Program Associate - Academic Internship  

Program Associate - Academic Internship

Based in São Paulo, Brazil

Duration: 6 months to 1 year

Swissnex in Brazil is looking for a proactive, organized, and entrepreneurial Program Associate to support the development and implementation of Swissnex activities and projects across Brazil and Switzerland. As part of the Swissnex team in Brazil, you are expected to take ownership of accomplishing new and different requests from Swiss and Brazilian stakeholders. You will be working in some of the most dynamic cities in the world, where opportunities and encounters are constantly happening. You will have the chance to explore such opportunities and contribute directly to innovative, scientific, and entrepreneurial projects by giving inputs, connecting people, doing research, organizing events, and coordinating suppliers.

Key Responsibilities

Reactively and proactively work with the Swissnex CEO and the core team of Swissnex Brazil to accomplish tasks and respond to requests; assist and, where possible, take full ownership of the professional implementation of projects and events; and contribute with new ideas and initiatives to further Swissnex' unique mission and objectives. That includes:

Event Planning & Management: active participation in and contribution to events and learning expeditions/delegation visits;

Logistics & Administration: active support with logistics needed to run Swissnex, its office and events;

Networking: act as a connector between people and ideas.

Detailed Overview of Tasks

Event Planning & Management:

• Conduct research & participate in brainstorming for event topics;
• Independent planning, preparation, and execution of projects and events;
• Identify, contact, and coach potential speakers/exhibitors/participants;
• Manage local stakeholders, service companies, and suppliers;
• Assist with public relations and communication between partners, sponsors, and other project partners.

Logistics & Administration:

• Draft funding applications and reports;
• Update and maintain event project database;
• Logistical organization, including setting up the event room, cleaning, welcoming, and registering guests;
• Take charge of AV management during events & generally support the 'back-end' of events;
• Execute administrative duties such as assisting in-office maintenance, basic IT support, mail distribution, and

Networking:

• Reactively and proactively promote collaboration between people and organizations in Switzerland and Brazil;
• Occasionally attend events, conferences, and meetings as a Swissnex representative, and share contacts, findings, and learnings with the Swissnex team.

Profile & Qualifications

General / Personality:

• Outgoing, communicative; avid networker and connector;
• Independent, self-motivated;
• Hands-on, proactive;
• Visionary, creative, resourceful;
• Passionate about Brazil;
• Dedication to further Swiss excellence in science, education, innovation, and art.

Background / Experience:

• Recent Bachelor's or Master's degree (starting date maximum 1 year after graduation date);
• Proven experience planning and managing events and/or projects;
• Professional mastery of Portuguese language (reading and speaking, B2 level or more);
• Professional mastery of at least one Swiss national language;
• Professional mastery of the English language;
• International experience (Brazilian and Swiss experience a plus).

Skills:

• Proven organizational skills and ability to multi-task;
• Ability to independently implement projects;
• Excellent people and communication skills (verbal and written);
• Attention to detail;
• Solid time management and ability to prioritize;
• Web and social media savvy are a plus

Additional Information

• Full-time position based in São Paulo, Brazil.
• Duration: 6 months to 1 year (depending on organizational needs)
• Start date: 01.09.2026

This internship is offered through the Swiss Confederation academic internship framework.

Applicants must fulfill the following eligibility requirements:

• Swiss citizens, or foreign nationals holding a valid Swiss residence and work permit for the entire duration of the internship, are eligible to apply.
• The internship must begin no later than one year after completion of the candidate's Bachelor's or Master's degree.
• The total duration of internships completed within the Swiss federal administration after graduation may not exceed twelve months in total, regardless of workload percentage.
• Candidates with dual Swiss-Brazilian nationality are not eligible for this position.

Additional conditions:

Compensation according to local standards and Swiss Confederation internship regulations.

Flexibility required for occasional evening events and activities outside regular office hours.

To apply, please submit:

• CV / résumé
• Motivation letter
• Relevant project, academic, or event portfolio material (optional)
• Application deadline: 08.06.2026
• Apply here

About Swissnex in Brazil

Swissnex is the global network connecting Switzerland and the world in education, research, innovation, and the arts. Our mission is to support the outreach and active engagement of our partners in the international exchange of knowledge, ideas, and talent. We thereby contribute to strengthening Switzerland's profile as a world-leading innovation hotspot. Swissnex is an initiative of Switzerland's State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) and is part of the Swiss Confederation's network abroad managed by the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). The activities of Swissnex are based on a collaborative approach, relying on public and private partnerships and funding. In Brazil, Swissnex is based in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, running activities throughout the country and beyond.