Advisor Vocational Skills Development 80 - 100%

HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation; Zürich; Vor Ort; CHF 100.000 - 150.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation in Switzerland seeks an Advisor Vocational Skills Development to strengthen our advisory portfolio. You will provide technical and strategic advice, manage advisory assignments for Helvetas projects and external clients, and lead or contribute to project design and fundraising proposals.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s degree (or BSc with relevant education) and has at least five years in international development, including three years field-based in the

Qualifikationen

• Master's degree or BSc with relevant education.
• At least 5 years of experience in international development cooperation, including 3 years field-based in the Global South/East.
• 10–15 years experience may be Senior Advisor level.
• Proven expertise in dual VET, private sector engagement in VSD, youth employment, Market Systems Development and VET reform.
• Experience in non-formal VSD and/or skills development in humanitarian contexts is valued.
• Good networks within the Swiss private sector and professional associations.
• Strong project management and advisory skills with client relations.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills in multicultural environments; ability to use digital and AI tools.
• Excellent spoken and written German and English; French an advantage.
• Willingness to travel 4–5 times a year.

Aufgaben

• Provide technical and strategic advice and manage advisory assignments for Helvetas projects, country programmes and external clients.
• Lead or provide inputs to acquisition processes, including project design and proposal writing, with a focus on acquiring external advisory service mandates.
• Maintain and develop relationships with clients and partners to support collaboration and acquisition.
• Contribute to the further development of Helvetas' approaches, knowledge products and positioning in VSD and youth employment.
• Strengthen engagement with the Swiss VSD community of practice and networks.
• Develop relationships with Swiss private-sector companies and professional associations.

Kenntnisse

German language

English language

Project management

Advisory skills

Private sector engagement

Ausbildung

Master's degree

BSc with relevant education

Tools

AI tools

Digital tools

Jobbeschreibung

Advisor Vocational Skills Development 80 - 100%

Helvetasis an organization specialized in development cooperation and humanitarian response, anchored in Switzerland, andoperatingin over 35 countries across Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, LatinAmericaand the Middle East. Our vision is a just world in which all peopledeterminethe course of their lives in dignity and security, using environmental resources in a sustainable manner.

For our Skills, Jobs and Income team based in Zurich and Bern,we are looking for an enthusiastic and motivatedAdvisor Vocational Skills Developmentto join us as of November 1, 2026, or upon agreement, and contribute to strengthening Helvetas’ thematic positioning and advisory portfolio.

Skills, Jobs and Income (SJI) is one of Helvetas' three thematic working areas. The team consists of around 12 highly motivated and qualified experts focusing on Private Sector Development, Vocational Skills Development and Basic Education.

YOUR MAIN TASKS

• Provide technical and strategic advice and manage advisory assignments for Helvetas projects, country programmes and external clients, including planning new projects or phases, as well as conducting reviews and evaluations.
• Lead or provide substantial inputs to acquisition processes, including project design and proposal writing, with a particular focus on acquiring external advisory service mandates.
• Maintain and develop relationships with clients and partners, communicating clearly and consistently to support collaboration and acquisition.
• Contribute to the further development of Helvetas' approaches, knowledge products and positioning in VSD and youth employment.
• Strengthen our engagement with the Swiss VSD community of practice and relevant Swiss and international networks.
• Develop relationships with Swiss private-sector companies and professional associations and explore opportunities to involve their expertise and resources in VSD initiatives.

YOUR QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in education, economics, business administration, international development or another field relevant to the position, or a BSc degree with experience and additional relevant education.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in international development cooperation, including at least 3 years of field-based experience in the Global South/East.
• Experience across several countries and short-term consultancy assignments is highly valued. Particularly strong candidates with around 10-15 years of relevant experience may be considered at Senior Advisor level.
• Proven expertise in dual VET, with experience in private sector engagement in VSD, youth employment, Market Systems Development and VET reform highly valued.
• Experience in non-formal VSD and/or skills development in humanitarian and fragile contexts is highly valued. Additional expertise in green skills, impact-linked finance or alternative education is an advantage.
• Good networks within the Swiss private sector and/or professional associations, with the ability to develop partnerships and mobilise private-sector actors for VSD.
• Strong project management and advisory skills, with proven experience in acquisition, particularly of advisory service mandates, proposal development and client relations.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills in multicultural environments and effective use of digital and AI tools.
• Excellent spoken and written German and English. French and other additional languages are an advantage.
• Readiness to travel 4-5 times a year, including to fragile contexts.

OUR OFFER

At Helvetas, you will be part of a purpose-driven organization where your work creates meaningful global impact. We foster a caring and collaborative culture built on trust, flexibility, and accountability. You will grow in a professional environment that values integrity, empathy, and continuous learning. We care. We commit.

We offer you an interesting challenge in a motivated team with attractive working conditions. You can expect a modern workplace in a multicultural setting in the centre of Bern/Zurich.

Kindly be aware that the contract will be based on Swiss terms. Due to Swiss work permit restrictions, only applications from Swiss nationals, EU citizens as well as current work-permit holders for Switzerland can be considered.