Head of Swiss Entrepreneurship Program

The Swiss Entrepreneurship Program (Swiss EP) was launched in 2015 and operates in seven countries (Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Peru, Serbia, and Vietnam). The program has been pioneering startup ecosystem development with the funding of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). Swiss EP works closely with selected local startup support organizations, assisting them in their journey to provide support to growth-oriented startups. Through our network of international entrepreneurs, investors and subject-matter experts, we help strengthening performance of startup support organizations and deliver services of high value to their entrepreneurs, through strategic and practical advice as well as valuable international connections. Swiss EP works highly demand-driven, using a systemic approach and putting our clients first. Swiss EP’s aim is to help driven, growth-oriented entrepreneurs achieving their goals, grow and sustain their businesses, and thus creating jobs and value to local economies.

The team consists of 25 team members across 8 countries, with the Program lead being based in Zurich, Switzerland. This role has 4 direct reports, one of them also Zurich-based.

To manage the Swiss EP globally we are looking for an experienced and dynamic Head of Swiss Entrepreneurship Program as per 1st January 2025 or by arrangement.

Key Responsibilities

Requirements

Swisscontact offers attractive working conditions in an international and multicultural context. We see our work as a joint effort in an agile organizational culture: mutual respect, trust and teamwork.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents in English: letter of motivation, curriculum vitae, relevant diplomas, references and salary expectation until 29 September 2024.

Swisscontact is an independent non-profit development organisation established in 1959 by representatives of the Swiss private sector and civil society.

Our development work focuses on unleashing the potential of private initiatives in developing and emerging countries. We foster sustainable and inclusive economic development with the objective of improving the quality of life for all.

Our work is based on three foundational pillars: We strengthen the competencies of individuals so they can improve their income and their opportunities for employment; we enhance the competitiveness of businesses to help them grow and become more resilient; we promote socio-economic systems that favour comprehensive development for widespread prosperity.

The organisation is currently active in over 130 projects in 41 countries with around 1400 employees. It is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland.