Articoli del blog

Essential Skills and In-Demand Profiles for Careers in Humanitarian Settings

Experts give advice: explore the essential skills and in-demand profiles needed in humanitarian aid.

Illustration of people studying historical artifacts and scrolls.

23 Gennaio 2025 |

21st-Century Teaching and Learning Competences – Preparing Professionals for What Lies Ahead in International Cooperation

Discover how educational institutions can better prepare young professionals for the dynamic challenges of international...

Robot and person with digital charts and icons.

17 Gennaio 2025 |

The Future of the Labour Market: Strategies for Professionals to Adapt to New Trends

Experts from NGOs, donors, and educational institutions shared insights on the future of the international cooperation...

Illustration of People arranging icons on large gears background.

7 Gennaio 2025 |

The Adapting Role of Global North Professionals in International Cooperation

How professionals and organisations from the Global North must adapt their roles to embed localisation in their actions...

Abstract illustration of woman meditating by lake with trees and sun.",

10 Dicembre 2024 |

Work-Life Balance in International Cooperation: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities

Work-life balance remains a universal challenge. This article shares key insights from professionals working in the...

Person selecting virtual justice icon on screen.

5 Dicembre 2024 |

Inside EBRD: How Swiss Legal Professionals Can Thrive in International Development

Expert tips from Elie Raimond on how Swiss legal professionals can succeed at the EBRD.

Hand holding green globe with sustainability icons.

25 Novembre 2024 |

Inside EBRD: Green Banking Careers – Shaping Sustainable Energy Finance

EBRD's Energy Eurasia MEA team offers Swiss professionals the unique opportunity to shape sustainable development while...

Icons of eye, ear, handshake, plant, chess piece, target.",

6 Novembre 2024 |

Networking Like a Pro at Forum cinfo 2024

In Swiss international cooperation, where relationships are key, networking is more than helpful - it is essential...

Group of people smiling outdoors on a balcony.

31 Ottobre 2024 |

Navigating the Intersection of Climate and Finance: Nikolai’s Role in Blended Finance at IDB Invest

In this interview, Nikolai Orgland shares insights into his responsibilities, the unique work culture at IDB Invest, and...

Wooden block tower on a table with scattered pieces.

Choosing what to keep in a changing world

The quest to determine which knowledge to preserve and pass on is complex. To begin with: What is knowledge?

Group of people standing in front of wall with various flags.

7 Ottobre 2024 |

Embracing the Challenge: A Swiss Perspective on the Rewarding Experience of the AfDB Young Professionals Programme

Grace Karekezi is a Swiss national who successfully navigated the African Development Bank’s (AfDB) Young Professionals...

Two people sitting on stacks of books with laptops.",

Knowledge at Risk: What Happens When Boomers Retire?

As the baby boomer generation exits the workforce, some organisations face a knowledge retention challenge.

Colorful illustration of people with speech and thought bubbles.

Building a Culture of Knowledge Sharing

In the international cooperation sector, knowledge management is embedded within an organisation’s culture and systems...

Collage of three images with groups of people.

Getting Work Experience in International Cooperation: Insights from Young Professionals

Entering the field of international cooperation is a dream for many young professionals driven by a desire to contribute...

Entrance to the Headquarter of the EBRD in London

Working with a Bank Committed to Improving People's Lives

Could a job at the EBRD be for you? Read more about its workforce, which profiles it is looking for and how to join...

Two people standing in a desert landscape under a clear sky.

14 Agosto 2024 |

Vincent

Bürgy

"The mountains around Kabul remind me of Switzerland"

Christof Portmann has worked for the UN refugee agency UNHCR for over 15 years and is currently working in Afghanistan...

Group of backpackers talking in a bright room.

Theory vs. Practical Experience in International Cooperation: Finding the Right Balance

Pursuing a career in international cooperation often raises a critical question: how important is further education...

Abstract illustration of human brain with circuitry and symbols.

