Head of the Higher Education Coordination Unit (Activity rate: 80–100%)

About the job

We are looking for a person available from 1 January 2027 for the position of Head of the Higher Education Coordination Unit at the Higher Education & Law Coordination Unit of the General Secretariat of the Conference of Cantonal Directors of Public Education (CDIP).

Head of the Higher Education Coordination Unit Activity rate: 80–100%

Information about the employer

In Switzerland, education and culture are primarily the responsibility of the cantons. Their work is coordinated at the intercantonal level by the 26 cantonal directors of public education, who form a political body based on the school concordat: the Conference of Cantonal Directors of Public Education (CDIP). Its General Secretariat manages the dossiers (working languages: German and French).

Your tasks

• Be a member of the Management Board
• Lead the Higher Education Coordination Unit technically, financially and operationally, as well as the staff attached to it
• Ensure intercantonal coordination and political cooperation with the Confederation in the field of higher education
• Ensure intercantonal coordination in the field of teacher training and pedagogical-therapeutic professions
• Represent the interests of the CDIP in bodies and working groups active at the intercantonal and national levels
• Prepare and manage political dossiers for the CDIP bodies relating to the coordination unit
• Apply and develop intercantonal and international law regarding diploma recognition
• Design workflows and digital processes in compliance with the legal bases governing administrative procedures

Your profile

• You have several years of experience in leadership positions.
• You have a solid background in administrative law and are very familiar with the functioning of public administration.
• You possess a good knowledge of the Swiss higher education system, particularly regarding teacher training and pedagogical-therapeutic professions.
• A strong network in the field of education is an asset.
• You have excellent command of French or German and also very good knowledge of the other language; knowledge of Italian or English is a plus.
• You have excellent writing and communication skills.
• You have experience in designing workflows and digital processes as well as in project management.

Your benefits

We offer you an attractive position within a motivated team working at the interface of education policy and administration. Our workplace is located in the centre of Bern, close to the train station. Working conditions are set according to the personnel law of the canton of Bern.

Your next steps

Please send your application dossier with the usual documents by 5 October 2026 by email (Button "Apply").

For further information, you can contact Daniel Müller, co-head of the Higher Education & Law Coordination Unit (031 309 51 20, daniela.mueller(at)edk.ch).