OrganizationPublished on 1 February 2026

General Secretariat

The General Secretariat (GS) is the nerve centre of the FDFA. It considers and evaluates all political and strategic affairs to be submitted to the Federal Council and department head. The GS fulfils these tasks in line with Article 5 of the Organisation Ordinance of 20 April 2011 for the FDFA, providing support in particular to the department head in their capacity as a federal councillor and a political figure.

Le Secrétariat général (SG-DFAE) assiste le chef du département dans sa fonction de membre du Conseil fédéral et de chef du DFAE. Il coordonne notamment les affaires du Parlement et du Conseil fédéral, informe le public des activités du département, veille au respect de l’égalité des chances, s’assure que la Suisse est perçue positivement à l’étranger et traite toutes les questions historiques touchant aux relations diplomatiques. La division Contrats, marchés publics, compliance (CMPC), qui sert l’ensemble du DFAE, est elle aussi rattachée au Secrétariat général.

Another three units fall under the GS but act independently. The first is FDFA Internal Audit (IA), which carries out its work autonomously in compliance with the legal provisions and its regulations, thereby supporting the GS and FDFA senior management in exercising their supervisory functions.

The second is the Compliance Office, which as the point of contact for reporting irregularities or misuse linked to the department's activities, also works independently (FDFA whistleblowing platform). The Compliance Office is part of the CPC.

The third is the Office of the Federal Council Delegate for Ukraine, which reports directly to the federal councillors who head the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) and the FDFA.