THE INITIATIVE

This initiative is about reform of humanitarian development operations. Its breadth and depth is unprecedented. The mission is to save lives and improve the health of millions of people around the world who are being failed by the humanitarian system, who are negatively impacted by climate change, and who lack access to permanent health infrastructure.

In the past decade, air pollution has driven an exponential increase in the rates of respiratory illness and deaths. According to the World Health Organization, seven million people per year perish from respiratory disease where air pollutants are the causative agent, with no preventive treatment currently available. People in developing nations are significantly impacted, yet have the least access to adequate health services. At the same time, humanitarian development missions lack impact and resources, creating unsustainable dependency rather than building community resilience.

This initiative aims to solve these two interrelated problems, setting a new precedent for humanitarian development operations and driving long term positive social, economic, and ecological impacts.

Researchers at Columbia University, in association with the T.H. Chan School of Public Health at Harvard University, have demonstrated that respiratory disease and death can be prevented and/or mitigated. We will establish a steward-owned B corporation to offer this affordable new drug therapy to people living in poverty and the OECD countries around the world.

Proceeds from the high-volume, low-cost sale of the drug will be directed to a new, independent non-profit medical organization that will develop and operate permanent 2nd tier teaching hospitals in rural and remote locations in developing countries as a free service. Once established, ownership will be transferred to the communities in which they are located. These facilities will be designed, built, and operated at the highest possible environmental standards to offset further climate impacts, and will improve health outcomes, catalyze economic development, and increase the resilience of local communities.

The commitment of this initiative to transformative change includes innovative approaches in all facets of the organizations in order to deliver greater impacts and provide a new model for the humanitarian sector. For the B corporation, this includes everything from its ownership and legal structures, to its internal organizational structures, and an executive team to be comprised of a diverse group of dynamic leaders representing people who have traditionally been systemically and structurally excluded from these positions and opportunities.

In order to allow the organization to operate independently in pursuit of its mission, initial capital for the B Corporation are raised from private family offices aligned with humanitarian principles and focused on women’s advancement, health, and climate change. The business model for the non-profit organization, in addition to the revenue from the sales of the drug, will mirror that of Medecins Sans Frontieres in order to minimize the risk of government or corporate influence.

We are at the beginning of a long and arduous journey that will demand the best and the brightest. Those that suffer on the ground deserve no less.

THE POSITION

The Chief Executive Officer is the inspirational leader in the pursuit of the B Corporation’s vision and mission. In collaboration with the senior management team and independent Board of Trustees, she leads and advocates for humanitarian reform, applying human-centered design in setting and implementing the strategic direction. The CEO works closely with senior leadership to build and sustain a culture of excellence based on the core principles of humanitarianism. She has the emotional and intellectual capacity to thrive in conditions with inherent contradictions and competing priorities, and to deliver outcomes that improve the lives of those that suffer on the ground in the service of humanity.

ROLE OBJECTIVES

• Serve as the primary spokesperson for the organization, effectively communicating major decisions to stakeholders and the public.
• Oversee the organization’s overall development, ensuring that the mission and stated goals are met.
• Drive strategic and financial decision-making that shapes the organization’s future direction and success.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to monitor and optimize budgets, resources, and operational procedures.
• Ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the organization by overseeing capital investments, risk management, and financial planning.
• Lead efforts to ensure that the organization operates sustainably and drives transformational change.
• Foster a positive and empowering organizational culture through strong, inspirational leadership.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and implement the overall organizational strategy, charting a path toward achievement of the organization’s mission and vision through innovative approaches to determining and pursuing strategic goals.
• Build and lead an exceptional team, fostering a positive culture.
• Drive transformational change in the organization.
• Inspire and lead the continuous pursuit of excellence, driving innovation to improve the lives of people and communities.
• In collaboration with the Chief Financial Officer, make informed financial decisions, and ensure the financial stability and sustainability of the organization.
• Establish and maintain authentic relationships with stakeholders, including local communities in developing nations.
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with counterparts in UN and non-government agencies, government and ministerial offices of developing nations.
• Represent the organizations at formal functions and conferences.

The CEO reports to the independent Board of Trustees.

CHARACTERISTICS

The CEO must possess the following demonstrable characteristics:

• Capacity and desire to serve humanity
• Lead with daring
• Highest levels of integrity, ethics, empathy and humility
• Bold, innovative, creative, decisive and resolute
• Exceptional strategy and visionary enterprise leadership skills
• Highly effective interpersonal, communication and diplomatic skills
• Collaborative approach with the courage to make robust decisions and accept final accountability
• Active listening skills, open to feedback, welcomes robust discussion, and highly adaptable
• Ability to meet external political, gender, and cultural biases with integrity and fearlessness
• International cultural competency

REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Undergraduate and advanced degrees in relevant fields
• Significant enterprise leadership experience
• Significant lived experience across cultures
• Fluency in English and French, or another second language
• Physical and mental fitness to serve in the field

WORKING CONDITIONS

Swiss Working Group is the placeholder name of the working group that will launch this initiative, which is currently an early-stage start-up. Until successful initial capital funding is in place, members of the senior leadership team will work on a voluntary and uncompensated part-time, as-available basis.

The B Corporation will be based in Geneva, Switzerland. The candidate may elect to work remotely and commute to Geneva as necessary.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Upon successful initial capital raising, a highly competitive base salary plus executive share compensation, and generous benefits.

• Three-year contract with option to renew
• Sign-on bonus
• Low interest housing loan
• Relocation expense reimbursement
• Four weeks annual leave
• Two weeks annual sick leave
• Six months family leave

INTERVIEW AND SELECTION

The selection process is rigorous, assessing the capacity of candidates to serve in alignment with advancing the mission. Candidates will undergo multiple stages, including character assessments, and panel interviews.

To apply, please send your cover letter and CV/resume to info@swissworkinggroup.com