UN jobs in Switzerland 🇨🇭

Comptroller and Director of Finance

World Health Organization · 🇨🇭 Switzerland

The Comptroller and Director of Finance serves as the principal financial advisor to the Director General and senior leadership at the World Health Organization (WHO) Headquarters in Geneva. This D2-level executive role is responsible for providing strategic and substantive advice on financial management, risk, and policy. Key responsibilities include overseeing global financial accounting, statutory reporting, treasury management, and investment strategies to ensure long-term financial stability. The incumbent leads the provision of pension and staff health insurance services, manages the Global Services Center's financial functions, and ensures compliance with international accounting standards and internal controls. The role involves chairing the Financial Management Council, coordinating with the External Auditor, and representing WHO on financial matters with Member States and partners. The ideal candidate is a senior financial leader with extensive experience in large-scale financial reform, change management, and ERP implementation within international organizations. They must demonstrate strong governance knowledge, integrity, and the ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams while navigating complex stakeholder relationships.

Director (Environment, Climate Change, One Health, Migration)

World Health Organization · 🇨🇭 Switzerland

The Director (Environment, Climate Change, One Health, Migration) leads the Department of Environment, Climate Change, One Health and Migration (ECO) within the World Health Organization's Division of Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Care. This executive role is responsible for articulating and operationalizing the department's vision to reduce the global disease burden caused by unhealthy environments. Key responsibilities include providing scientific, technical, and policy expertise to Member States, developing evidence-based WHO guidelines on climate and health, migration, air quality, and environmental health, and leading resource mobilization efforts. The Director oversees monitoring and evaluation of climate impacts, coordinates with UN agencies and partners to advance pollution control and disease prevention, and establishes early warning systems for climate-related health issues. The role requires strategic leadership to align priorities, strengthen cross-departmental collaboration, and represent WHO in global fora such as the COP. The ideal candidate possesses extensive senior leadership experience in public health or environmental sciences, with a proven track record in policy development, programme management, and international collaboration. The position demands advanced knowledge of climate change and health linkages, the ability to translate scientific evidence into policy, and strong representation skills to engage with multidisciplinary stakeholders and governments.

Associate Legal Officer

World Intellectual Property Organization · 🇨🇭 Switzerland

The Associate Legal Officer supports the resolution of global Internet domain name disputes within WIPO's Arbitration and Mediation Center. Key responsibilities include reviewing panel decisions for legal consistency, coordinating case administration, and providing input on Internet dispute resolution policies. The role involves assigning and reviewing work for Legal Case Managers, evaluating cases to propose panelist selections, and maintaining relations with users, registrars, and external partners. The incumbent represents WIPO at meetings, delivers training, and conducts legal research on IP and technical developments. The ideal candidate possesses a first-level university degree in law or a relevant discipline, along with at least three years of professional experience in intellectual property law or alternative dispute resolution. Proficiency in English is essential, with knowledge of other UN languages desirable. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills are required, alongside proficiency in digital tools, AI-enabled applications, and databases. The position is based at WIPO Headquarters in Geneva on a two-year renewable contract.

Associate Performance and Budget Analyst

World Intellectual Property Organization · 🇨🇭 Switzerland

The Associate Performance and Budget Analyst supports the Program Performance and Budget Service in planning, budgeting, and monitoring WIPO's programs. Responsibilities include analyzing financial and programmatic data, preparing budget implementation reports, and validating performance data for quarterly and annual monitoring. The role involves processing administrative actions and budget journals within ERP systems (AIMS, WePerform), serving as backup for the Associate ERP Business Administrator, and contributing to workflow reviews and system transformation projects using AI and automation. The ideal candidate holds a first-level university degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or a related field, with at least three years of professional experience in result-based management, finance, or budgeting, including proven ERP experience. Essential competencies include knowledge of Results-Based Management, strong analytical and investigative skills, proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel), and excellent written and spoken English. The position is a limited-term fixed-term post at the P2 level, based in Geneva, Switzerland, with an initial appointment of two years, renewable up to a maximum cumulative term of five years.

ERP Finance Officer

World Intellectual Property Organization · 🇨🇭 Switzerland

The ERP Finance Officer supports WIPO’s Financial ERP solution (Oracle Fusion) within the AIMS Finance and Supply Chain Management Team. The role involves optimizing accounts receivable processes, enhancing system performance, and managing the solution lifecycle including configuration, maintenance, and upgrades. The incumbent collaborates with business partners to drive continuous improvement, ensure seamless integration across financial systems, and maintain regulatory compliance. Key responsibilities include developing functional documentation, designing data integration workflows, and ensuring data security standards. The position requires strong analytical skills to translate business ideas into functional requirements and the ability to support change initiatives. The ideal candidate possesses extensive hands-on experience with Oracle Fusion Finance module implementation and administration, along with a first-level university degree in Finance, Accounting, or related fields. Excellent English proficiency is required, with French desirable. The role is based at WIPO Headquarters in Geneva.

