Program Manager

We are looking for an interim Program Manager on behalf of a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to public health and cancer prevention. The organization is introducing a new matrix structure built around five strategic programs that contribute to its societal mission. One of these programs focuses on raising the healthiest possible generation of children, aiming to build a broad societal movement around prevention, healthy lifestyles, and health promotion — covering themes such as nutrition, physical activity, smoking and vaping prevention, alcohol prevention, mental wellbeing, and health literacy.

For the launch and development of this program, the organization is looking for a temporary Program Manager who will shape the program over a period of approximately 18 months, develop external partnerships, and prepare the handover to the future internal program manager who will gradually take over the role from mid-2027.

The Program Manager develops and operationalizes the program during its start-up phase, building a strong ecosystem of societal, public, and private partners, and developing a shared programmatic approach that substantially strengthens the organization's impact on prevention and health promotion. The role translates strategic ambition into concrete partnerships, initiatives, governance, objectives, and implementation plans.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Development

• Develop the program vision, objectives, and multi-year approach
• Translate strategic ambitions into concrete actions, workstreams, and results
• Develop a roadmap for 2027–2028 and beyond
• Identify opportunities for societal impact and scaling
• Set up a clear governance and collaboration structure

Ecosystem & Network Development

• Map relevant stakeholders within the prevention and health landscape
• Develop sustainable relationships with public, private, and societal partners
• Build a broad network around health and prevention for children and young people
• Initiate partnerships and coalitions around shared objectives
• Position the organization as a connecting force within the ecosystem

Partnership & Coalition Building

• Identify strategic partners
• Negotiate joint commitments and collaboration models
• Facilitate dialogue between various stakeholders
• Build an initial consortium or network structure with complementary roles
• Safeguard shared objectives and added value for all partners involved

Internal Alignment & Coordination

• Collaborate with various functional domains within the matrix organization
• Mobilize existing expertise across areas such as research, public affairs, marketing and events, digital technology, and public engagement
• Translate internal knowledge and insights into programmatic choices
• Act as a connecting link between strategy and execution

Transition & Knowledge Transfer

• Prepare the structural embedding of the program within the organization
• Document approach, partnerships, and decision-making
• Coach and guide the future internal program manager
• Ensure a gradual handover to guarantee continuity

Profile:

• Minimum 10 years of relevant professional experience
• Demonstrable experience with program management, change management, or network leadership
• Experience with complex stakeholder environments
• Experience with public-private partnerships is a strong asset
• Affinity with prevention, health, societal impact, or youth policy
• Strategic ability to translate societal challenges into concrete programs
• Strong network development skills and ability to build credibility quickly
• Environmental sensitivity — understanding political, societal, and organizational dynamics
• Results-oriented, combining vision with execution
• Entrepreneurial mindset, able to work independently in a complex context
• Connective leadership — able to build trust and work across departments, organizations, and sectors

What's on offer:

• A high-impact, interim leadership role at the heart of a new strategic program
• The opportunity to shape a societal movement from the ground up
• Reporting directly to senior management, as part of the program team within a new matrix organization
• Close collaboration with fellow program managers and functional domain leads