve shared societal impact goals. Your compelling storytelling about the impact created will engage and convince different stakeholder groups.

Your systematic approach to working in a global team enables you to strategically enhance the portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

Portfolio management of Climate Solutions:

• Define the topical strategy with a focus on Nature-based Solutions and Disaster Risk Reduction
• Ensure achievement of strategic goals and manage a CHF 10m budget over the 2025–27 strategic cycle
• Create an evidence base for supported approaches and business models for scaling and replication
• Develop financial support strategies beyond grants to enhance the Foundation's for-impact investing portfolio
• Streamline the support model for entrepreneurial solutions across the Foundation
• Connect partners with relevant networks to optimize support and collaboration
• Revisit/refine approaches, conduct reviews, and monitor implementation
• Support and mentor climate solution team members in reviewing grants and project opportunities
• Co-develop the future strategy of the Foundation with senior colleagues

Pipeline Development and Project Management:

• Identify and document 3–5 grant proposals annually for Board review
• Own the full lifecycle of each project: solicit and review applications, conduct due diligence, refine focus and deliverables, and negotiate contracts
• Monitor implementation and support partners in achieving agreed goals
• Enhance tools and processes for managing projects and the portfolio
• Develop expertise and establish best-in-class practices
• Strengthen the impact assessment framework to suit the Foundation's and partners needs
• Collaborate with IT colleagues to refine impact frameworks and derive meaningful insights from reporting platforms

Stakeholder/Relationships Management:

• Actively position the Foundation with internal and external stakeholders
• Build and strengthen coalitions with like-minded ecosystem partners globally
• Represent the Foundation externally as a subject matter expert
• Support corporate volunteering by identifying engagement opportunities at Swiss Re office locations
• Build collaborative relationships within Swiss Re (e.g., Group Sustainability, Public Sector Solutions) to leverage expertise for partners
• Manage relationships with external vendors and service providers

About You

• Minimum 15 years of professional experience in the social development sector, preferably in a corporate or social enterprise/start-up setting
• Postgraduate degree in social, sustainability, or environmental sciences is preferred
• Proven track record in impact-oriented global portfolio management
• Practical knowledge of climate change scenarios and application of climate projects is preferred
• Strong understanding of trends and best practices in Climate Solutions, particularly Nature-based Solutions and Disaster Risk Reduction
• Experience with for-impact investing is an advantage
• Confident communicator with global stakeholders and leadership teams
• Skilled in conveying societal impact to diverse audiences
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven mindset
• High energy, organized, and able to manage complex projects independently
• Collaborative, culturally sensitive, and able to work across organizational hierarchies
• Detail-oriented and able to manage multiple priorities
• Willingness to take end-to-end ownership of the portfolio and perform hands-on tasks

About the Foundation

We aim to build resilient societies. In collaboration with our partners and Swiss Re employees, we support efforts to strengthen societal resilience in developing regions and countries where we operate. Our initiatives focus on climate solutions and access to health. The Foundation's corporate volunteering program also supports these goals.

To learn more, visit www.swissrefoundation.org

About the Team

The Swiss Re Foundation team designs and implements global initiatives in close collaboration with Swiss Re experts across the Americas, APAC, and EMEA. We explore innovative approaches that combine internal expertise, tailored financing models, and the strength of our partners to make the world more resilient.

About Swiss Re

Swiss Re is one of the world's leading providers of reinsurance, insurance, and other risk transfer solutions, working to make the world more resilient. We manage risks from natural catastrophes and climate change to cybercrime, across Property & Casualty and Life & Health.

Our inclusive, flexible work environment fosters equal opportunities and personal growth for all, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, background, or identity. We support experienced professionals returning to the workforce after a career break to apply for positions aligned with their skills and experience.