This is how you can contribute

The SDC's Humanitarian Aid is an expression of Switzerland's solidarity with people in need. It focuses on emergency relief, reconstruction and rehabilitation of affected areas, and disaster risk reduction. In a spirit of neutrality, independence and impartiality, it places the concerned population at the centre of its efforts.

The SDC's Humanitarian Aid pursues the following thematic priorities:

Protecting civilians;
Disaster risk reduction;
Water and sanitation;
Gender-based violence;
Food security and cash transfer programming.

The Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) is an integral part of the SDC's Humanitarian Aid. The SHA is a corps of around 600 specialists who are on call in times of need. SHA specialists are divided into ten expert groups according to their know-how and skills. This enables the unit to provide targeted and effective support in the priority areas of the SDC's Humanitarian Aid.

This makes you unique

You are committed to protecting and upholding the lives and dignity of people affected by disasters in your capacity as a representative of Switzerland.
You must be a Swiss citizen or hold a permanent residence permit (C permit).
You hold a degree, certification, or specialized training of equal value.
You demonstrate at least five years of professional experience, ideally including two years in international development cooperation.*
You are reliable, proactive, flexible, and able to work independently and efficiently.
You combine a natural flair for dealing with people with a high degree of intercultural sensitivity.
You must have a very good knowledge of two official Swiss languages and, if possible, a basic understanding of a third one. Fluency in English is essential.
You are resilient and physically fit, and available for several overseas postings of at least six months' duration.
You hold a category B driving licence.

For particularly sought-after profiles, the SDC's Humanitarian Aid Division also offers accompanied initial assignments abroad.

SHA actively promotes diversity and strives to increase the proportion of women, members of linguistic minorities and people from different cultural backgrounds. Applications from these groups that meet the general requirements are given special consideration in the recruitment process.

Further information is available on the website of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) on opportunities for working abroad in development cooperation and humanitarian aid.

In a nutshell

The Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) is the operational arm of the SDC's Humanitarian Aid. Its specialists, like you, are deployed to implement projects of the SDC or its partners like the United Nations (UN) before, during and after natural disasters, crises and conflicts to protect the lives, safety, dignity and rights of the people concerned.
If you wish to undertake assignments abroad for the SHA, please apply by uploading a completed SHA CV, a personal CV (recommended) and a motivation letter stating the competences you bring to the SHA specialist group(s) of your interest. Please upload all documents in a single file.

Starting date: by arrangement

Type of employment: temporary

Reference no.: JRQ$540-15992

What sets us apart

The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) determines and coordinates Swiss foreign policy on behalf of the Federal Council, safeguards Switzerland's interests and promotes Swiss values.

The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is Switzerland's biggest centre of expertise for international cooperation. The SDC implements Switzerland's foreign policy in the areas of humanitarian aid, development cooperation and cooperation with Eastern Europe, in collaboration with other federal offices. It supports countries in combating poverty and overcoming global challenges, for example ensuring that disadvantaged communities have better access to education and healthcare or that environmental issues are addressed. The SDC prioritises fragile and conflict-affected countries.

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Working for SwitzerlandWe are committed to the successful Swiss model and work for the public good.

Embracing diversityThanks to equal opportunities, we draw on our expertise and contribute different perspectives.

Staying healthy at workWe support and advise our employees in the area of physical and mental health.

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