(Senior) Operations Specialist

Operations Specialist

• 1
  Pour Demain 

(Senior) Operations Specialist (60%–100%)

Start: April–June 2026

Build the operational backbone of a European think tank shaping AI safety policy and global development. Own critical functions across compliance, finance, and processes — and help a lean, ambitious team punch well above its weight on some of the most consequential policy questions of our time.

→ Express your interest in only 5–10 minutes with this form

Due date: 15 March 2026 ·  We continue to screen incoming applications after the due date.

Your Impact as (Senior) Operations Specialist

Pour Demain is a European think tank advancing the safe development of artificial intelligence and high-impact global development cooperation. Our work on EU AI governance — from shaping the Code of Practice for frontier AI models to preparing the Swiss AI Summit 2027 — has real consequences at the European and global level. Our development cooperation work helps redirect millions toward the most cost-effective programmes in global health and poverty alleviation.

To do this well, we need operational excellence. You'll work directly with our Operations Lead and Executive Lead, ensuring a fast-moving, multi-country setup stays legally compliant, financially sound, and operationally efficient — freeing our policy teams to focus on impact.

You'll own critical functions across

⚖️

Legal & Compliance

Sound governance across three legal entities (CH, BE, DE), contractor compliance, and cross-border employment law

📊

Finance & Bookkeeping

Financial reporting, expense documentation, budget vs. actuals and grant compliance with major institutional funders

✍️

Fundraising & Grant Administration

Support grant writing and reporting processes that sustain and grow the organisation's work

📅

Events & Retreats

Coordinate team retreats, policy events, and Swiss AI Summit 2027 logistics

🛠️

IT & Tools

Manage our tech stack and operational systems (Asana, shared drives, communication tools)

⚙️

Process Optimisation

Build and refine SOPs that scale as we grow to 15+ staff across three countries and entities

We'll calibrate the exact focus areas to your strengths — we don't expect you to cover everything.

We Are Looking For

Essential

•Operational Ownership: Proven ability to independently manage complex operational tasks — you take something unclear and make it work, with diligence and follow-through

•Compliance & Financial Acumen: Solid grasp of non-profit finance, accounting basics, and/or legal compliance (Swiss, German, or Belgian context is a plus)

•Structured Problem-Solving: You love building systems, spotting inefficiencies, and fixing them — without over-engineering

•Reliability Under Complexity: Comfortable managing multiple jurisdictions, stakeholders, and priorities simultaneously

•Communication: Clear, professional communication in English; German is a strong plus

•Autonomy: High degree of self-organisation — you define the next step, not just execute it

Desired

•Experience in a think tank, NGO, foundation, or similar mission-driven organisation

•Familiarity with Swiss, German, or Belgian non-profit law, employment law, or tax regimes

•Experience with grant reporting for philanthropic funders 

•Comfort with project management tools (Asana or similar) and OKR-style planning

We Offer

🎯

Real Influence

In a lean team, operations is a strategic lever — your work directly enables our policy impact on AI safety and global development

🤝

Substantial Autonomy

~90% of decisions stay with the person owning the relevant work; own your domain from day one with close support from experienced leadership

🌍

Mission That Matters

Contribute to AI safety policy and global health through rigorous, evidence-based work at a European and global level

📍

Flexible Setup

Based in Bern, Berlin, Brussels, or Zurich (co-working), with 2–3 days in-office (preferred) or remote flexibility for the right candidate

🌱

Flat, Collaborative Culture

A young, ambitious organisation with fast decision-making, flat hierarchies, and an egalitarian ethos

🔗

Strong Network

Collaborate with EU institutions, international organisations, and major philanthropic funders

💶

Competitive Compensation

Attractive salary within our egalitarian pay structure, fair and competitive for the European think tank sector. Plus a training budget and additional IT, office and transport stipends.

⏱️

Flexibility

60%–100% FTE  ·  Flexible hours  ·  Annual travel for retreats and conferences  ·  Start April–June 2026

Application

Unsure if this role is right for you? If you meet many — but not all — of the essential criteria, we encourage you to apply anyway. Submit the form or reach out at [email protected].

We've kept this form intentionally brief — it takes just 5–10 minutes to submit. Early applications are explicitly encouraged.

Due date: 15 March 2026 · We continue to screen incoming applications after the due date.

PreviousNextSubmitPress
Enter
- 2Name and Email* This field is required.First and last nameEmailPreviousNextSubmitPress
Enter
- 3CVPlease add your LinkedIn profile or CV (with a shareable link).PreviousNextSubmitPress
Enter
- 4OverviewDescribe your interest for this role in 2-3 bullet points, mentioning relevant experience (including title and organisation). Very brief bullet points are fine.
Huge
- Large
- Normal
- Small

Ok

quoteCreated with Sketch.

Ok
PreviousNextSubmitPress
Enter
- 5Your passion/talent for...Experience is not relevant here, see next question. This is about what you love doing. It is fine to be picky. We do not expect a successful candidate to cover all areas.

Examples:
- Bookkeeping: coordinating with external bookkeeper, reviewing classification of receipts, optimizing receipt process, managing bank transfers

• Financial planning: annual financial reporting and tax compliance, budget vs. actual assessments, room for funding calculations

• Legal: assessing options on legal questions, interacting with lawyers, preparing and optimizing contracts

• Grant writing: identifying potential donors, designing suitable projects for donors, writing grant proposals

• Event Management: organising virtual and in-person events, managing office space

• IT Management: managing the IT setup and team member accounts, writing guidelines on how we use our applications, automating certain processes with No-Code tools

• Setting up processes: developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for key processes in the organisation, expanding/optimizing the staff handbook, ...BookkeepingFinancial PlanningLegalGrantwritingEvent ManagementIT ManagementSetting up processesDon't like at allDon't likeNeutralLikeLoveRow 0, Column 0Row 0, Column 1Row 0, Column 2Row 0, Column 3Row 0, Column 4Don't like at allDon't likeNeutralLikeLoveRow 1, Column 0Row 1, Column 1Row 1, Column 2Row 1, Column 3Row 1, Column 4Don't like at allDon't likeNeutralLikeLoveRow 2, Column 0Row 2, Column 1Row 2, Column 2Row 2, Column 3Row 2, Column 4Don't like at allDon't likeNeutralLikeLoveRow 3, Column 0Row 3, Column 1Row 3, Column 2Row 3, Column 3Row 3, Column 4Don't like at allDon't likeNeutralLikeLoveRow 4, Column 0Row 4, Column 1Row 4, Column 2Row 4, Column 3Row 4, Column 4Don't like at allDon't likeNeutralLikeLoveRow 5, Column 0Row 5, Column 1Row 5, Column 2Row 5, Column 3Row 5, Column 4Don't like at allDon't likeNeutralLikeLoveRow 6, Column 0Row 6, Column 1Row 6, Column 2Row 6, Column 3Row 6, Column 4BookkeepingFinancial PlanningLegalGrantwritingEvent ManagementIT ManagementSetting up processesDon't like at allDon't likeNeutralLikeLoveRow 0, Column 0Row 0, Column 1Row 0, Column 2Row 0, Column 3Row 0, Column 4Don't like at allDon't likeNeutralLikeLoveRow 1, Column 0Row 1, Column 1Row 1, Column 2Row 1, Column 3Row 1, Column 4Don't like at allDon't likeNeutralLikeLoveRow 2, Column 0Row 2, Column 1Row 2, Col...

Operations Specialist

• 1
  Pour Demain 

(Senior) Operations Specialist (60%–100%)

Start: April–June 2026

Build the operational backbone of a European think tank shaping AI safety policy and global development. Own critical functions across compliance, finance, and processes — and help a lean, ambitious team punch well above its weight on some of the most consequential policy questions of our time.

→ Express your interest in only 5–10 minutes with this form

Due date: 15 March 2026 ·  We continue to screen incoming applications after the due date.

Your Impact as (Senior) Operations Specialist

Pour Demain is a European think tank advancing the safe development of artificial intelligence and high-impact global development cooperation. Our work on EU AI governance — from shaping the Code of Practice for frontier AI models to preparing the Swiss AI Summit 2027 — has real consequences at the European and global level. Our development cooperation work helps redirect millions toward the most cost-effective programmes in global health and poverty alleviation.

To do this well, we need operational excellence. You'll work directly with our Operations Lead and Executive Lead, ensuring a fast-moving, multi-country setup stays legally compliant, financially sound, and operationally efficient — freeing our policy teams to focus on impact.

You'll own critical functions across

⚖️

Legal & Compliance

Sound governance across three legal entities (CH, BE, DE), contractor compliance, and cross-border employment law

📊

Finance & Bookkeeping

Financial reporting, expense documentation, budget vs. actuals and grant compliance with major institutional funders

✍️

Fundraising & Grant Administration

Support grant writing and reporting processes that sustain and grow the organisation's work

📅

Events & Retreats

Coordinate team retreats, policy events, and Swiss AI Summit 2027 logistics

🛠️

IT & Tools

Manage our tech stack and operational systems (Asana, shared drives, communication tools)

⚙️

Process Optimisation

Build and refine SOPs that scale as we grow to 15+ staff across three countries and entities

We'll calibrate the exact focus areas to your strengths — we don't expect you to cover everything.