More than Data: Why Knowledge Needs Humans

Knowledge transfer is important. This is true when an employee leaves an organisation or when there is a change of role.

Group of older men sitting indoors in traditional clothing.

25 Luglio 2024 |

Valmire

Murseli

Building bridges in Afghanistan – insights from Daniel Endres

During an internal Lunch and Learn session, cinfo staff had the opportunity to listen to Daniel Endres talk about his...

Illustration of two women on a balancing board; one is carrying a business folder and the other is holding a child in her arms.

16 Maggio 2024 |

Gabriela

Steinemann

How Swiss women working in multilateral organisations integrate family and career

Building a multilateral career as a Swiss woman requires flexibility, creativity and sacrifice. 8 women shared their...

the business district in Incheon, Korea, with the headquarter of the GCF.

16 Aprile 2024 |

Jennifer

Hauser-Seiz

From Switzerland to South Korea: Working at the Heart of Climate Action

Swiss national Tennessee Chappuis, Talent Acquisition and Onboarding Officer at GCF, tells us about his role and life in...

Further education international cooperation

Is Further Education Right for You? Ask Yourself These Questions First

In the ever-evolving world of international cooperation, further education is often cited as the key to becoming or...

Localisation: No 'World Work' without 'Inner Work'

The movement to shift power and decolonise the international cooperation sector has been recognised as an essential...

Duty of Care for NGOs in international cooperation: what it is and how it can be improved

As an NGO working in international cooperation, you are responsible for protecting your staff, wherever they are based...

14 Settembre 2023 |

Travelling with some "do-gooding" on the side - reflections on voluntourism

While it is possible to buy experiences abroad, the real opportunities that can launch or advance a career in...

Beyond 'localisation': embracing locally led practices

For almost 30 years, institutional discussions have emphasised local ownership, the active involvement and empowerment...

Level of trustworthiness volunteer organisation

6 Agosto 2023 |

Quality check: Assessing volunteering opportunities

For the uninitiated, determining the integrity of an organisation offering volunteer opportunities can be challenging...

Collaboration and facilitation in international context

4 Luglio 2023 |

Development cooperation: working in complex systems

Social systems are highly complex; a development practitioner must acknowledge that personal contribution, though often...

20 Giugno 2023 |

Voluntary work, charity work or volunteering – do they bring career benefits?

While some people are happy to take a "time-out", others prefer to get a taste of the professional field of...

13 Giugno 2023 |

Why you should be on UN rosters

If you aspire to work with the UN, being on a UN roster is an essential step towards achieving your goal. But wait –...

Volunteering international cooperation humanitarian aid development aid

4 Maggio 2023 |

Voluntary work, charity work, volunteering – what is what?

Terms such as 'voluntary work', 'benevolat', 'assignments' or 'volunteering' can conjure up certain images and ideas. In...

2 Maggio 2023 |

Chloé

Favre

Design thinking: an innovative tool in the problem-solving toolbox of international cooperation

"Now go change the world!" was the opening line of the design thinking workshop at Forum cinfo 2022. Easier said than...

From Chad and Colombia, two participants tell all about the SDG Youth Programme – the perfect way to start working in international cooperation

Julia Bosson and Vasco Ferreira da Costa both work as trainees at international cooperation organisations as...

20 Aprile 2023 |

The power of attitude: preparing for the future of international cooperation

As an experienced professional in today’s international cooperation world, you probably already have a wealth of...

“Understanding the realities of the communities with which your organisation works is essential” 

Anja Delaquis is a trainee with Helvetas in Nepal. In this interview, she shares her experience working in Nepal and how...

29 Marzo 2023 |

The power of attitude: developing social and personal skills for a career in international cooperation

As a young professional entering the sector, you may think that expertise and technical skills are the most important...

14 Marzo 2023 |

Jennifer

Hauser-Seiz

Localisation - can you still contribute as a professional from the Global North?

In international development, the process of handing over more decision-making power and resources to local actors is...

