Advisor Inclusive Economic Development

As a leading organization for the implementation of international development projects, Swisscontact works with partners and clients to promote inclusive economic, social, and ecological development, and to make an effective contribution towards sustainable and widespread prosperity in developing and emerging economies.

At Swisscontact, we champion a culture of innovation and collaboration, empowering our team members to make a real impact in the world of development policy and practice. As an Advisor in the newly established Inclusive Economic Development team, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our organization and the communities we serve.

Join our dynamic, ambitious team and seize the opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects that drive meaningful change. You'll be part of an environment that nurtures professional growth, values knowledge sharing, and fosters a strong sense of purpose.

Employment start:           Summer 2023

Contract duration:           Permanent

Place of work:                    Zurich, Switzerland/ Global

Responsibilities

• Oversee the assignment of technical staff to deliver exceptional advisory, research, and training services to a diverse clientele
• Cultivate a dynamic team environment that fosters growth, mentorship, and thought leadership
• Encourage adaptability within the team to efficiently address various technical requirements
• Manage project budgets and resources effectively, ensuring timely and accurate reporting
• Prioritize high-quality project outcomes that exceed client and stakeholder expectations
• Develop and maintain robust relationships with stakeholders, opening doors to new opportunities
• Communicate regularly with the Head of Inclusive Economic & Systems Development on team progress and achievements
• Engage in exciting projects spanning trade, tourism, enterprise development, and more
• Empower Swisscontact staff through targeted capacity-building measures in relevant areas
• Take on leadership roles in external projects, showcasing your expertise and experience
• Collaborate with external organizations to broaden our knowledge and stay ahead of industry trends
• Pursue thought leadership opportunities that showcase your expertise in Inclusive Economic Development
• Work closely with the communication team to enhance the organization's external presence and reputation

Qualifications

• Degree(s) from a reputable institution, showcasing critical thinking and research abilities
• 10 years' experience in roles such as technical advisor, business developer, and researcher, with at least 5 years as a technical team leader or lead consultant
• Familiarity with systemic change and market systems development methodologies
• Proven ability in coaching, technical training, and engaging with the international aid community
• Experience in two or more thematic areas (Entrepreneurial Ecosytems; Trade Promotion & Facilitation; SME development; Local/Regional Economic Development; Sustainable Tourism)
• Demonstrated expertise in creating and implementing advisory strategies tailored to diverse client needs
• Experience in developing and delivering customized training programs to enhance project outcomes
• Track record of successful research initiatives that inform and support project goals
• Proficiency in adapting and integrating new methodologies and best practices into advisory, training, and research activities
• Strong collaboration skills to foster productive partnerships between clients, stakeholders, and project teams
• Capacity to analyze and evaluate project results for continuous improvement in advisory, training, and research services
• Skilled in writing competitive proposals, identifying expert resources, and building client relationships
• Proficiency in budgeting, resource management, and performance management for projects
• Strong communication skills for presentations, webinars, and promotional materials
• Fluency in English; proficiency in German, French, and/or Spanish is a plus
• Willingness to travel internationally up to 120 days per year for assignments

Swisscontact offers attractive working conditions in an international and multicultural context. We see our work as a joint effort in an agile organization culture: mutual respect, trust, and teamwork. 

If you're an experienced, highly motivated, and client-focused professional with a passion for inclusive economic development, we'd love to have you on board. 

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents in English: letter of motivation, curriculum vitae, diplomas and references.