We Are Looking For

Essential

•Operational Ownership: Proven ability to independently manage complex operational tasks — you take something unclear and make it work, with diligence and follow-through

•Compliance & Financial Acumen: Solid grasp of non-profit finance, accounting basics, and/or legal compliance (Swiss, German, or Belgian context is a plus)

•Structured Problem-Solving: You love building systems, spotting inefficiencies, and fixing them — without over-engineering

•Reliability Under Complexity: Comfortable managing multiple jurisdictions, stakeholders, and priorities simultaneously

•Communication: Clear, professional communication in English; German is a strong plus

•Autonomy: High degree of self-organisation — you define the next step, not just execute it

Desired

•Experience in a think tank, NGO, foundation, or similar mission-driven organisation

•Familiarity with Swiss, German, or Belgian non-profit law, employment law, or tax regimes

•Experience with grant reporting for philanthropic funders 

•Comfort with project management tools (Asana or similar) and OKR-style planning

We Offer

🎯

Real Influence

In a lean team, operations is a strategic lever — your work directly enables our policy impact on AI safety and global development

🤝

Substantial Autonomy

~90% of decisions stay with the person owning the relevant work; own your domain from day one with close support from experienced leadership

🌍

Mission That Matters

Contribute to AI safety policy and global health through rigorous, evidence-based work at a European and global level

📍

Flexible Setup

Based in Bern, Berlin, Brussels, or Zurich (co-working), with 2–3 days in-office (preferred) or remote flexibility for the right candidate

🌱

Flat, Collaborative Culture

A young, ambitious organisation with fast decision-making, flat hierarchies, and an egalitarian ethos

🔗

Strong Network

Collaborate with EU institutions, international organisations, and major philanthropic funders

💶

Competitive Compensation

Attractive salary within our egalitarian pay structure, fair and competitive for the European think tank sector. Plus a training budget and additional IT, office and transport stipends.

⏱️

Flexibility

60%–100% FTE  ·  Flexible hours  ·  Annual travel for retreats and conferences  ·  Start April–June 2026

Application

Unsure if this role is right for you? If you meet many — but not all — of the essential criteria, we encourage you to apply anyway. Submit the form or reach out at [email protected].

We've kept this form intentionally brief — it takes just 5–10 minutes to submit. Early applications are explicitly encouraged.

Due date: 15 March 2026 · We continue to screen incoming applications after the due date.

PreviousNextSubmitPress
Enter
- 2Name and Email* This field is required.First and last nameEmailPreviousNextSubmitPress
Enter
- 3CVPlease add your LinkedIn profile or CV (with a shareable link).PreviousNextSubmitPress
Enter
- 4OverviewDescribe your interest for this role in 2-3 bullet points, mentioning relevant experience (including title and organisation). Very brief bullet points are fine.
Huge
- Large
- Normal
- Small

Ok

quoteCreated with Sketch.

Ok
PreviousNextSubmitPress
Enter
- 5Your passion/talent for...Experience is not relevant here, see next question. This is about what you love doing. It is fine to be picky. We do not expect a successful candidate to cover all areas.

Examples:
- Bookkeeping: coordinating with external bookkeeper, reviewing classification of receipts, optimizing receipt process, managing bank transfers

• Financial planning: annual financial reporting and tax compliance, budget vs. actual assessments, room for funding calculations

• Legal: assessing options on legal questions, interacting with lawyers, preparing and optimizing contracts

• Grant writing: identifying potential donors, designing suitable projects for donors, writing grant proposals

• Event Management: organising virtual and in-person events, managing office space

• IT Management: managing the IT setup and team member accounts, writing guidelines on how we use our applications, automating certain processes with No-Code tools

• Setting up processes: developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for key processes in the organisation, expanding/optimizing the staff handbook, ...BookkeepingFinancial PlanningLegalGrantwritingEvent ManagementIT ManagementSetting up processesDon't like at allDon't likeNeutralLikeLoveRow 0, Column 0Row 0, Column 1Row 0, Column 2Row 0, Column 3Row 0, Column 4Don't like at allDon't likeNeutralLikeLoveRow 1, Column 0Row 1, Column 1Row 1, Column 2Row 1, Column 3Row 1, Column 4Don't like at allDon't likeNeutralLikeLoveRow 2, Column 0Row 2, Column 1Row 2, Column 2Row 2, Column 3Row 2, Column 4Don't like at allDon't likeNeutralLikeLoveRow 3, Column 0Row 3, Column 1Row 3, Column 2Row 3, Column 3Row 3, Column 4Don't like at allDon't likeNeutralLikeLoveRow 4, Column 0Row 4, Column 1Row 4, Column 2Row 4, Column 3Row 4, Column 4Don't like at allDon't likeNeutralLikeLoveRow 5, Column 0Row 5, Column 1Row 5, Column 2Row 5, Column 3Row 5, Column 4Don't like at allDon't likeNeutralLikeLoveRow 6, Column 0Row 6, Column 1Row 6, Column 2Row 6, Column 3Row 6, Column 4BookkeepingFinancial PlanningLegalGrantwritingEvent ManagementIT ManagementSetting up processesDon't like at allDon't likeNeutralLikeLoveRow 0, Column 0Row 0, Column 1Row 0, Column 2Row 0, Column 3Row 0, Column 4Don't like at allDon't likeNeutralLikeLoveRow 1, Column 0Row 1, Column 1Row 1, Column 2Row 1, Column 3Row 1, Column 4Don't like at allDon't likeNeutralLikeLoveRow 2, Column 0Row 2, Column 1Row 2, Col...

Pour Demain is a think tank that develops policy proposals on neglected issues impacting Europe and beyond. They have a focus on artificial intelligence and biosecurity.