Director, Finance Division

World Intellectual Property Organization · 🇨🇭 Switzerland

The Director of the Finance Division at WIPO leads the organization's financial strategy, focusing on digital transformation, ERP implementation, and AI integration. Reporting to the Controller, the incumbent co-creates a vision for finance innovation with the CFO, redesigns operating models, and manages change across the division. Key responsibilities include overseeing accounting close, financial reporting, treasury management, and internal controls while ensuring compliance with IPSAS and WIPO regulations. The role requires substantial managerial experience, leading multi-cultural teams, and building partnerships with Member States, oversight bodies, and private sector stakeholders. The ideal candidate possesses advanced financial expertise, proven leadership in technology-driven finance transformation, and strong strategic communication skills to engage with global IP stakeholders and governing bodies.

ICT Change Management Officer

World Intellectual Property Organization · 🇨🇭 Switzerland

The ICT Change Management Officer (P3) leads change management, stakeholder communication, and training for IT transformation initiatives within WIPO’s Business and Quality Management Unit. The role involves developing change frameworks, conducting impact assessments, and creating adoption roadmaps to minimize disruption. The incumbent drives stakeholder engagement with executive sponsors and champions, monitors transformation effectiveness via KPIs, and develops IT learning strategies to upskill staff. As a subject matter expert, the officer promotes change management best practices and leads the Community of Practice. The position requires strong analytical, communication, and digital tool proficiency, working independently under the Head of Unit with regular coordination across ICTD teams and external partners.

Program Officer (Green Technology Deployment, Partnerships & Impact)

World Intellectual Property Organization · 🇨🇭 Switzerland

The Program Officer role within WIPO’s Climate Change and Food Security Unit drives the implementation and scaling of WIPO GREEN Acceleration Projects. The incumbent translates technology matches into concrete deployment outcomes, investment opportunities, and measurable socio-economic impact. Key responsibilities include designing and coordinating projects with implementing partners, managing strategic partnerships with governments, private sector actors, and financial institutions, and monitoring portfolio performance against key performance indicators. The role requires integrating WIPO GREEN assets to facilitate linkages between technology providers and users, contributing to regional Green Technology Coalitions, and producing knowledge products and communications content. The ideal candidate possesses strong analytical, communication, and partnership-building skills, with a focus on leveraging intellectual property and innovation ecosystems to address global climate and food security challenges. This is a mid-level professional position based at WIPO Headquarters in Geneva.

Senior Economist (Data Science)

World Intellectual Property Organization · 🇨🇭 Switzerland

The Senior Economist (Data Science) at WIPO leads the development and strategic management of the Global Innovation Index (GII), a flagship product evaluating nearly 140 economies. The role involves managing the full data collection and audit process, leveraging advanced AI and data science to build modern data infrastructure, and developing innovative measurement frameworks. The incumbent provides technical advice to Member States on composite indices and innovation policy, fostering evidence-based decision-making. Key responsibilities include authoring GII chapters, coordinating with international statistical bodies, and promoting WIPO treaties. The ideal candidate possesses strong analytical skills, expertise in economics and data analytics, and experience in indicator development and team supervision.

Head of Internal Audit

World Intellectual Property Organization · 🇨🇭 Switzerland

The Head of Internal Audit provides strategic leadership and oversight for WIPO’s internal audit function within the Internal Oversight Division. The role involves developing risk-based audit strategies, ensuring high-quality delivery of audit work, and strengthening organizational accountability through sound management practices. The incumbent supervises professional and support staff, engages with senior management and stakeholders on governance and risk frameworks, and represents the section in inter-agency oversight networks. The position requires strong leadership, executive communication, and expertise in IT audit and digital tools to address technology-related risks. It is a senior-level role reporting to the Director of IOD, aimed at promoting economy, efficiency, and effectiveness across the organization.

Associate Legal Officer

World Intellectual Property Organization · 🇨🇭 Switzerland

The Associate Legal Officer supports the advancement of balanced and forward-looking international legal frameworks in patents, utility models, trade secrets, and technology. Based at WIPO Headquarters in Geneva, the role involves rigorous legal research, comparative analysis of national/regional legislations, and drafting working documents, guides, and legal opinions for WIPO technical committees. The incumbent assists in organizing training and awareness-raising activities, participates in the Secretariat of WIPO technical committees, and provides legal advice on patent law and related IP issues. The position requires excellent research and analytical skills, proficiency in drafting legal texts, and strong communication abilities. The ideal candidate holds a first-level university degree in law, preferably with specialization in intellectual property or a technical/scientific background, and possesses at least three years of relevant professional experience in IP law within the public or private sector. Fluency in English is essential, with working knowledge of other UN languages desirable. The role is a limited-term fixed-term post, initially for two years, renewable up to a maximum cumulative term of five years.

