Professional Skills Development Advisor 80 - 100 %

• 04 September 2026
• 80 - 100%
• Indefinite duration
• Bern

Professional Skills Development Advisor 80 - 100 %

Helvetas is an organization specialized in development cooperation and humanitarian response, anchored in Switzerland and operating in more than 35 countries in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. Our vision is a just world in which all people determine the course of their lives with dignity and security, using environmental resources sustainably.

For our Skills, Jobs and Income team based in Zurich and Bern, we are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated professional skills development advisor to join us starting from 1 November 2026, or by agreement, and contribute to strengthening the thematic positioning and advisory portfolio of Helvetas.

Skills, Jobs and Income (SJI) is one of the three thematic areas of Helvetas. The team consists of approximately 12 highly motivated and qualified experts, focusing on private sector development, professional skills development, and basic education.

YOUR MAIN TASKS

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

YOUR QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's in education, economics, business administration, international development, or another field relevant to the position, or a BSc with relevant additional experience and training.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in international development cooperation, including at least 3 years of field experience in the Global South/East.
• Experience in multiple countries and short-term advisory missions is highly appreciated. Particularly strong candidates with approximately 10-15 years of relevant experience may be considered at the senior advisor level.
• Proven expertise in dual vocational training, with experience in private sector engagement in professional skills development, youth employment, market systems development, and vocational training reform is highly appreciated.
• Experience in non-formal skills development and/or skills development in humanitarian and fragile contexts is highly appreciated. Additional expertise in green skills, impact-linked finance, or alternative education is an advantage.
• Good network within the Swiss private sector and/or professional associations, with the ability to develop partnerships and mobilize private sector actors for professional skills development.
• Strong project management and advisory skills, with proven experience in acquisition, particularly of advisory service mandates, proposal development, and client relations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills in multicultural environments and effective use of digital and AI tools.
• Excellent oral and written proficiency in German and English. French and other additional languages are an advantage.
• Availability to travel 4 to 5 times per year, including to fragile contexts.

OUR OFFER

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

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

READY TO APPLY?

Please submit your complete application (cover letter, CV, and certificates) before 27 September 2026 via our online portal. For any questions regarding this position, please contact Rob Van Hout, Senior Private Sector Development Advisor, +41 31 385 10 32, or visit our website www.helvetas.org.

Please note that the contract will be based on Swiss conditions. Due to restrictions related to Swiss work permits, only applications from Swiss nationals, EU citizens, as well as current holders of a work permit for Switzerland can be considered.