State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) – Switzerland
Listed on Orbital Diplomat 30 Jul 2026
Note: this position is advertised in French (Chef/-fe de l'unité Politique spatiale et affaires administratives). Strong proficiency in at least two Swiss official languages and excellent English are mandatory. The State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI), within the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), is the Swiss Confederation's competence centre for national and international policy on education, research, and innovation — including the management of Switzerland's space affairs portfolio. This includes Switzerland's participation in ESA as a Cooperating State, coordination of Swiss space policy across federal departments, and representation in international forums including the UN. This Unit Head position leads a team of four in the Space Policy and Administrative Affairs Unit and holds one of the most senior space policy roles in the Swiss federal administration. The postholder will develop and coordinate Swiss space policy and federal space legislation; serve as Executive Secretary of the Interdepartmental Coordination Committee for Space Affairs (IKAR); represent Switzerland at ESA's Administrative and Finance Committee (AFC) as the primary Swiss delegate; represent Swiss interests in the EU and at the UN; deputise for the Head of the Space Affairs Division before the SERI management committee and parliamentary committees; and oversee financial management of space affairs credits. This is a pivotal role at the intersection of Swiss domestic space governance and international multilateral engagement, offering direct influence over Switzerland's positioning within ESA, its relationship with the EU Space Programme, and the development of Swiss national space legislation.
Master's degree in a relevant field Several years of professional experience in a relevant function at the interface of policy, economics, science, and administration Excellent knowledge of political processes and corporate governance principles; strong interest in financial and legal matters Strong political sensitivity, analytical mindset, and solution-oriented approach Excellent written and oral communication skills including drafting and conceptual work in complex multilingual environments Very good oral and written proficiency in at least two Swiss official languages (French and/or German); excellent English mandatory Willingness to travel regularly internationally Strong negotiation skills and interpersonal competencies Informal enquiries to Catherine Kropf, Head of Space Affairs Division: +41 58 48 10996