Senior Project Engineer

World Intellectual Property Organization · 🇨🇭 Switzerland

The Senior Project Engineer provides specialized technical leadership for WIPO’s building modernizations and energy transition initiatives, specifically the integration of the campus into the SIG GeniLac network. Located in the Building Projects Section, the role acts as the primary technical authority for high-stakes infrastructure projects, ensuring sustainable, modernized facilities without disrupting business continuity. Key responsibilities include conducting technical surveys, defining strategies, and reviewing specifications for HVAC, electrical, and sanitary installations in compliance with Swiss SIA standards. The incumbent leads technical evaluations for contract awards, manages procurement strategies, and oversees the implementation phase, verifying compliance with technical specifications and safety regulations. The role requires extensive coordination with internal stakeholders (Security, IT, Procurement) and external partners (architects, contractors). Additional duties involve financial management, including budget forecasting and expenditure monitoring, as well as commissioning facilities and managing defect resolution during warranty periods. The ideal candidate possesses an advanced university degree in engineering and at least seven years of professional experience in building services project management. Strong expertise in contract management, project lifecycle oversight, and technical communication is essential. Fluency in French and working knowledge of English are required. The position is based at WIPO Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, on a one-year renewable temporary contract.

Program Officer

World Intellectual Property Organization · 🇨🇭 Switzerland

The Program Officer supports the Deputy Director General of the Brands and Designs Sector in advancing WIPO’s intellectual property priorities, with a specific focus on China. Key responsibilities include engaging with Member States and Chinese authorities to promote IP services, developing institutional relationships, and coordinating policy initiatives. The role involves preparing high-level briefing materials, executive notes, and correspondence to facilitate diplomatic engagement. The incumbent also provides logistical and substantive support for the Deputy Director General’s outreach, participates in international events, and monitors program implementation. The ideal candidate possesses strong diplomatic and outreach experience, particularly within the Chinese context, along with excellent research, analytical, and communication skills. Proficiency in digital tools and AI applications is expected. The position requires agility, political judgment, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, multi-cultural environment. It is a limited-term fixed-term post based at WIPO Headquarters in Geneva.

Head, Spanish Translation Section

World Intellectual Property Organization · 🇨🇭 Switzerland

The Head of the Spanish Translation Section provides strategic leadership and management for the Spanish translation team within WIPO's Language Division. The role focuses on driving digital transformation by integrating artificial intelligence, neural machine translation, and other language technologies to enhance efficiency and quality. Key responsibilities include developing strategic visions, managing staff and contractual translators, overseeing complex translation and terminology work, and leading procurement processes for translation services. The incumbent ensures standardized adoption of technology tools, collaborates with internal technology teams, and represents the section in professional networks. The ideal candidate possesses advanced expertise in translation technology, strong managerial skills, and deep linguistic proficiency in Spanish and English, with a proven track record in leading change management and technology adoption in international organizations.

Associate Legal Editor

World Intellectual Property Organization · 🇨🇭 Switzerland

The Associate Legal Editor role within WIPO’s PCT Legal Publication Unit focuses on ensuring the accuracy, coherence, and timely publication of Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) legal texts and related documents. The incumbent supports the evolving needs of global stakeholders by maintaining and updating PCT legal resources, including Official Notices and the PCT Gazette. Key responsibilities include editing and reviewing legal texts in English and French, coordinating official translations into other PCT languages, and assisting in the modernization of publication processes. The role requires strong attention to detail, proficiency in digital and AI-enabled editing tools, and the ability to manage complex multilingual workflows under strict deadlines. The ideal candidate possesses a university degree, preferably in intellectual property law, along with at least three years of professional experience in drafting or editing legal texts within an international, multilingual environment. Excellent command of written and spoken English and French is essential, with knowledge of other PCT languages desirable. The position offers a fixed-term contract with opportunities for professional growth within WIPO’s Patents and Technology Sector.

Individual Contractor - Geospatial Analysts – Satellite Imagery and GIS (Remote)

United Nations Institute for Training and Research · 🇨🇭 Switzerland

Individual Contractor - Geospatial Quality Assurance, Training and Analytical Support Specialists (Remote)

United Nations Institute for Training and Research · 🇨🇭 Switzerland

Consultant, Independent Evaluation of training/learning-related projects, Roster, Planning, Performance Monitoring, and Evaluation Unit (PPME)

United Nations Institute for Training and Research · 🇨🇭 Switzerland

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is seeking a Consultant to conduct an independent evaluation of training and learning-related projects. This role falls under the Planning, Performance Monitoring, and Evaluation Unit (PPME). The consultant will be responsible for assessing the effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, and impact of UNITAR's educational initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, expertise in evaluation methodologies, and a deep understanding of adult learning and capacity development. The position is part of a roster, implying potential for multiple assignments over time. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications along with a motivation letter as soon as possible, noting that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted due to the high volume of expected applications.

Consultant - Learning Solutions Roster - Educational Technology, Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence for Learning

United Nations Institute for Training and Research · 🇨🇭 Switzerland

Consultant - Online Learning and Education - Developer and Facilitator

United Nations Institute for Training and Research · 🇨🇭 Switzerland