This present position is particularly for young professionals in Disaster Risk Reduction with little or no experience abroad, who meet the below mentioned requirements for this position and are interested in joining the SHA. He or she will have the opportunity to acquire international experience in the field of humanitarian aid and development cooperation during a first deployment under the supervision of an experienced SHA member in the SDC office in New Delhi, India.
Background
South Asia is one of the most affected regions by climate change and natural disasters: India, Bangladesh and Nepal are highly exposed to climate risks. After South East Asia, South Asia bears the highest number of deaths due to natural hazards. The effects of climate change led to more intense and frequent disasters and new hazards (e.g., glacial lake outburst floods).
Switzerland is committed to take action, particularly through SDC's engagement in climate change (CC) and disaster risk reduction (DRR). The Swiss International Cooperation Strategy 2025-28 cites climate change (including DRR) as one of the four thematic priorities. Furthermore, in the case of a disaster event beyond countries' capacities, Switzerland may provide humanitarian assistance (under the humanitarian aid operations of the SDC), named 'rapid response' (RR).
SDC has four regional advisors on DRR and (humanitarian) rapid response located in South East Asia, Latin America / Caribbean, Central Asia and South Asia. New Delhi was chosen as regional reference for CDE aspects since SDC India is one of SDC's champions regarding investments in climate change projects through technical assistance for piloting and institutionalization of climate change adaptation, mitigation, environment and DRR in urban and rural contexts. India is a reference country in the region when it comes to policy dialogue, pioneering and upscaling of results e.g., through international initiatives (e.g., CDRI, ISA). Since SDC's restructuration process (F4P) in 2022, the topics of climate change, DRR and environment (CDE) have been merged under the 'Section CDE' (Thematic Cooperation Division).
The position of junior regional programme officer focuses on the topics of DRR, climate change adaptation (CCA) and RR. DRR aspects are either an integrated part of other Swiss engagements (Swiss Embassies, SDC's thematic or bilateral programmes) often in combination with considerations of climate change and environment (CDE mainstreaming) as well as for specific DRR (risk management, prevention, risk transfer, preparedness etc.) and adaptation projects. With a thematic focus on DRR/CCA and RR, the regional programme officer shall enhance thematic knowledge, foster exchanges and support SDC and Swiss Embassy teams in the region.
Furthermore, the regional regional programme officer shall support the Swiss teams in the region and head office in case of a disaster or crisis event, through liaison with key stakeholders in the concerned country for a swift assessment of the situation and the evaluation of a potential Swiss rapid response.
The countries within the geographic coverage are: India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives. In India, many SDC projects focus on the topics of CDE and are part of the engagement of the Thematic Cooperation; they work in urban as well as rural areas. Bangladesh and Nepal have integrated aspects of CDE as important crosscutting topics in their country cooperation programmes and defined specific CDE indicators (including DRR and CCA aspects). While the SDC will phase out its bilateral cooperation in Bangladesh until 2028, the topic of DRR and CCA will remain relevant for the region. The regional scope also includes Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives, where Switzerland, despite the absence of bilateral programmes, maintains a diplomatic presence and engages in disaster risk reduction dialogue.
The SDC Regional Hub in Bangkok currently provides thematic support to Bangladesh and Nepal on the topics of climate change mitigation and environment as well as thematic advice on water and food systems. Depending on the thematic needs of the representations named above, it will be necessary to ensure alignment and coordination with the SDC Regional Hub in Bangkok to ensure effective and efficient thematic support.
Scope of Assignment
The overall goal of the position is to enhance Switzerland's capability to respond to the regional strategic, thematic and institutional needs with regards to DRR, CCA and RR.
- SDC India programme (50%): Assume responsibilities within existing and new initiatives. Contribute to DRR-related policy dialogue in India. Support the SDC and Embassy with DRR and security matters.
- Support Swiss Embassy teams for mainstreaming CDE aspects and targeted DRR/CCA projects (30%): Provide thematic support on a needs-basis to the Swiss cooperation programmes in Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka to set-up and implement projects that mainstream CDE as well as targeted DRR or CCA interventions.
- Regional exchange (10%): Foster thematic exchange with SDC's regional advisors on DRR and CC, SDC country programmes in Asia and SDC's thematic networks.
- Rapid Response/humanitarian aid (10%): Ensure a stand-by capacity for rapid response in the region to provide Swiss Humanitarian Aid/rapid response in case of a major disaster event. Monitor disaster related events (e.g., sharing of alerts, reports).
Requirements
- University degree or comparable education with a master's degree in climate change, hazard, disaster risk management or related field with approximately 5 years of relevant professional experience. Prior experience in project cycle management is an advantage.
- Experience in analysing political, social, economic and cultural conditions in developing or transition countries and their use in development programmes or humanitarian aid is an asset.
- Good knowledge of two official languages and English (proficient in both written and spoken English, including the ability to write reports in English), as well as any other language skills relevant to the country of assignment or a willingness to learn these languages.
Professional skills, in particular
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The candidate should have a deep understanding on multi hazard risk assessment and its application with work experience in at least one of the climate-induced hazards.
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The candidate should have experience and understanding of disaster risk reduction, disaster risk financing and risk management approaches, ideally also in Switzerland.
Personal skills, in particular
- Personal responsibility and independence, decision-making and implementation skills.
- Creativity and innovation.
- Flexibility.
- Goal and results orientation.
Social skills, in particular
- Intercultural management.
- Communication and interpersonal skills, networking skills, ability to handle criticism and conflict.
Duty station: New Delhi, India
BoM and duration: 1.7.2026 or upon agreement, for 12 months
Salary grade Federal Government: 21
Swiss citizenship or a "C" residence permit for Switzerland is mandatory.
For reasons of duty of care (increased risks due to other privileges and immunities) and to avoid conflicts of interest and potential bias, employees and their accompanying persons who hold dual or multiple citizenships shall, as a matter of principle, not be assigned to countries of which they are nationals.
For further information please contact: Melanie Röthlisberger, Programme Manager India, melanie.roethlisberger@eda.admin.ch
Deadline for application: 26.2.2026
Please send your application to: Lotti Roth, Field Resources, lotti.roth@eda.admin.ch
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