Stagiaire universitaire

About the role

Location: Berne, Switzerland. Workload: 80–100%. Suitable for early-career professionals.

The Economic Cooperation and Development Centre of SECO is the Confederation's centre of competence for economic development cooperation. It supports partner countries in creating favourable conditions for sustainable and inclusive economic development and strengthening the private sector. Companies need reliable framework conditions in partner countries to invest, grow and remain competitive. This includes access to capital, an attractive business and investment climate, and responsible business conduct. The Private Sector Development division (WEIF) strengthens framework conditions for enterprises – in Switzerland and in its partner countries. The division also promotes a sustainable financial sector, supports social impact investment initiatives and manages investment instruments, including guarantees.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the planning and implementation of global development programmes and projects across various countries
• Collaborate with internal and external partners (federal administration, international organisations, implementing partners, private sector), build new partnerships and networks
• Contribute to project quality assurance, particularly monitoring, evaluation and learning procedures
• Take part in the development of conceptual foundations

Requirements

• University degree (master's), preferably in political economy, international relations, political science or a related field (degree obtained within the 18 months prior to starting)
• Ideally, experience in development cooperation, project management and the private/financial sector
• Strong writing skills, stress resistance, organisational skills and intercultural competences
• Active command (oral and written) of two official languages and passive knowledge of the third; due to international contacts, very good oral and written English skills

Benefits

• Working for Switzerland: commitment to the success of the Swiss model and the well-being of the population
• Diversity in everyday work: equal opportunities enabling deployment of skills and expression of different viewpoints
• Occupational health: assistance and advice on all questions related to physical or mental health

SECO is the Confederation's centre of competence for all issues relating to economic and labour market policy. It is attached to the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER). It contributes to opening all markets to goods, services and investments. SECO operates in economic development cooperation to reduce poverty. It plans economic and trade measures for developing countries, countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and new EU member states.