Section Head International and National Affairs (INA)

About the job

Neuchâtel, Switzerland (and home office) | 100-100%

What you can contribute

• Lead the International and National Affairs Section (INA) in terms of personnel, expertise, organisation and finances
• Strategically steer the national and international positioning of the FSO and Switzerland in the field of data and statistics
• Coordinate collaboration with federal offices, cantons, international organisations and other partner institutions
• Lead and support strategic dossiers and negotiations at national and international level
• Further develop the areas of International Affairs, International Cooperation, National Affairs as well as Event Management and Back Office
• Advise the Directorate and the AK department management on political, institutional and strategic issues

What makes you unique

• University degree (Master's or equivalent), preferably in political science, international relations, social sciences, economics, law or a related field
• Several years of leadership and management experience in a political, administrative or international environment
• Proven experience in the strategic management and further development of complex organisational units and programmes
• Strong negotiation, communication and advocacy skills at national and international level
• Willingness to undertake regular business trips within Switzerland and abroad
• Active knowledge of two official languages as well as very good English skills

In a nutshell

What we offer

• Working for Switzerland We are committed to the Swiss success model and work for the benefit of the population.
• Lived diversity Thanks to equal opportunities, we develop our skills and bring in different perspectives.
• Healthy at work We support and advise our employees in the area of physical and mental health.

All benefits

Statistics matter. For you too.

The Federal Statistical Office (FSO) is the national competence centre for public statistics and a central player in the Swiss data ecosystem. It produces statistical information, advocates for harmonised data through national data management, and advances knowledge extraction from data using data science methods. In doing so, the FSO contributes to public opinion formation and makes an important contribution to modern democratic governance.

Additional information

The Federal Statistical Office actively shapes national and international data and statistics policy and represents Switzerland's interests in key national and international bodies. As Section Head International and National Affairs, you lead a versatile organisational unit and, together with the Department Management of External Relations and Communication (AK), shape the FSO's positioning towards authorities, international organisations, partner institutions and other stakeholders. You thus make a direct contribution to the further development of Switzerland's public data and statistics system, the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the establishment of the new External Relations and Communication Department (AK), with the focus of the role on the national coordination and networking of the FSO.


Application deadline: 11 October 2026

Questions about the position

Benjamin Rothen
Ambassador and Section Head
+41 58 46 36482

Questions about the application

Melisa Gonzalez
Head of Human Resources