Senior Network Coordinator “Foundations4Ukraine” (m/f/d)

Who we are

The iac Berlin was founded by the Robert Bosch Stiftung to support the development of networks for social impact. As a Do & Think tank, we partner with foundations, academia, public institutions, and non-profit organizations; advise on alumni work; develop practical solutions for the design of impact-oriented networks; and initiate new forms of collaboration. 

We enquire, steward and incubate. We base our work on helpful models and frameworks without being dogmatic. We are part of a larger movement of practitioners and together we are aiming for a better understanding of relational approaches like multi-community networks, coalitions for impact, and ecosystems. Within that scope, we have developed our ability for collective sensemaking through deep listening and co-creation.  

Foundations4Ukraine

The need for a coordinated and visible philanthropic engagement in Ukraine is greater than ever after the full-scale invasion and Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine. Together with Mott Foundation and Robert Bosch Stiftung, we are launching Foundations4Ukraine (F4U) as a support network for foundations to align their efforts in supporting the recovery of Ukraine. F4U will answer the needs expressed by the philanthropic community and serve as a partnering tool for foundations which are not engaged in supporting Ukraine yet but would like to be in the future. In a two-year starting phase, we believe the following activities will serve this purpose: 

• Collect, map and share data on the activities of foundations related to Ukraine
• Facilitate learning conversations amongst members of F4U based on their needs
• Build and maintain a presence of the network in relevant sector events
• Growing the network and the financial support for the recovery of Ukraine

Who we are looking for

We are looking for a new colleague to join us as a Senior Network Coordinator (m/f/d) on a two-years’ basis, preferably 80% part-time. The person should be eager to shape this field-building work with us and support the further development of philanthropic engagement for Ukraine. 

About your role

This is a senior position within the “Networks in Philanthropy” team at iac Berlin. The focus of your work will be to support the efforts of the philanthropic field to contribute to the recovery of Ukraine and to build the F4U network based on shared intentions and collective learning. 

The team will include a Junior Network Coordinator who will support you. You will often work with members of the F4U network and other colleagues at iac Berlin but also have significant legroom to develop, test, and implement your own ideas. It will be on you to co-create with the members a detailed network development plan and activities that serve the overall aim of F4U. 

Your role includes:

• Co-designing and co-facilitating this new network of foundations with the aim to support the long-term recovery of Ukraine
• Advising and accompanying members of F4U in their efforts
• Listening to the experiences and needs of the members; sensing of emerging patterns within the network and in the relevant fields in Ukraine; translating these signals into formats within F4U; logbooking our collective experiences to allow us to learn and others to follow
• Being courageous when approaching new horizons and being accountable for resources and agreements
• Supporting our own capacity to learn as an organization

Working remotely on a regular basis is normal in our organization. This program will require in-person exchange with our team in Berlin and a deep involvement with actors in Ukraine. Therefore, we are looking for someone who is legally prepared and ready to be hired in Germany, organize sessions at philanthropic gatherings worldwide, and spend longer periods in Ukraine.  

Your profile

Essential skills, knowledge, and experiences include 

• 3+ years of experience in building and managing partnerships in the field of philanthropy, preferably with a focus on facilitating multi-stakeholder or cross-border collaborations
• Strategic thinking, strong conceptual skills as well as a structured and results-oriented way of working
• Experience in organizational development, ideally with a focus on learning
• Previous work experience in Ukraine, a relevant personal network, and a solid overview of stakeholders there
• Extensive project and event management experience, both online and offline
• Extensive experience in facilitating diverse groups and confidence in navigating emergent processes
• Strong design, communication, and self-organization skills
• Full professional proficiency in English and a professional working proficiency in Ukrainian (spoken and written). Skills in German and other languages are a plus.

Please don’t be discouraged if you do not have significant experience in all the areas mentioned above. We work with flexible teams and can adapt to different team setups depending on the candidate. Most importantly, summarize your fields of expertise and identify areas where you see potential for personal growth. 

What we bring in

• Ample room to bring your experience, passion and learning power to a network which aims to support the recovery-processes in Ukraine
• A global network of partners, providing abundant opportunities for networking and collaboration
• A team that values empowerment and collaborative teamwork and follows the principles of competency and trust-based leadership
• An open-door culture and communication on an equal footing, guided by our values of participation, diversity, equity, and respect
• A strong commitment to ecological, social, and economic sustainability in all areas of our work
• A warm and welcoming office atmosphere in Berlin-Mitte, including a rooftop terrace
• Flexible working hours and the opportunity to work partially remotely
• Support for personal and professional development
• Salary according to TV-L (collective agreement in the German public service)

We are committed to building and maintaining an inclusive and equitable professional environment. That is and will always be ongoing work requiring a diversity of perspectives and experiences. Therefore, we welcome applications from people of all gender identities, ages, and sexual orientations, as well as all professional, educational, and cultural backgrounds, including people with disabilities, parents, and caregivers who are returning to work. 

How to apply

If you would like to apply, we kindly ask you to provide an application letter (max. 2 pages) along with your relevant experience, your motivation to take up the role, your perspective on the role of philanthropy for the recovery process of Ukraine, your CV, and relevant references. Please indicate your earliest possible starting date, preferred working hours and salary expectations (in Euro per year or the TV-L level). 

Please send all information in English, ideally in one PDF by August 25, 2024. 

Click on the APPLY NOW Button further down and send in your application.

Interviews will take place in the week of September 9, 2024.