Head International Affairs

Head International Affairs

80%-100%, Zurich, permanent

At the Office of the President we provide strategic and operational services to advance ETH Zurich and the President's vision and priorities. Within the staff unit, International Affairs is the know-how hub and therefore the first point of contact for international affairs at ETH Zurich. Our International Affairs team coordinates the international institutional relations of ETH Zurich and supports faculty, students, departments, and administrative units in their international relations for research and education.

We are seeking a passionate, convincing, and far-sighted personality to lead our International Affairs team.

Job description

The backbone of ETH Zurich’s partnerships are the thousands of individual contacts of its researchers with their peers around the globe. In addition, ETH Zurich is a member of selected international alliances and networks and maintains student exchange agreements with partner universities. The International Affairs team supports these contacts on the institutional level through partnerships with universities and research centres, the Swissnex network, Swiss and foreign embassies, chambers of commerce, and other institutions. At the national level there is close cooperation with international offices of other Swiss universities, with the federal administration (e.g., SERI, SDC) and research agencies (SNSF, Innosuisse).

As the head of International Affairs, you will be responsible for a team that:

• coordinates visits of delegations and individuals from universities and other stakeholders from all over the world
• coordinates the activities related to ETH Zurich’s memberships in the university alliances and other networks
• explores emerging opportunities for institutional partnerships in countries around the globe
• provides advice to ETH Zurich faculty members and students on the special conditions of collaborating with international partners
• maintains the International Knowledge Base as a source of information for all ETH Zurich members
• acts as focal point for risk analysis related to international cooperation

You make sure that your team remains focused, partners with other teams, staff units, departments, and competence centres. You live and drive a performance culture by acting as a leader and role model to focus on timely delivery and impact of ETH Zurich’s international affairs.

Your profile

• Significant experience in international affairs and relations, preferably within higher education institutions or related organizations
• Master's or Doctoral degree in preferably natural sciences or engineering sciences, or a relevant field such as International Relations or Higher Education Administration
• Appreciation of the dynamic complexity of the geopolitical landscape as well as deep understanding and both global and national overview of the higher education sector, emergent themes, and topics
• Strategic mindset and the ability to identify opportunities for global partnerships, expand international programmes aligned with the institution’s mission and goals, and contribute to ETH Zurich’s global reputation
• Ability to cultivate and maintain partnerships with universities, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and industry partners for expanding ETH Zurich’s global network and facilitating collaborative initiatives
• Leadership experience, particularly in managing diverse teams and coordinating international initiatives and projects
• Hospitality mindset and an appreciation of being an excellent host as the first window/exposure to ETH Zurich
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for fostering relationships with international partners, stakeholders, and colleagues from diverse cultural backgrounds
• Excellent German and English language skills. Other languages are an additional asset

Your workplace

Your workplace

We offer

• Exciting tasks and projects with strategic impact
• A leadership role in a small and highly efficient team of specialists
• A dynamic international environment and cultural diversity
• Attractive working conditions, a workplace in the centre of Zurich with the option to work from home

We value diversity

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• Cover letter
• Resume/CV
• Diplomas and job references

The application can be submitted in English or German.

Please note that we only accept applications submitted through the ETH Zurich online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

Further information about the Office of the President and the International Affairs team can be found on our website Office of the President. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Jürg Brunnschweiler (E-Mail schreiben)

For recruitment services the GTC of ETH Zurich apply.

About ETH Zürich

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• Cover letter
• Resume/CV
• Diplomas and job references

The application can be submitted in English or German.

Please note that we only accept applications submitted through the ETH Zurich online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

Further information about the Office of the President and the International Affairs team can be found on our website Office of the President. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Jürg Brunnschweiler (E-Mail schreiben)

For recruitment services the GTC of ETH Zurich apply.