Programme Coordinator and Legal Representative in Brazil

About the role

HEKS/EPER, a Swiss humanitarian aid organisation active in Brazil since the 1980s, is looking for an experienced, strategic coordinator to lead its programme in the Cerrado region (Minas Gerais and Bahia). The programme works with five local partner organisations supporting family farming, traditional peoples and communities, with special attention to young people and women. The post starts on 1 December 2026 or by agreement, and is open only to Brazilian residents.

Key responsibilities

• Act as the institutional legal representative of the Swiss branch in Brazil via power of attorney.
• Lead the strategic development of the programme with local and global teams within the financial framework.
• Ensure effective implementation through participatory monitoring, evaluation, learning and steering of projects.
• Support partners in preparing annual and phase project reports and write annual programme reports.
• Support fundraising with Swiss donors by helping draft projects and reports and present them to donors.
• Pursue funding opportunities and acquire national, regional and international funds through proposals and donor engagement.
• Represent HEKS/EPER before government, public and international bodies, including Act Alliances structures.
• Build partnerships with NGOs, public authorities, research institutions and businesses for joint activities and resource mobilisation.
• Supervise the finance officer and take final responsibility for financial and administrative matters, ensuring compliance with local laws and HEKS/EPER standards.

Required profile

• Minimum 10 years of experience in the development sector, including 5 years in a similar position, ideally with an international NGO in Brazil.
• University degree or equivalent in agriculture, environmental or social sciences.
• Track record of acquiring and implementing internationally funded projects.
• Brazilian resident; the position is not international or expatriate.

Required skills

• Excellent conceptual, strategic, monitoring and evaluation skills.
• Strong financial management skills.
• Excellent oral and written English and Portuguese; good Spanish is an asset.

What we offer

• A varied, multidisciplinary position with an indefinite-duration contract, under Brazil's CLT or a service agreement with a registered independent contractor.
• Duty station preferably Brasilia, with visits to projects in Minas Gerais and Bahia and occasional international travel.