Head of Knowledge Management & Advocacy Take on strategic guidance and technical quality assurance, as well as advocacy work on international and Swiss politics. Lead knowledge management processes within the organisation related to seed diversity, focusing on farmer-managed seed systems.
Terms of Reference:
Lead Thematic Strategy:
Position SWISSAID as a leading voice and trusted partner of global‑south organisations on Farmer Managed Seed Systems (FMSS) and their role in agroecological food system transformation.
International Advocacy:
Represent SWISSAID in global forums (e.g., ITPGRFA) and negotiations, contributing evidence and policy positions mainly as an observer.
Domestic Policy Influence:
Drive advocacy on Swiss policies affecting Global South seed systems (UPOV and free‑trade agreements) via government dialogue, parliamentary lobbying, and referendum campaigns with allies.
Technical & Strategic Oversight:
Provide strategic guidance and technical input for FMSS projects and advocacy strategies across country offices and partners.
Quality Assurance:
Ensure quality control and review of project applications, strategies, and policy‑level outputs related to seed systems.
Knowledge Management:
Collect, process, and systematise lessons learned from different countries and maintain expert exchanges with UN, research, donors, and CSOs.
Communications & Media:
Support media engagement (primarily German/French), collaborate with SWISSAID’s communications staff, and give interviews to amplify organisational positions.
Working hours (50‑80 %).
Type of contract: Staff (Permanent and Fixed Term).
Macro‑area: Multiple.
Area of work definition: Agriculture, Forestry, Livestock, Rural Development.
Telecommute: Partially remote.
Skills required Requirements:
Proven Experience:
5 + years of relevant, hands‑on experience in a similar role, with a verifiable track record of delivering measurable results (e.g., policy campaigns, network building or project completion).
Strategic & Analytical Thinking:
Ability to synthesize complex data into actionable strategies, coupled with strong problem‑solving skills to navigate ambiguity and make data‑driven decisions.
Leadership & Collaboration:
Demonstrated success in advising cross‑functional teams and leading policy projects, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels and foster a collaborative work environment.
Technical Proficiency:
Advanced expertise in farmer‑managed seed systems, MS‑Office, participatory process moderation, with the ability to adapt quickly to new technologies.
Communication & Adaptability:
Good written and verbal communication skills in minimum two languages (English, Spanish, French); German is a plus. Combined with a high degree of emotional intelligence and resilience to manage change and competing priorities in a fast‑paced and challenging setting.
Interview are planned in the first week of August.
Head of Finance, Personnel and Administration (CFPA) The Head of Finance, Personnel and Administration (CFPA) ensures that managers and their teams can carry out their tasks efficiently and effectively. She/He oversees the smooth functioning of the representation and leads all human resources processes. She/He supports the Head of Cooperation / Head of the Humanitarian Office in ensuring that resources are used transparently, economically and in line with organisational requirements. The CFPA is responsible for key services such as project cycle management (PCM), the internal control system (ICS), and the management of the office’s assets. She/He implements the defined strategy and takes on essential operational duties. The CFPA is normally a member of both the senior management team and the Security Management Team (SMT).
Key responsibilities:
Management:
Leading the team in line with strategic priorities and ensuring effective use of resources; defining roles, supporting staff development, and fostering strong communication and teamwork; maintaining productive relations with authorities and partners.
Financial Management:
Overseeing budgeting, cash and financial planning, and ensuring accurate SAP/Esprit data and timely financial closure; supporting audits and strengthening control tools; integrating financial insights into reporting and managing constraints linked to financial sanctions.
Administration and Logistics:
Ensuring robust internal controls and improving administrative tools and processes; overseeing archiving, assets, inventories, and building management with IT and logistics partners; maintaining emergency preparedness and coordinating compound and infrastructure needs.
Project Cycle Management:
Reviewing and approving budgets and accounts, ensuring compliance with SDC standards; assessing financial and operational risks, analysing reports, and monitoring projects; supporting procurement, contract management, institutional assessments, proposal development, and final reporting.
HR Management:
Acting as HR focal point and ensuring smooth HR workflows; coordinating staff training, supporting recruitment and employment conditions, and maintaining local staff management frameworks; advising supervisors and coordinating the MbO process.
Support to Partners:
Providing partners with training and guidance in finance, HR, administration, ICS, and PCM; supporting audit processes and monitoring implementation of recommendations; strengthening partners’ systems for compliance and effective delivery.
