Administrative Assistant for the Sustainable Development and Humanitarian Affairs Team (100%)

Start date: June 15, 2024 (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). Furthermore, Switzerland is a member of the UN Security Council in 2023 and 2024.

Job Description

The Sustainable Development and Humanitarian Affairs Team at the Swiss Mission is looking to recruit a reliable, dynamic and well-organized person with a flair for administrative tasks and an interest in working in the fast-paced multilateral environment of the United Nations in New York. The successful candidate will support the Mission during a crucial phase, including during Switzerland’s two-year mandate as a Security Council member (January 2023 - December 2024). The successful candidate displays strong administrative skills and a highly structured approach to managing an important volume of information, while keeping track of multiple, parallel processes and thriving under pressure. Our ideal candidate combines these skills with an interest in multilateral affairs and a quick grasp of UN processes and protocol. The candidate will be closely working with another administrative assistant in the team and will the counterparts of the other teams.

Responsibilities

• Administrative and logistical support to the Sustainable Development and Humanitarian Affairs Team (10 persons), including management of contacts and scheduling; correspondence in English and French/German; planning and assisting during events (in-person/virtual) and visits of high-level delegations; travel arrangements, expenses and filing of documents 
• Information management of a consistently high volume of correspondence; need to prioritize time-sensitive items and dispatch in a reliable manner throughout the Mission and to external recipients
• In close collaboration with the Personal Assistants to the Head of Mission (HoM) and Deputy HoM: preparation of meetings, including documentation, background information, and logistical support
• Upon qualifications: Assist in reporting, organization of high-level visits and events, independently and/or in support of other members of the team

Qualifications

• Previous work experience in an international setting and in administrative roles; prior experience with the United Nations system a plus.
•  Fluency in English, excellent knowledge of French or another Swiss official language (German or Italian) required
•  Strong organizational and information management skills, ability to work under pressure and multi-task
• Full computer literacy with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook)
•  High degree of personal integrity and trustworthiness, strong interpersonal skills
• Knowledge and experience in the field of corporate sustainability (fostering sustainability practices the office) an asset

We Offer

• Inviting and intellectually inspiring work atmosphere in a multilingual setting within a motivated team of around 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 – 75K 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 “Administrative Assistant SDH Team” to ensure timely processing of your application.

Deadline for application: May 24, 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.