Swissnex is the Swiss global network connecting the dots in education, research, and innovation. Our mission is to support the outreach and active engagement of our partners in the international exchange of knowledge, ideas and talent. The six main Swissnex representations are established in some of the world’s most innovative regions. Together with around twenty Science and Technology Offices (STO) and Counselors (STC) based in Swiss Embassies, they contribute to strengthen Switzerland’s profile as a world-leading innovation hotspot. An initiative of Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI). Swissnex works with public and private sector partners, who are equally committed to furthering Switzerland’s leading position as an innovation nation.

Swissnex in Brazil’s goals are to build in-depth knowledge of the Brazilian innovation ecosystem; to strengthen its local network of high-level representatives from academia and business; and to implement out-of-the-box signature projects and events to ignite cross-continental conversations and showcase Swiss excellence in science and innovation.

As a member of the Swissnex team, you are expected to lead or contribute to various programs aimed at fostering collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange between Switzerland and Brazil. The Program Manager will be responsible for conceptualizing, planning, and executing a diverse range of activities, including events, workshops, startup programs, and collaborative projects. You will get the opportunity to be part of a creative and innovative venture; proactively help shape the only Latin American Swissnex office; expand your skills and update your professional knowledge by participating in educational opportunities and events; and interact and collaborate with high-level representatives of both Switzerland and Brazil.

Reactively and proactively work with the management and the core team of Swissnex in Brazil to accomplish tasks and manage projects in education, research, and innovation.

This includes:  

• Conduct research and brainstorm for project topics in close collaboration with the Swissnex team;
• Take full responsibility for projects (incl. planning, implementation, reporting, follow-up);
• Identify funding sources and draft funding requests;
• Assist in implementing events (incl. reach out, logistics, reporting, etc.);
• Reactively and proactively promote collaboration between people and organizations in Switzerland and Brazil;
• Attend meetings, events, and conferences as a Swissnex representative and share contacts, findings, and insights with the Swissnex team.

• 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.

• 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.

General / Personality

• Outgoing, communicative
• Independent, self-motivated 
• Hands-on, proactive, resourceful
• Ambitious, visionary, and willing to grow professionally
• Dedication to further Swiss excellence in science, education, and innovation

Background / Experience

• Graduate of higher education institution
• Fluency in Portuguese, ideally Brazilian citizen 
• Proven administrative and organizational skills
• Fluent English
• Project and event management experience a plus
• International / Swiss experience a plus
• Familiarity with at least one Swiss national language is a plus

Skills

• Proven familiarity with project management tools and methodologies
• Proven organizational skills 
• Solid time management and ability to prioritize 
• Attention to details
• Excellent people and communication skills

Additional Information

• This is a 100% position; ideal start date July 2024 to July 2025
• Compensation based on local salary benchmarks
• Brazilian work permit or citizenship required
• Fluency in Portuguese and good familiarity with Brazil required
• The position requires flexible work hours, incl. some evenings and weekends

• Apply here

Two Junior Project Manager positions are open in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. Start: ideally, 1st September 2024. Apply until 22 April.

The mission of Swissnex in Brazil is to nurture the Swiss innovation ecosystem with ideas, concepts and contacts to help Switzerland maintain and strengthen its competitive edge. We foster dialogue and enable collaboration among opinion leaders, researchers and practitioners in education, research and innovation between Brazil and Switzerland. As part of the Swissnex global network, we connect Switzerland, Brazil and the world in education, research and innovation. We support the outreach and active engagement of our partners in the international exchange of knowledge, ideas and talent. The six main Swissnex locations are established in some of the world’s most innovative regions: Boston, Brazil, China, India, Japan and San Francisco. Swissnex is an initiative of the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation of Switzerland and is part of the Swiss Confederation’s network abroad managed by the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.

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.

Reactively and proactively work with the Swissnex CEO and the core team of Swissnex Brazil in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo 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; 
• ‘Connecting the dots’ & Networking: act as a connector between people and ideas.

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 hospitality.

‘Connecting the dots’ & 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.

What we look for in a Candidate

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.

Important Information

• This is a 100% position. Ideal start date: 1st of September 2024;
• Contract minimum duration: 6 months, maximum 12 months;
• The position requires flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends;
• Swiss citizenship or EU studying/recent graduate in Switzerland + valid work permit in Switzerland required;
• Candidates with dual nationality, Swiss and Brazilian, are not eligible for this position;
• Proficiency in the Portuguese language is mandatory.
• Apply until 22 April.