Pension Fund Director

Introduction

The ICRC Pension Fund is looking for its next Director, a passionate and empathetic leader with demonstrated experience in a management position and skills in occupational pension funds, financial management, administration and governance.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

The ICRC works worldwide to provide protection and humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflict and armed violence. We take action in response to emergencies and, at the same time, promote respect for international humanitarian law. We are an independent and neutral organization, and our mandate stems essentially from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. We work closely with the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and with their International Federation in order to ensure a concerted, rational and rapid humanitarian response to the needs of the victims of armed conflict or any other situation of internal violence. We direct and coordinate the international activities conducted in these situations.

The ICRC Pension Fund

The ICRC has long been interested in the well-being of its staff, including when they leave the institution. Outside of any compulsory pension scheme, it set up its Pension Fund as a foundation under Swiss law in 1973. Headquartered in Geneva, the fund is subject to the Law on occupational pension schemes (LPP) and now has more than 5, 000 active and retired members of 160 nationalities in more than 100 countries.
 

Values
The Pension Fund is committed to being a partner who listens to the needs of everyone, both insured members and the employer. In this way, it affirms its desire to offer services adapted to its members' different forms and life situations. 
It has opted for a comprehensive approach to fiduciary due diligence that combines traditional financial criteria with those of responsible investment and applies irreproachable and transparent governance vis-à-vis itself and its partners.
 

Ambitions
The Pension Board wants to continue developing its services, policies, and management tools. In this context, it wishes to internalize administrative and technical management and advance the digitalization of document processing and workflow systems.

Main duties and responsibilities

With dynamism and empathetic leadership, you will be responsible for managing the Pension Fund and its smooth running. 
To do this: 

• You provide the Pension Board and the other bodies of the Fund with the information necessary to fulfil their respective duties and responsibilities: 
  • You will keep a constant and proactive watch on the occupational pension schemes in Switzerland. 
  • You prepare for meetings of the Pension Board and other bodies of the Fund. You participate in an advisory capacity and ensure that the minutes are kept.
  • You will lead a team of employees (currently 4) in charge of the administration of the Pension Fund and oversee its development.

• You are responsible for the implementation of the strategy and the projects decided by the Pension Board, in particular:
  • Internalization of administrative and technical management.
  • Digitalization of document processing and workflow systems, as well as the creation of a membership portal.
  • Change management associated with these projects.

• You are responsible for the day-to-day fund management, including:
  • Asset management (CHF 1.8 billion as of 31.12.2023) implemented by asset managers.
  • Administrative and technical management.
  • Financial and accounting management.
  • Advice to active members, pension recipients and the employer.
  • Internal and external communication.

• You represent the Pension Fund to external partners (actuaries, auditors, authorities, etc.).
   

Profile and skills

• You have a federal diploma in pension fund management, an equivalent training, a professional expert certification in occupational benefits, or an equivalent university degree.
• You have extensive professional experience in leadership or senior management roles within international companies/organizations that care for their financial performance and staff wellbeing.
• You have proven governance or management experience at a pension fund in Switzerland.
• Your experience and skills enable you to complete organizational and technological transformation projects successfully.
• Your ability to listen and communicate allows you to create trusting relationships with active members, pension recipients, the employer, and various external partners.
• Your leadership allows you to build a motivating and collaborative work environment that enables your team to achieve ambitious goals. 
• You have demonstrated an ability to work in an international and multicultural environment.
• You are fluent in French and English.

Our Values

At the ICRC, we value impact, collaboration, respect, and compassion. We seek candidates who demonstrate behaviours based on these shared values.

For more information on the ICRC values, please visit this

Additional information

• Location: Geneva
• Type of contract: open-ended
• Grade: D1
• Activity rate: 100%
• Contract start date: January 2025 
• Recruiter: Yana Makaveeva
• Deadline for applications: Wednesday, June 5, 2024

The ICRC values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates.