Overview of actors

Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
(
FDFA
)

The FDFA determines and coordinates Swiss foreign policy on behalf of the Federal Council.

The FDFA safeguards Switzerland’s foreign policy interests. It maintains relations with other states and international bodies such as the EU and the UN. It provides services for Swiss citizens abroad. The FDFA is also responsible for Switzerland’s development cooperation, humanitarian aid as well as the promotion of peace and human rights. There are around 170 Swiss representations around the world, which includes embassies, consulates, cooperation offices and missions.

Focusing on the following sustainable development goals (SDGs)

No Poverty
Zero Hunger
Good Health and Well-being
Quality Education
Gender Equality
Clean Water and Sanitation
Affordable and Clean Energy
Decent Work and Economic Growth
Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Reduced Inequalities
Sustainable Cities and Communities
Responsible Consumption and Production
Climate Action
Life Below Water
Life on Land
Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Partnerships to achieve the Goals

How we work

Switzerland implements its foreign policy in a three-tier cascading strategy. The Foreign Policy Strategy for 2020–23 sets out the Federal Council's priorities for the current legislative period. The Federal Council has also adopted geographical and thematic follow-up strategies that guide Switzerland's activities in specific priority regions and thematic areas. Finally, the FDFA adopts its own policy documents to implement the various strategies.

... and why

According to the Federal Constitution, foreign relations are the responsibility of the Confederation. The Confederation shall ensure that the independence of Switzerland and its welfare is safeguarded; it shall in particular assist in the alleviation of need and poverty in the world and promote respect for human rights and democracy, the peaceful co-existence of peoples as well as the conservation of natural resources. It shall respect the powers of the Cantons and protect their interests.

Career opportunities

Seeking candidates mainly in

Agriculture and Forestry
Banking and Finance
Construction
Economics
Education and Training
Environment and Disaster Risk Management
External Relations
Health and Nutrition
Human Resources Management
Human Rights, Law and Governance
Information and Communication Technology
Media and Communication
Migration
Monitoring and Evaluation
Political Affairs and Peacekeeping
Private Sector Development
Security and Safety
Social Development
Supply Chain Management

The FDFA values and encourages the skills of its employees. As part of the Federal Administration, the Department offers attractive, competitive and progressive employment conditions as well as ancillary salary benefits.

Opportunities offered

Internships for students yes
Traineeships/Talent programs for graduates yes
Positions/programs for young professionals yes
Staff positions for professionals yes
Senior or management positions yes
Consultancy opportunities yes
See current vacancies on cinfoPoste

Type of organisation

Government

Field(s) of activity

Development Cooperation
Humanitarian Aid
Peace Promotion and Human Security

Headquarters

Bern, Switzerland

Region(s) of operation

Eastern Europe and Central Asia
Latin America and the Caribbean
Middle East and Northern Africa
North America
South/East Asia and Pacific
Sub-Saharan Africa
Switzerland
Western and Central Europe

Number of employees

In Switzerland:
More than 1000

Outside Switzerland:
More than 1000

Learn more

Visit our website

Testimonials