22 Febbraio 2023 |

The difference between private banking and multilateral finance: insights from Matthias Hedinger

Matthias Hedinger, a Principal Investment Officer at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), tells us about his...

Accessing social security in an unpredictable global career situation

At the beginning of our international careers, we tend to disregard social security, but later wish we had addressed...

9 Febbraio 2023 |

Networking: no need to panic

More than just a few of us are uncomfortable with networking. We want to connect with others, but for many this means...

24 Gennaio 2023 |

Sina

Baranyai

Professionals in international cooperation – finding the right balance as a family

People interested in international cooperation often wonder if it aligns with starting a family. At Forum cinfo 22...

9 Gennaio 2023 |

On the importance of keywords in UN applications, and more tips on how to get hired by the UN

All who have considered applying to the UN have certainly heard about the fierce competition. We asked an expert to...

28 Dicembre 2022 |

What does a working day at the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in Nairobi look like? A Digital Financial Services Specialist gives us an overview

Adrian Mattmann (34) is a Digital Financial Services Specialist for the International Finance Corporation in Nairobi. We...

"The International Finance Corporation needs innovative minds and fresh people to challenge us"

Many paths lead to the financial sector of multilateral cooperation – Senior Insurance Specialist Martin Buehler had...

28 Novembre 2022 |

How competitive is entry into international cooperation, and how does that compare to climbing?

Who would have thought that starting an international career is not much different from standing in front of a climbing...

1+1 = 3 | How job sharing creates value for an organisation

The job sharing duo of Lisa and Tony is intergenerational, gender-mixed and complementary in terms of the experience...

Eight career anchors: which ones drive your career?

Dedication to a cause? Autonomy? Security? Faced with a career choice, what is your priority, and what would you never...

Working at the World Bank through the eyes of Senior HR Specialist Mary Amanda Reinauer

Working with a multilateral development bank, such as the World Bank (WB), can be highly attractive. But only some are...

"How do I want to live my life within the system? What is my role?" Looking back on a year full of highlights and challenges for an SDG Youth Programme trainee

Luc Bitterli participated in the first cohort of the SDG Youth Programme. As an intern at Swisscontact, he gained work...

6 Ottobre 2022 |

How to network successfully at career events

Networking is more than helpful - it is essential to a successful career. This is even more true in a sector like Swiss...

29 Settembre 2022 |

Roya

Milani

Médecins sans Frontières: "How we pioneered job sharing in our field programmes"

Médecins sans Frontières introduced job sharing in Iraq and reduced the turnover rate for this complex position.

6 Settembre 2022 |

Swiss Mission

Geneva

Switzerland at the UN by the Swiss of the UN

Switzerland became a member state of the United Nations on 10 September 2002. Twenty years later, the presence of Swiss...

31 Agosto 2022 |

Are you "cheating on your employer" by attending a career event?

As a professional, you may wonder whether it’s an act of disloyalty to your employer if you attend a career event such...

Diversity and inclusion in the international cooperation labour market

Diversity and inclusion: is the sector on the right track?

Are diversity and inclusion adequately addressed in the Swiss labour market of international cooperation? cinfo and BASS...

6 Luglio 2022 |

Jane

Carter

"Sometimes you must compromise if you want a family – but I stress compromise, not sacrifice"

This is the third of three blogs exploring the challenges and opportunities associated with raising a family whilst...

22 Giugno 2022 |

Ursula

Jenny

"The fear that all employees will demand unpaid leave is completely unfounded"

Solidar Suisse offers its employees unpaid leave and unpaid parental leave so that they can dedicate their time to other...

22 Giugno 2022 |

"Being Swiss, we tend to be a bit reserved. Get out of your comfort zone, don’t be afraid to network and make yourself seen!"

David Müller, working for UNDP with SDG investing, talks about his fascination with Africa, maintaining a good work-life...

Working with disabilities, United Nations

1 Giugno 2022 |

Gabriela

Steinemann

"Talent has no boundaries" – The UN is seeking to recruit persons with disabilities

Are you a professional living with disabilities and interested in working for the United Nations? We encourage you to...

