Discover IC Panorama
What does international cooperation mean? In the panorama of the IC working world you will find definitions, actors and career examples.
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA forms and coordinates Swiss foreign policy on behalf of the Federal Council, pursues foreign policy objectives, safeguards the interests of Switzerland and promotes Swiss values. The FDFA's foreign policy goals and interests are co-determination and participation in international organisations and committees of importance to Switzerland, coherent foreign policy, quality and efficiency of Swiss diplomatic and consular activities, and raising awareness of foreign policy among the population.
Working for FDFA
The FDFA employs about 6000 workers at its headquarters in Berne and in its 170 missions across more than 100 countries. Around 360 diplomats and 500 consular staff represent Swiss interests and contribute to the formulation and implementation of its foreign policy in areas of politics, economics, culture, environment, scientific development, human rights, migration, security, peacebuilding, humanitarian law, and human resources. As an employer, the FDFA offers a vast range of employment opportunities in a variety of disciplines and provides its employees with broad development and training opportunities.
Sought profiles
- Diplomats
- Consular staff
- Programme associates – Programme of Promotion of Junior Staff
- Experts in civilian peacebuilding
- Junior Professional Officer (JPOJunior Professional Officer ) Programme
- Graduates for internships in Switzerland and abroad
- Graduates for internships in International Organisations
Opportunities for students and junior professionals
Diplomatic and Consular Concours
To recruit for the diplomatic or consular career, the FDFA conducts a multi-stage competitive recruitment process, called the Concours, and trains successful applicants in Switzerland and abroad.
Learn more about the Diplomatic Concours
Learn more about the Consular Concours
Learn more about Programme associates – Programme of Promotion of Junior Staff
Internships at the tertiary level
University and technical school students or recent graduates can gain their first work experience in their field of expertise thanks to internship opportunities within the Federal Administration. There is a range of opportunities from the fields of politics, economics, law and culture to environmental issues. A college internship in Switzerland or abroad can be an excellent start to a career with the FDFA.
Learn more about internships at the tertiary level
Portraits of employees
Headquarters
Berne, Switzerland
Fields of activity
European policies, financial centres, economics, development cooperation, humanitarian law, human rights, human security, defence policy, cooperation in international organisations, environment, transport, energy, health, consular services, visa services
Countries of operation
Worldwide
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