Job: Desk Officer for the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ethiopia (80%)

HEKS, Zürich

HEKS/EPER Swiss Church Aid is the aid organisation of the Protestant Churches of Switzerland and has its headquarters in Zurich/Switzerland. HEKS/EPER works towards a more humane and more equitable world, assisting people and communities to overcome economic, social or humanitarian disparities in order to gain autonomy and to live with dignity both in Switzerland and abroad. Therefore, HEKS/EPER engages in development cooperation, humanitarian aid and church cooperation. HEKS/EPER has its own coordination offices in presently 16 key countries. HEKS/EPER is a member of the ACT Alliance.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo and in Ethiopia, HEKS/EPER has country programmes with focus on rural development, conflict transformation and humanitarian aid. In each country HEKS/EPER has a coordination office with a local team, overseeing country programmes with 5-10 projects.   HEKS/EPER is thus looking to recruit a  

Duty station: HEKS/EPER in Switzerland Zürich

Start of employment:
Beginning of August 2018 or upon agreement

Main tasks:

  • Strategic and thematic leadership for the programmes and its developments
  • Monitoring and administrative supervision of the programmes, including finances
  • Leadership and supervision of the two local coordination offices
  • Acquisition of additional funding sources (mandates)
  • Active cooperation in pertinent networks, fundraising, and public relations in Switzerland
  • Active contribution to the further development of HEKS/EPER’s international division.

Required profile:

  • University degree or similar qualification and at least five years of experience in development cooperation and humanitarian aid
  • Multi-year work experience in developing countries in Africa, preferably in the domains of agriculture, conflict transformation, employment and humanitarian aid
  • Sound track record in programme management (including controlling, budgeting and audits)
  • Leadership experience and understanding of organisational development
  • Proven experience in acquiring and managing mandates
  • Familiarity with the context in the horn of Africa and central Africa
  • Fluent in French and English (oral and written), and German (at least orally).
  • Initiative and pro-active personality, able to perform under pressure, team player

Our offer:

  • A varied and interesting position in a dynamic environment
  • Two to three duty travels to the programme area annually
  • Engaged and competent local teams
  • Decent employment conditions and a competitive compensation package
  • A modern work place in Zurich

Please send your application (motivation letter, CV and work certificates) at latest until 2 May 2018 to HEKS/EPER: jobs@heks.ch 

First round interviews are scheduled for 22 and 23 May 2018. Regula Hafner, Head of Department for Africa and America Latin (+41 44 360 88 71, regula.hafner@heks.ch ), is at your disposal for further information.

More detailed information on HEKS/EPER see www.heks.ch.