Head of Administration and Finances

The International Space Science Institute (ISSI) is an institute of advanced studies in the Space Sciences (Astrophysics, Heliophysics, Planetary Science, and Earth Science), located in Bern, Switzerland. ISSI is inviting applications for a staff position of Head of Administration and Finances. We are seeking a motivated and experienced professional to take the role of Head of Administration and Finances, starting on July 1st, 2025.

The Head of Administration and Finances has oversight of the administration and budget of the ISSI foundation. Duties include, but are not limited to:

1. Managing the foundation budget, including balancing the previous year’s budget, tracking the current year’s budget, and providing budget projections for future years.
2. Managing and tracking in real time the institute’s expenditures and the individual scientific initiative expenditures.
3. Managing the legal obligations of the ISSI foundation related to accounting and reporting.
4. Coordinating the interface with the funding agencies: prepare funding proposals and yearly status reports.
5. Streamlining internal expenditure tracking and reporting processes, establishing new processes where needed.
6. Supporting the Executive Director and the Directors in the budget reporting to the ISSI stakeholders.
7. Representing ISSI at high level financial meetings with stakeholders and funding agencies.
8. Coordinating the interface of ISSI with its legal and accounting company.
9. Managing the building rental and maintenance contracts.
10. Managing contracts for Staff and Discipline Scientists.

Applicants for this position must have at least five years’ experience in financial and administrative management of organisations with significant annual budgets (> 1 million Swiss francs). Experience with non-profit organisations and a proven knowledge of Swiss laws governing non-profit foundations as well as familiarity with scientific institutions are additional assets.

Applicants should have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to work effectively in a small but diverse team and with the senior management in the Institute’s Directorate. Applicants should be able to think strategically and have a proactive approach to solving problems.

Excellent English speaking and writing skills are indispensable for this position, together with excellent communication skills which are necessary to interact with international agencies and Swiss government. Experience in programme management will be highly valued.

The working language of ISSI is English. A good knowledge of German is an additional asset.

Interested individuals should submit their applications, including a cover letter and curriculum vitae in one single pdf file to Dominique Fuchs (dominique.fuchs@issibern.ch), no later than May 15, 2025. We request applicants to provide the names of three references, who will be contacted by ISSI at a later stage of the recruitment. Inquiries about this position should be sent to the ISSI Executive Director, Antonella Nota (antonella.nota@issibern.ch).

ISSI is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.