25 Maggio 2022 |

Isabel

Günther

People sometimes need change to evolve – sometimes without a reason

NADEL employees can take an unpaid leave for no particular reason and on a regular basis.

18 Maggio 2022 |

Lucy

Bamforth

Medair: "Our Diversity and Inclusion journey"

During the Forum cinfo 2021, Medair held a session to discuss their organisational journey towards integrating Diversity...

Co-chairing an HR department

Manuela and Kathrin, a job-sharing duo, tell us how they run the HR department of Helvetas. Discover the lessons learned...

An insight into the financial dynamics of WHO with Saran Thierwächter

Saran Thierwächter is a Finance Officer at the World Health Organisation (WHO). At the end of last year, he discussed...

20 Aprile 2022 |

Jane

Carter

"It's amazing how quickly one adapts to life in a new country": The spouse's view

During the Forum cinfo 2021 we held a session to discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with raising a...

5 Aprile 2022 |

Are you "extremely motivated"?

Applicants often have difficulty with their cover letters and commonly resort to using empty phrases. Many seem to...

30 Marzo 2022 |

Loredana

Contaldi

How our employee Simon became a digital nomad

A private sector company outlines the benefits and obstacles of mobile working. Get inspired.

21 Marzo 2022 |

"If you really want to understand the country, try to spend as much time as possible outside the expat bubble"

Luc Bitterli is a trainee for Swisscontact in Bangladesh. In this interview, he shares what motivates him, his most...

14 Marzo 2022 |

"When working abroad, you sometimes have to be relaxed enough to deal with upcoming issues day by day"

Anja Hungerbuehler is doing an internship as an Innovation Capacity Amplifier with HEKS in Cambodia. In this interview...

1 Marzo 2022 |

Natacha

Wicht

Learning to take care of yourself before taking care of others

Since finishing nursing school, Rebecca had the idea of being a humanitarian health worker. She joined us for a virtual...

28 Febbraio 2022 |

Positioning your career in a post-pandemic world

Michael Emery, HR Director of IOM-UN Migration, engages in a tough talk with journalist Nicoletta Cimmino on (post-...

21 Febbraio 2022 |

"Working in a fragile and complex context takes a bit of humility"

Farook Doomun, Deputy Representative for Operations at UNICEF talks about his experience in fragile humanitarian...

24 Gennaio 2022 |

Jane

Carter

An international childhood? It was a great start in life!

During the Forum cinfo 2021, we held a session to discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with raising a...

17 Gennaio 2022 |

"I never regretted leaving my well-paid job in Switzerland to start from scratch with an NGO in Colombia"

At the age of 35, Tony Zuber changed his career and started working in international cooperation abroad. In this...

14 Gennaio 2022 |

"It’s a life of extremes – on the one hand, the most rewarding work there is, on the other, the most draining and demanding"

Karin Hofmann had worked several years in conflict zones with the ICRC. She talks about her most challenging experiences...

11 Gennaio 2022 |

"Impact investing is critical for providing investments where capital is scarce and for building capacities locally"

Eva Tschannen is Head of Technical Assistance at the impact investment firm, responsAbility. She talks about sustainable...

6 Gennaio 2022 |

"Prepare yourself and be mindful; you will not get a second chance to make a first impression"

As an expat, it is not always easy to find your place in a new team in a foreign country – Anvar Sabzaliev has...

1 Dicembre 2021 |

Guillaume

Wegmüller

"Ce sont les petites décisions qui façonnent notre vie", entretien avec Christian Castelli

Rencontrez Christian Castelli, Policy and Best Practice Officer auprès de la Force intérimaire des Nations unies au...

2 Novembre 2021 |

"We should all take an interest in our future. It's where professionals and organisations have to evolve to remain relevant"

Gerd Leonhard, a leading futurist, shares his main observations and foresight for the next ten years and what they might...

