Lead Communication SIPPO (20%)

The  Swiss Import Promotion Programme SIPPO  is a trade promotion programme of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO, implemented by Swisscontact. SIPPO is active in 12 partner countries and in six economic sectors. SIPPO develops capacities of local business support organisations (BSO) to improve their export promotion services to their affiliated export-oriented companies, helping them gaining access to new markets in Switzerland and the EU. This leads to stronger local export promotion systems and to better integration of SIPPO partner countries into world trade. SIPPO thus contributes to susaintable, inclusive economic growth through export.The programme is currently in its second programme phase (1 July 2021 - 31 December 2025).

For our team in Switzerland (Bern and Zurich), we are looking to recruit a dedicated member of staff immediately or by agreement for a limited contract (until 31 December 2025) as a Lead Communication (20%).

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Communication Alignment: Ensure the clear, concise, and impactful communication of SIPPO’s mission and activities, adhering to Swisscontact and SECO guidelines. Align all communication efforts with SIPPO’s core values, strategic objectives, and branding guidelines.
• Channel Management: Oversee and manage SIPPO’s key communication platforms, including the website, LinkedIn, and quarterly newsletter, in collaboration with the Head of Programme.
• Country Team Support: Provide expert guidance to SIPPO Country Teams to ensure consistency and clarity across SIPPO country websites, LinkedIn showcase pages, and staff social media communications. Develop and enforce communication standards across SIPPO’s global network.
• Content Development: Proactively identify, gather, and curate relevant and engaging content from SIPPO’s 12 country offices and headquarters. Research, edit, and create news articles and stories based on inputs from Country Teams and Sector/Topic Leads.
• Guideline Optimization: Update and refine SIPPO’s social media communication guidelines in line with emerging best practices and trends.
• Training and Capacity Building: Conduct regular training sessions for SIPPO staff on communication best practices, ensuring the team is equipped with effective communication skills and tools.
• Content Production and Performance: Oversee the end-to-end content production process, from planning and creation to publication and performance analysis across all channels. Maintain a high standard of quality and relevance for social media content and SIPPO’s quarterly newsletter.
• Internal Communication: Lead and manage SIPPO’s internal communication efforts in close coordination with the Head of Programme, fostering effective information flow and collaboration.
• Crisis Communication: Support the Head of Programme in managing crisis and conflict-sensitive communication, ensuring timely and effective responses.

 Requirements

• Educational Background: Higher education degree in Communication, Marketing, or Journalism (University or University of Applied Sciences). 
• Professional Experience: Minimum of 5 years in a senior communications role, demonstrating strategic leadership and expertise. Proven experience in social media management, publishing, and analytics at a corporate level.
• Familiarity with development cooperation, trade promotion, and international trade.
• International Exposure: Experience working in a global, multicultural environment, with a strong ability to navigate and adapt to diverse cultural contexts.
• Language Proficiency: Exceptional English and German writing skills with fluency in both languages (proficiency in French and/or Spanish is an advantage).
• Core Skills: Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills to foster collaboration and build relationships.
• A curious, thorough, determined, and self-driven mindset, paired with the ability to work collaboratively.
• Technical Expertise: Data-driven and tech-savvy, with proficiency in managing IT tools, content management systems, newsletter platforms, and AI tools. Proactively leverages these tools to optimize communication strategies.
• Sector Knowledge: Understanding of the EU/CH food, textile, and technical wood sectors is an advantage.
• Interdisciplinary Competence: Knowledge of sustainability and digitalization topics, and the ability to integrate these into communication strategies. Familiarity with Market Systems Development methodologies is a plus.

Swisscontact offers attractive working conditions in an international and intercultural 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: letter of motivation, curriculum vitae, diplomas and references. Please apply exclusively via the online application portal on our website  www.swissonctact.org .