Working for the Swiss Mission

DPR Assistant and Administrative Assistant for Legal, Human Rights, Budget, and Management Affairs (100%)

Start date: immediate (or upon agreement)

The Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the UN in New York promotes Switzerland’s interests at the UN Headquarters, in line with the country’s foreign policy goals. Under the political direction of the Swiss government, the Mission participates in the work of the UN’s principal organs (General Assembly, Security Council and Economic and Social Council).

Job Description

The Legal, Human Rights, Budget and Management Affairs team at the Swiss Mission is responsible for all legal, including sanctions and counter-terrorism matters, human rights, budgetary and administrative affairs regarding Switzerland’s membership in the United Nations. The head of the team also serves as Deputy Permanent Representative (DPR), to whom the candidate also serve as personal/administrative assistant.

We are currently looking to recruit a dynamic and well-organized person with a flair for administrative processes and a keen interest in diplomacy, multilateral affairs and the United Nations. The successful candidate will support the Permanent Mission of Switzerland during the intense final phase of Switzerland’s two-year mandate as Council member (2023-2024) and beyond. The successful candidate displays strong administrative skills and a highly structured approach to managing a significant volume of information while keeping track of multiple, parallel processes and thriving under pressure. Our ideal candidate combines these skills with a keen political interest in multilateral affairs and the UN in particular. Strong language skills in German and another Swiss official language, as well as in English, are crucial for the person we are looking to recruit.  

Responsibilities

  • DPR support (correspondence, calendar management, background information, logistical support)
  • Administrative and logistical support of the Legal, Human Rights, Budget and Management team (14 persons), including management of information, contacts and calendars; correspondence in English and German/French; planning and assisting during events (in-person/on virtual platforms) and visits of high-level delegations
  • In close collaboration with the Personal Assistant(s) of the Head of Mission: Preparation of meetings of the Head of Mission (documentation, background information, logistical support)
  • Working on thematic files (to be determined),  including participation in meetings, reporting, drafting of talking points, organization of events, independently and/or in support of other members of the team

Qualifications

  • Previous work experience in an international setting; prior experience in the United Nations system a plus
  • Preferably: Bachelor’s degree in human resources, commercial education, communication, or a related field, proven interest in multilateral affairs and familiarity with Swiss Foreign Policy
  • Fluency in English, excellent knowledge of German or another Swiss official language (French or Italian) required
  • Outstanding organizational and information management skills, ability to work efficiently and accurately under pressure
  • Full computer literacy with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook)
  • High degree of personal integrity and trustworthiness, strong interpersonal skills

We Offer

  • Inviting and intellectually inspiring work atmosphere in a multilingual setting within a motivated team of 10+ persons (size of Mission around 40 persons)
  • Diversified work in a foreign representation and diplomatic environment
  • Bright office that is conveniently located in midtown Manhattan, possibility to work remotely where indicated for health and safety reasons
  • Salary range 70k – 76k and benefits package
  • 401k plan with matching employer contribution
  • 4 weeks paid vacation, with observance of American and some Swiss holidays

If interested, please send your resume, a letter of interest and salary expectations in PDF format to newyork.un.jobapplication@eda.admin.ch

Please write in the subject line “DPR Assistant and Administrative Assistant Legal, Human Rights Budget and Management Affairs” to ensure timely processing of your application.

Deadline for application: July 8, 2024

We will not review incomplete applications or those that do not adhere to the requirements above. Please note that only digital applications will be accepted. Those not considered for an interview will be destroyed at the end of the selection process.

Senior Trade Commissioner Export in the Swiss Business Hub USA Team

The Consulate General of Switzerland in New York is looking for a qualified candidate for a permanent position as Senior Trade Commissioner for the Swiss Business Hub USA (SBH USA). This is a locally recruited position within the SBH USA headquarter at the Consulate General of Switzerland in New York.

The SBH USA is part of the official representation of Switzerland in the United States, representing Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE), Switzerland’s official agency for Export and Investment Promotion.

Our mission is to enable new business. We are the sparring partners of Swiss companies and, together with our network of trusted experts, we support them with their internationalization projects on their journey from Switzerland to the United States. Our services include market surveys, business partner search, legal- tax- and regulatory advice as well as trade fair services and support in the market. 

As our Senior Trade Commissioner, you will support Swiss SMEs with a focus on the Machine- Electro- and Metal Industries (MEM) and Infrastructure.

Your tasks

  • Support Swiss SMEs with their internationalization projects to successfully enter the US market
  • Understand the needs of the Swiss SMEs and provide guidance
  • Manage the export promotion mandates, from the first contact with the Swiss SME to understanding their needs and offering our services, from 
  • Identify business opportunities and create relevant content (reports and social media)
  • Identify qualified business partners for Swiss SMEs
  • Further develop our network of trusted experts
  • Organize events and networking activities (East-Coast, Mid-West)
  • Visit Swiss companies in Switzerland as well as the US
  • Develop a strong sector competence

Your profile

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, ideally followed by a graduate education in Foreign Trade and International Business
  • Minimum of four years working experience with an export or investment promotion agency, consulting firm or in an international industrial business development role
  • Excellent communication (verbal and written) in English and one of the Swiss National languages
  • Excellent interpersonal communication skills, including comfort interacting with different hierarchical levels in an international setup
  •  High service mindset and commitment to deliver
  • Can bring an inspiring, go-getting and engaging energy to your team and clients
  • Experience with government relations is a plus
  • A developed network (industry experts, associations, consultants, law firms) is ideal 
  • As part of the SBH USA team, you will be based in New York but will collaborate closely with the entire U.S. team (LA, SF, ATL, DC and Boston). Willingness and flexibility to travel is expected

Due to the nature of the work, preference will be given to a Swiss national (or to those candidates who have a relationship with Switzerland) with U.S. work experience and an understanding of the U.S. economic landscape.

Additional duties beyond those listed here will be determined and assigned as needed. Training will be provided

Our offer

  • A fascinating role at the intersection of private and public business in the heart of New York City in an exciting global environment.
  • Salary range 104k – 110k and benefits package
  • 100% matching in 401 k plan
  • Paid vacation
  • American and some Swiss holidays

Interested?

Please send your resume, a letter of interest and salary expectations in electronic format (word or pdf) to job-cgny@eda.admin.ch. Please write into the subject line “SBH –Trade Commissioner” to ensure timely processing of your application. Please do not contact the Consulate General or the Permanent Mission.

Only those who are chosen for an interview will be contacted.