Job Title: Senior Fundraising Advisor

Location: Flexible

Start Date: As soon as possible (no later than Q1 2026)

About the SDG Impact Finance Initiative

The SDG Impact Finance Initiative (SIFI) was established by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), UBS Optimus Foundation, and Credit Suisse Foundation, with the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg joining in 2023. Our mission is to unlock CHF 1 billion in capital for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 through bringing innovative financing models to the market, scaling them and, in parallel, nurturing the impact investing ecosystem.

We are redoubling our fundraising efforts and are looking for a dynamic and mission-aligned Senior Fundraising Advisor to lead funder acquisition, provide guidance, and cultivate high-value funder relationships.

Role Overview

At SIFI, public–private partnership is woven into our DNA. To expand this model, we are looking for a Senior Fundraising Advisor who can champion and scale the private capital dimension—acting as an ambassador to philanthropies, family offices, corporates, and other global private funders. Your core mandate will be to source, cultivate, and close new relationships, securing concessional capital commitments with a focus on major and catalytic contributions (CHF 5 million+). You will report directly to the CEO and collaborate closely with the Partnership Lead.

This position requires a seasoned fundraiser with an entrepreneurial mindset, extensive funder networks, and a proven track record of closing high-value funding agreements. The ideal candidate will also strengthen organisational fundraising capacity by embedding best practices and supporting the integration of funder engagement tools.

Key Responsibilities

• Funder Acquisition & Cultivation

- Lead on identifying, engaging, and closing new funder partnerships—targeting philanthropies, family offices, corporates and other funders.

- Expand a pipeline of prospects aligned with SIFI’s value proposition and funding priorities (e.g., blended finance for impact funds, first-loss capital, program-related investments (PRI)).

- Participate in key global convenings (e.g., GIIN Forum, Building Bridges), serving as a connector and ambassador to cultivate new relationships aligned with SIFI’s priorities.

• Proposal Development

- Tailor compelling, tailored proposals, concept notes, and pitch materials for large-scale funder engagement in collaboration with the Partnerships Lead and Marketing Advisor.

- Structure contribution agreements, especially for flexible capital instruments like PRIs, guarantees, or membership models.

• Internal Capacity Building

- Work with the Partnerships Lead and Marketing Advisor to implement CRM and outreach systems for funder tracking and reporting.

- Contribute to refining our calls for proposals (CfPs) to appeal to a diversified funder base.

- Support the development and implementation of structures and processes that are compatible with PRI requirements, enabling SIFI to attract and manage investment-oriented capital.

• Strategic Collaboration

- Leverage networks of our Board and Advisory Council to open doors and accelerate relationship-building.

- Contribute to the overall fundraising strategy and collaborate across the team to align external outreach with organisational priorities.

Candidate Profile

Essential

• 10+ years of experience in strategic fundraising, capital mobilisation, or business development (preferably within impact investing, philanthropy and development finance).

• Demonstrated track record of securing multi-million-dollar commitments from foundations, multilateral agencies and impact-first investors.

• Extensive global funder network (preferably across the US, Europe, and Asia).

• Strong strategic thinking and negotiation skills with experience designing innovative financing or investment structures (e.g., PRIs, guarantees, catalytic capital).

• Proven capacity to operate autonomously, drive processes from concept to closure, and deliver under pressure.

Desirable

• Experience working with family offices, philanthropy actors, or public-private finance platforms.

• Experience and/or networks in a large foundation.

• Familiarity with SDG-aligned finance, blended finance vehicles, and impact measurement frameworks.

• Fluency in English; other languages (especially French or German) are a plus.

To apply, please send your CV and a concise proposal (2 page max) explaining your relevant experience, track record, approach to fundraising, proposed fee structure, and in joining our team to info@sdgimpactfinance.org with the subject: “Senior Fundraising Advisor Application”.

Thank you for your interest in joining our team! At the moment, we do not have any open positions. However, we encourage you to check back in the future or follow our social media channels for updates on job opportunities.