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Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation: Career Opportunities for 2026

The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is the Federal Council's centre of excellence for international cooperation, humanitarian aid, and the coordination of Swiss development policy. Headquartered in Bern with a global network of field offices, the SDC implements Switzerland's commitment to reducing global poverty, promoting sustainable development, and providing life-saving assistance in crisis zones. As we look toward 2026, the agency is strategically expanding its workforce to address emerging global challenges, including climate change adaptation, food security, and conflict mediation. This expansion will create a significant number of new Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation jobs across various professional domains, offering meaningful careers for individuals dedicated to making a tangible impact on the world stage.

Our 2026 strategic hiring plan focuses on bolstering expertise in digital transformation for development, climate finance, and public health systems strengthening. We anticipate openings for both headquarters-based roles in Switzerland and field positions in partner countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. These Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation careers are designed for professionals who thrive in multicultural environments and are adept at navigating complex geopolitical contexts. The hiring process for these roles is meticulous, seeking candidates who not only possess technical qualifications but also demonstrate a deep alignment with Swiss values of neutrality, integrity, and partnership.

Current Job Openings and Application Process

Prospective candidates can find all active Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation vacancies on the official FDFA job portal, as well as on international platforms like LinkedIn and ReliefWeb. Typical openings range from thematic advisors and programme managers to finance controllers, humanitarian experts, and governance specialists. Each job description provides detailed information on responsibilities, required qualifications, duty station, and contract duration. It is crucial to tailor your application specifically to the position, highlighting relevant field experience, language skills in German, French, English, or other relevant languages, and a proven track record in project management within a multilateral or bilateral agency context.

The application process for Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation employment is highly competitive and typically involves several stages. After an initial screening of submitted documents, shortlisted candidates are usually invited for a first interview, often conducted virtually. Successful candidates from this round may then face a second, more in-depth interview panel and potentially a written assessment. The entire process, from application deadline to final offer, can take several weeks. We strongly advise applicants to submit their materials well before the deadline and to ensure all requested documents, including diplomas and reference letters, are translated into an official Swiss language or English as required.

Working Culture and Employee Benefits

Choosing a career with the SDC means joining a community of highly motivated experts driven by a shared purpose. The working culture is collaborative, professional, and grounded in a strong ethos of mutual respect and continuous learning. Employees benefit from a dynamic environment where innovative approaches to development challenges are encouraged. Whether based at the headquarters in Bern or at a cooperation office in Dakar or Kathmandu, staff engage directly with policy formulation, programme design, and on-the-ground implementation, seeing the direct results of their work.

In terms of Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation employee benefits, the agency offers a comprehensive package that reflects its status as a federal administration body. This includes a competitive salary based on Swiss federal wage scales, generous vacation allowances, and an excellent pension scheme. For international postings, additional benefits such as expatriation allowances, housing support, family relocation assistance, and access to international schools are provided. Furthermore, the SDC invests heavily in the professional development of its staff through dedicated training programmes, funding for further education, and opportunities for lateral movement and advancement within the broader Swiss federal administration network.