«Der Klimawandel ist ein globales Thema, wobei die UNO eine unersetzliche Rolle spielt», Interview mit Martina Volpe Donlon

Lernen Sie Martina Volpe Donlon, Leiterin der Klimakommunikation bei der UNO in New York, kennen.

25 Settembre 2021

«Die WHO ist die Weltfeuerwehr», Interview mit Gaudenz Silberschmidt

Lernen Sie Gaudenz Silberschmidt, Direktor der Abteilung Health and Multilateral Partnerships der...

What is required for a posting in international cooperation?

What skills should you have (or be able to learn easily on the job) for a posting abroad, for example as a UN Youth...

1 Luglio 2021

"Il est important de montrer que l'ONU est plus qu'un forum pour résoudre des conflits", entretien avec Aline Stössel

Rencontrez Aline Stössel, stagiaire auprès des Nations unies à Genève.

15 Giugno 2021

«Unser Ziel ist eine Welt ohne Hunger», Interview mit Corinne Fleischer

Lernen Sie Corinne Fleischer, Direktorin des UNO-Welternährungsprogramm (WFP) für den Nahen Osten und Nordafrika, kennen...

1 Giugno 2021 |

Association

Suisse-ONU

"L’ONU est bien loin d’être obsolète", entretien avec Mirko Manzoni

Rencontrez Mirko Manzoni, envoyé personnel du Secrétaire général de l’ONU pour le Mozambique.

Why networking between Swiss UN staff is essential

There are currently around 300 Swiss nationals working at the United Nations. Often, they do not know their Swiss...

"Saisir les opportunités et être à l’écoute de soi", entretien avec Gilles Cerutti

Rencontrez Gilles Cerutti, Conseiller Stratégique du Président du CICR.

«Die Schweiz hat den Dialog und die Kompromissfindung in der DNA», Interview mit Frank Grütter

Lernen Sie Frank Grütter, Botschafter, Leiter der UNO-Abteilung im Eidgenössischen Departement für auswärtige...

"Connecter et rassembler", entretien avec Nadia Isler

Rencontrez Nadia Isler, Fondatrice et Directrice du SDG Lab.

1 Febbraio 2021

«Schweizer Fachleute können einen wichtigen Beitrag in der UNO leisten», Interview mit Karin Grimm

Lernen Sie Karin Grimm, Policy Specialist (Women, Peace and Security) bei UN Women in Mali, kennen.

International cooperation: new challenges in the labour market

The international cooperation labour market has expanded significantly over the past decade. However, governmental and...

"L'ONU n'est pas en crise, mais en transformation", entretien avec Salman Bal

Rencontrez Salman Bal, Directeur du Centre d’Accueil de la Genève Internationale (CAGI).

Clichés working in international cooperation

Working in international cooperation: five clichés you should be aware of

Not sure how to get started on pursuing your interest in a career in international cooperation? Be aware of these...

17 Febbraio 2020 |

Loraine

Ding

The cornerstones of organisational transformation

Professionals from a variety of organisations tell us about their path to innovation. Find here the key takeaways.

Internship, traineeship or junior programme? What else?

Internships and co. give you the opportunity to gain work experience in international cooperation. How do they differ...

1 Febbraio 2020 |

Dino

Beerli

Innovation in non-profit organisations

Should NGOs and NPOs be innovative? If so, how do you develop innovation in organisations whose intention is to provide...

A fund to foster innovation

Swiss Solidarity launched an innovation fund to support the Swiss NGOs to develop innovation within their projects...

10 Gennaio 2020 |

"The richest experience I've ever had", Vittoria Groh

Vittoria Groh spent one year in Haiti as part of the talent programme "Swiss Youth at the United Nations". She talks us...

Making innovation visible

Maya Shah, Innovation Coordinator at Médecins Sans Frontières, believes innovation is a permanent challenge to the...

Innovation is a must for NGOs

Thierry Agagliate, Head of Innovation at Terre des Hommes, understands innovation not just as an invention or a new idea...

