Co-Head Skills, Jobs and Income Team (F/M/D) 80 - 100%

Co-Head Skills, Jobs and Income Team (F/M/D) 80 - 100%

Helvetas is an organization specialized in development cooperation and humanitarian response, anchored in Switzerland. Our vision is a just world in which all people determine the 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 motivated individual to join our organization as per September 1, 2024, or upon agreement.

Skills, Jobs, and Income (SJI) is one of Helvetas' three thematic working areas. The SJI team provides advisory services to HELVETAS programmes and external clients. It consists of around 13 highly motivated and qualified experts who focus on the thematic working fields of Private Sector Development, Vocational Skills, and Basic Education.

YOUR MAIN TASKS

• As Co-Head of the Skills, Jobs and Income team, your main tasks include:
• Develop and enhance the impact of the SJI team including through internal services, acquisition support, AS and IP mandates, effective capacity planning of the team and team motivation;
• Assure the thematic quality of the SJI advisory services, and – together with colleagues from International programmes – of our SJI projects and programmes;
• Steer the further development of the thematic working area;
• Position Helvetas in relevant international fora as competent and experienced organisation in SJI;
• Mentor and support thematic advisors both at the head office and in partner countries;
• Foster inter-team collaboration and exchange between SJI and the three other advisory services teams;
• Contribute to developing a balanced portfolio that ensures the team's financial viability.

We expect you to have thematic competence in one or more of the working fields of the Skills, Jobs and Income team and to also work as a thematic advisor in your field of experience, with frequent duty trips abroad, including to fragile contexts. You will collaborate with the other Co-Head of the Skills, Jobs and Income team.

YOUR QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in economics, business administration, international development or other relevant studies, optional a PhD related to the working area.
• At least seven years of experience in development, including at least five years of continuous long-term assignments in the Global South / East and experience in short-term consultancy assignments.
• Leadership experience and proven ability to motivate, coach, and mentor individuals and teams.
• Excellent knowledge of and experience in several key topics of the SJI working area, like private sector development, inclusive green economy, entrepreneurship and skills development, decent work etc.
• Knowledge of private sector engagement and partnership development would be an asset.
• Knowledge of inclusive (market) systems development and training and coaching competencies in this domain will be appreciated.
• Conceptual, methodological competencies in development cooperation & analytical strength
• Excellent listening and advisory skills, intercultural and gender sensitivity, able to establish and maintain a good advisor-client relationship.
• Excellent spoken and written English, German, Spanish and/or French.

OUR OFFER

We offer you an interesting opportunity in a motivated team with attractive working conditions. You can expect to work in a multicultural setting in the center of Zurich or Bern, with opportunities to travel to our partner countries.

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.

We look forward to receiving your complete application including CV, motivation letter, work certificates and diplomas by July 10, 2024, via our online recruiting portal. For further information please contact Sandra Leite, Recruiting Manager, +41 368 65 77, or visit our website www.helvetas.org.