Qualifications:
5 years of professional experience, at least two of which must have ideally been abroad in the humanitarian context.
Ideally, knowledge and experience in using SDC operational instruments, in particular PCM, financial, administrative and logistical management, budget management tools.
Proven ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team in complex and dynamic environments.
Political and diplomatic flair in relations with different parties and interest groups and ideally experience in collaborating with multilateral organisations, civil society and authorities.
University degree or equivalent professional training in finance, business administration or any related field.
Executive Assistant We are looking for a highly organized, structured and proactive professional to join us as an Executive Assistant (80‑100 %) at the Wyss Academy for Nature.
About the role:
Provide administrative and organisational support to the Director and the Head of Strategy.
Prepare agendas, briefing documents, minutes and follow‑up actions for Board, Advisory Committee and internal meetings.
Coordinate and organise internal and external meetings, workshops, retreats and events, including logistics and documentation.
Act as a coordination and contact point for the Advisory Committee and support smooth information flow across units.
Support the planning and follow‑up of strategic and operational initiatives.
Assist with reports, presentations and internal communication on Directorate‑ and strategy‑related topics.
Ensure structured record‑keeping and maintain operational tools (e.g. Asana, SharePoint).
Profile:
Commercial education or bachelor’s degree in business, communication or a related field.
Proven experience of 5 years or more in executive support in similar roles in the Swiss context.
Proficiency with digital collaboration tools (e.g., MS Teams, SharePoint, Asana, Miro).
Excellent English and German proficiency (written and oral). Proficiency in French or Spanish is a significant asset.
Strong organisational and communication skills; ability to navigate complex institutional settings with maturity, flexibility and composure even under pressure.
Inter‑cultural sensitivity and experience working across diverse international contexts.
What We Offer: Integration into an institution that develops, tests, and applies innovative solutions for the pressing challenges of our time. Work in an intercultural, multidisciplinary, and highly stimulating environment. Employment within a foundation with salary levels aligned with the standards of the University of Bern. A modern workplace located in the heart of Bern’s Old Town. Attractive employment conditions – including flexible working hours and home‑office options.
Applications must be submitted in English, including a CV and cover letter (max. 1 page) via the online portal by 3 June 2026.
The Wyss Academy for Nature values diversity and equal opportunity. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified individuals who meet the required criteria. Applications submitted through recruitment agencies will not be considered.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Terms of Reference:
Lead Thematic Strategy:
Position SWISSAID as a leading voice and trusted partner of global‑south organisations on Farmer Managed Seed Systems (FMSS) and their role in agroecological food system transformation.
International Advocacy:
Represent SWISSAID in global forums (e.g., ITPGRFA) and negotiations, contributing evidence and policy positions mainly as an observer.
Domestic Policy Influence:
Drive advocacy on Swiss policies affecting Global South seed systems (UPOV and free‑trade agreements) via government dialogue, parliamentary lobbying, and referendum campaigns with allies.
Technical & Strategic Oversight:
Provide strategic guidance and technical input for FMSS projects and advocacy strategies across country offices and partners.
Quality Assurance:
Ensure quality control and review of project applications, strategies, and policy‑level outputs related to seed systems.
Knowledge Management:
Collect, process, and systematise lessons learned from different countries and maintain expert exchanges with UN, research, donors, and CSOs.
Communications & Media:
Support media engagement (primarily German/French), collaborate with SWISSAID’s communications staff, and give interviews to amplify organisational positions.
Working hours (50‑80 %).
Type of contract: Staff (Permanent and Fixed Term).
Macro‑area: Multiple.
Area of work definition: Agriculture, Forestry, Livestock, Rural Development.
Telecommute: Partially remote.
Skills required Requirements:
Proven Experience:
5 + years of relevant, hands‑on experience in a similar role, with a verifiable track record of delivering measurable results (e.g., policy campaigns, network building or project completion).
Strategic & Analytical Thinking:
Ability to synthesize complex data into actionable strategies, coupled with strong problem‑solving skills to navigate ambiguity and make data‑driven decisions.
Leadership & Collaboration:
Demonstrated success in advising cross‑functional teams and leading policy projects, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels and foster a collaborative work environment.
Technical Proficiency:
Advanced expertise in farmer‑managed seed systems, MS‑Office, participatory process moderation, with the ability to adapt quickly to new technologies.
Communication & Adaptability:
Good written and verbal communication skills in minimum two languages (English, Spanish, French); German is a plus. Combined with a high degree of emotional intelligence and resilience to manage change and competing priorities in a fast‑paced and challenging setting.
Interview are planned in the first week of August.
Head of Finance, Personnel and Administration (CFPA) The Head of Finance, Personnel and Administration (CFPA) ensures that managers and their teams can carry out their tasks efficiently and effectively. She/He oversees the smooth functioning of the representation and leads all human resources processes. She/He supports the Head of Cooperation / Head of the Humanitarian Office in ensuring that resources are used transparently, economically and in line with organisational requirements. The CFPA is responsible for key services such as project cycle management (PCM), the internal control system (ICS), and the management of the office’s assets. She/He implements the defined strategy and takes on essential operational duties. The CFPA is normally a member of both the senior management team and the Security Management Team (SMT).
Key responsibilities:
Management:
Leading the team in line with strategic priorities and ensuring effective use of resources; defining roles, supporting staff development, and fostering strong communication and teamwork; maintaining productive relations with authorities and partners.
Financial Management:
Overseeing budgeting, cash and financial planning, and ensuring accurate SAP/Esprit data and timely financial closure; supporting audits and strengthening control tools; integrating financial insights into reporting and managing constraints linked to financial sanctions.
Administration and Logistics:
Ensuring robust internal controls and improving administrative tools and processes; overseeing archiving, assets, inventories, and building management with IT and logistics partners; maintaining emergency preparedness and coordinating compound and infrastructure needs.
Project Cycle Management:
Reviewing and approving budgets and accounts, ensuring compliance with SDC standards; assessing financial and operational risks, analysing reports, and monitoring projects; supporting procurement, contract management, institutional assessments, proposal development, and final reporting.
HR Management:
Acting as HR focal point and ensuring smooth HR workflows; coordinating staff training, supporting recruitment and employment conditions, and maintaining local staff management frameworks; advising supervisors and coordinating the MbO process.
Support to Partners:
Providing partners with training and guidance in finance, HR, administration, ICS, and PCM; supporting audit processes and monitoring implementation of recommendations; strengthening partners’ systems for compliance and effective delivery.
Qualifications:
5 years of professional experience, at least two of which must have ideally been abroad in the humanitarian context.
Ideally, knowledge and experience in using SDC operational instruments, in particular PCM, financial, administrative and logistical management, budget management tools.
Proven ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team in complex and dynamic environments.
Political and diplomatic flair in relations with different parties and interest groups and ideally experience in collaborating with multilateral organisations, civil society and authorities.
University degree or equivalent professional training in finance, business administration or any related field.
Executive Assistant We are looking for a highly organized, structured and proactive professional to join us as an Executive Assistant (80‑100 %) at the Wyss Academy for Nature.
About the role:
Provide administrative and organisational support to the Director and the Head of Strategy.
Prepare agendas, briefing documents, minutes and follow‑up actions for Board, Advisory Committee and internal meetings.
Coordinate and organise internal and external meetings, workshops, retreats and events, including logistics and documentation.
Act as a coordination and contact point for the Advisory Committee and support smooth information flow across units.
Support the planning and follow‑up of strategic and operational initiatives.
Assist with reports, presentations and internal communication on Directorate‑ and strategy‑related topics.
Ensure structured record‑keeping and maintain operational tools (e.g. Asana, SharePoint).
Profile:
Commercial education or bachelor’s degree in business, communication or a related field.
Proven experience of 5 years or more in executive support in similar roles in the Swiss context.
Proficiency with digital collaboration tools (e.g., MS Teams, SharePoint, Asana, Miro).
Excellent English and German proficiency (written and oral). Proficiency in French or Spanish is a significant asset.
Strong organisational and communication skills; ability to navigate complex institutional settings with maturity, flexibility and composure even under pressure.
Inter‑cultural sensitivity and experience working across diverse international contexts.
What We Offer: Integration into an institution that develops, tests, and applies innovative solutions for the pressing challenges of our time. Work in an intercultural, multidisciplinary, and highly stimulating environment. Employment within a foundation with salary levels aligned with the standards of the University of Bern. A modern workplace located in the heart of Bern’s Old Town. Attractive employment conditions – including flexible working hours and home‑office options.
Applications must be submitted in English, including a CV and cover letter (max. 1 page) via the online portal by 3 June 2026.
The Wyss Academy for Nature values diversity and equal opportunity. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified individuals who meet the required criteria. Applications submitted through recruitment agencies will not be considered.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