17 Agosto 2018 |

Milena

Cuzzucoli

"You learn a lot by doing", Helen Stevenson

Helen Stevenson spent one year in Central Asia as part of the talent programme "Swiss Youth at the United Nations". She...

10 Agosto 2018 |

Milena

Cuzzucoli

"Be prepared for new challenges and stressful situations, but also for a fulfilling experience", Mirco Keller

Mirco Keller spent one year in Burundi as part of the talent programme "Swiss Youth at the United Nations". He talks us...

15 Novembre 2016 |

Sandra

Rothböck

The changing landscape of international cooperation

New actors take their role in international cooperation, aid modalities are in transformation and the SDGs set new...

3 Ottobre 2016 |

"My job at a UN agency", Eva Mennel

Meet Eva Mennel, Director Human Resources at UNICEF. Learn more about her position and career path.

10 Agosto 2016 |

Vittoria

Groh

"The gap between what I imagined and what I experienced was considerable, in a positive way", Sabina Stein

Sabina Stein spent one year in Colombia as part of the talent programme "Swiss Youth at the United Nations". She talks...

4 Aprile 2016 |

"Living and working within the United Nations system", Nathalie Meyer

Meet Nathalie Meyer, Social Policy Specialist within the NETI Programme, UNICEF. Learn more about her position and...

7 Marzo 2016 |

"My job in a development bank", Carlos Mollinedo

Meet Carlos Mollinedo, Chief Strategy Economist at the African Development Bank. Learn more about his position and...

1 Febbraio 2016 |

"My job in a development bank", Katharina Falkner-Olmedo

Meet Katharina Falkner-Olmedo, Division Chief at the Inter-American Development Bank. Learn more about her position and...

1 Febbraio 2016 |

"My job in a Swiss NGO for children's aid", Sylvain Fournier

Meet Sylvain Fournier, Country Representative for Terre des hommes. Learn more about his position and career path.

4 Gennaio 2016 |

"My job with an international humanitarian aid organisation", Christelle Crot

Meet Christelle Crot, Technical Advisor at Médecins Sans Frontières. Learn more about her position and career path.

19 Dicembre 2015 |

Omar

Azzabi

"I felt keenly the weight of responsibility as I went about my duties", Omar Azzabi

Omar Azzabi spent one year in West Africa as part of the talent programme "Swiss Youth at the United Nations". He talks...

1 Novembre 2015 |

"My job in a development bank", Jean-Luc Bernasconi

Meet Jean-Luc Bernasconi, Lead Economist at the World Bank in Tunis. Learn more about his position and career path.

"My job in a corporate foundation", Miren Bengoa

Meet Miren Bengoa, Executive Director of the Chanel Corporate Foundation. Learn more about her position and career path.

"My job at a UN agency", Jeremias Blaser

Meet Jeremias Blaser, Deputy Country Director for UNDP in Ghana. Learn more about his position and career path.

"My job as a programme coordinator in an NGO", Jens Engeli

Meet Jens Engeli, Programme coordinator at Helvetas. Learn more about his position and career path.

"My job in peace promotion", Rachel Gasser

Meet Rachel Gasser, Deputy Head of the Mediation Program at swisspeace. Learn more about her position and career path.

3 Agosto 2015 |

"My job as an NGO programme manager", Fortunat Büsch

Meet Fortunat Büsch, Programme Manager at the Swiss Red Cross. Learn more about his position and career path.

6 Luglio 2015 |

"My career in international financial institutions", Laurent Corthay

Meet Laurent Corthay, Specialist in private sector development with the World Bank. Learn more about his position and...

1 Giugno 2015 |

"My job as a programme officer at the Swiss Confederation", Barbara Profeta

Meet Barbara Profeta, Programme Officer at the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. Learn more about her position and...

15 Maggio 2015 |

Sandrina

Moreira

"This year contributed greatly to my personal and professional development", Julia Moser

Julia Moser spent one year in Sri Lanka as part of the talent programme "Swiss Youth at the United Nations". She talks...

1 Marzo 2015 |