Secretary General

Page Executive; Lausanne; Presencial; CHF 180.000 - 240.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

World Gymnastics, the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique, seeks a visionary Secretary General to lead the Secretariat and drive governance, strategy and transformation. You will safeguard compliance, financial integrity and stakeholder relations at the heart of the Olympic Movement.

You will travel internationally, work with the Executive Committee, and champion a respectful, inclusive, high-performing culture while shaping the next Olympic cycle and global brand initiatives.

Formación

• Strong expertise in governance, compliance and policy processes in non-profit structures, with financial literacy to present budgets and reports to boards.
• Fluent in English and French; additional languages are an asset.
• Master's degree in management, law, political science, international relations, sports management or an equivalent field.

Responsabilidades

• Leadership and Secretariat: lead the Secretariat through the Executive Management Team, chairing its meetings, setting priorities and ensuring cohesion across departments.
• Governance: ensure the preparation, conduct and follow-up of the Presidential Commission, Executive Committee, Council and Congress; safeguard statutory compliance.
• Finance and resources: oversee financial sustainability, budgeting and reporting, monitor internal controls and risk registers.
• People and culture: supervise HR, promote development and a respectful workplace.
• Strategy and transformation: support governing bodies in defining long-term priorities and track cross-functional initiatives.
• Risk, ethics and crisis: monitor institutional risk and coordinate crisis responses.
• Representation: represent the Federation in international meetings and maintain stakeholder relations.

Conocimientos

Leadership

Governance

Diplomacy

Financial literacy

Strategic mindset

English & French

International travel

Educación

Master's degree in management, law, political science, international relations, sports management or equivalent

Descripción del empleo

• An opportunity to shape the development of well-known sport federation
• A professional, multicultural workplace built on respect, transparency and trust

About Our Client

The Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG), operating under its brand World Gymnastics™, is the international governing body recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for the sport of gymnastics. Founded in 1881, it is the oldest established international federation of an Olympic sport and has been part of the Olympic Games since their revival in 1896. FIG governs nine sports: Gymnastics for All, Men's and Women's Artistic, Rhythmic, Trampoline & Tumbling, Acrobatics, Aerobics, Parkour and Paragymnastics. Through the World Gymnastics™ brand, the federation promotes participation, inspires engagement, and supports the long‑term development of the sport worldwide.

At World Gymnastics, we foster trust, promote equality, celebrate diversity and ensure gymnastics thrives with integrity, innovation and inclusivity worldwide.

World Gymnastics is entering a new chapter: a renewed global brand, a new Olympic cycle and a stronger governance model, built on nearly 150 years of heritage. The Secretary General serves as the chief operating officer and coordinating authority of one of the Olympic Movement's most established federations. Reporting to the President and working closely with the Executive Committee and the Executive Management Team, the role leads the Secretariat, safeguards statutory compliance and the financial and organisational integrity of the Federation, and turns strategic ambition into operational delivery, in line with the principles of the Olympic Charter.

Job Description

• Leadership and Secretariat: lead the Secretariat through the Executive Management Team, chairing its meetings, setting priorities and ensuring cohesion across departments. Hold directors accountable for delivery.
• Governance: ensure the preparation, conduct and follow‑up of the Presidential Commission, Executive Committee, Council and Congress. Safeguard statutory compliance and alignment with the Olympic Charter.
• Finance and resources: oversee financial sustainability, budgeting and reporting, and present financial updates to the governing bodies. Monitor internal controls and risk registers, validate commitments beyond delegated authority and ensure compliance with Swiss regulations.
• People and culture: supervise the HR department, validate HR policies, staffing plans and priorities, and review performance results. Promote development, succession and a respectful, transparent workplace.
• Strategy and transformation: support the governing bodies in defining long‑term priorities for the Olympic cycle, align departments and budgets with approved objectives and track major cross‑functional initiatives. Lead the next phase of transformation.
• Risk, ethics and crisis: monitor institutional risk, coordinate crisis responses and promote ethical standards, safeguarding and integrity.
• Representation: represent the Federation in international meetings, maintain relations with stakeholders, partners and member federations, and reinforce its credibility and neutrality.

The Successful Applicant

• A senior executive who has led organisational change in an international organisation; sport, corporate, institutional, consulting and non‑profit backgrounds are all considered. Deep gymnastics expertise is not required: judgement, diplomacy and credibility are.
• Strong expertise in governance, compliance and policy processes in non‑profit structures, with the financial literacy to present budgets and reports to boards.
• Experience with major international events at a strategic level.
• Exceptional diplomacy, emotional intelligence, integrity and political awareness; a visible, credible leader who brings people together and empowers managers.
• Master's degree in management, law, political science, international relations, sports management or an equivalent field.
• Fluent in English and French; additional languages are an asset. Availability for international travel.

Applications are open until 25 October 2026.

What’s on Offer

• An unique opportunity to shape the next phase of development of one of the most prominent international federations within the Olympic Movement.
• A pivotal moment to join: a new Olympic cycle, a renewed global brand and a programme reinforcing governance and operations.
• A role at the heart of efforts to expand participation globally and to strengthen safeguarding, education and inclusion.
• A professional, multicultural workplace built on respect, transparency and trust, offering long‑term perspective and impact.