About the Organization
The Embassy of Switzerland in Ethiopia represents the Swiss government and its interests, serving as a vital diplomatic bridge between the two nations. Rooted in Switzerland’s long-standing tradition of neutrality, humanitarian aid, and international cooperation, the Embassy plays a key role in fostering political, economic, and cultural exchange. It operates as a hub of excellence, ensuring that bilateral relations remain strong and productive in an ever-evolving global landscape.
Working for the Swiss Embassy means joining a prestigious international environment that values precision, integrity, and mutual respect. The organization is dedicated to maintaining high standards of administrative and diplomatic service, reflecting the Swiss core values of quality and reliability. Every team member contributes to a mission that transcends borders, supporting peace, development, and collaborative progress.
The Embassy is a multi-cultural workplace that celebrates diversity and fosters an atmosphere of inclusive professional growth. We believe that a variety of cultural backgrounds and perspectives enriches our office life and improves our diplomatic outcomes. Employees are encouraged to share their unique insights while working toward the common goal of representing Swiss interests with excellence.
We are committed to providing a workspace where all employees feel valued and supported. Our professional culture emphasizes discretion, courtesy, and high social skills, ensuring a harmonious and productive environment for all. We provide the tools and setting necessary for professionals to refine their skills in a high-profile international context.
In line with our commitment to equity, we explicitly encourage women and individuals from underrepresented groups to apply for this position. The Embassy of Switzerland is an equal opportunity employer that seeks to build a balanced and diverse workforce reflecting the vibrant society of Ethiopia and the international community we serve.
Job Description and Strategic Impact
The Office Manager to the Defense Attaché (DA) holds a position of significant trust and strategic importance within the Embassy. This role is the operational backbone of the DA office, ensuring that all administrative, logistical, and communicative functions run seamlessly. By managing the day-to-day operations, the Office Manager allows the Defense Attaché to focus on high-level diplomatic and military cooperation.
The impact of this role extends to the successful execution of official visits, business trips, and diplomatic representation events. From organizing sit-down dinners to managing complex visitor programs for official delegations, the Office Manager ensures that every interaction reflects the professional image of Switzerland. This position is essential for maintaining the operability of the office even in the DA’s absence.
Strategic research and network management are also key components of this role. By conducting open-source research and maintaining a robust contact network across the DA community and government partners, the Office Manager provides the data and connections necessary for informed decision-making and successful reporting.
We offer significant professional growth opportunities for an individual who enjoys working on military and diplomatic issues. This role provides a unique vantage point into international relations and defense cooperation, offering a career path characterized by increasing responsibility and high-level administrative mastery.
A day in the life of the Office Manager involves a dynamic mix of independent work and multi-disciplinary teamwork. You will handle sensitive correspondence, manage budgets, and plan annual agendas, all while operating under the highest standards of integrity and personal responsibility.
Job Positions and Requirements
- Office Manager
Educational Qualification: Complete training (High School or College) in a relevant field such as Business Administration or a commercial apprenticeship (Swiss education system).
Work Experience: Minimum of two (2) years of proven professional experience in a similar position within the private sector, civil society, government, or an international institution.
Job Location: Addis Ababa (Old Airport, Embassy of Switzerland).
Salary: Negotiable/Per Scale.
No. Required: 1
Employment Type and Compensation
The Embassy of Switzerland offers a stable and prestigious employment opportunity starting on September 1, 2026. This position includes a standard three-month probation period to ensure a mutual fit between the candidate and the organizational culture. We provide a professional environment that prioritizes long-term stability and career satisfaction.
Our compensation package is competitive and designed to attract high-caliber professionals with the unique language skills and administrative expertise required for this role. We offer a growth-oriented package that rewards personal responsibility, flexibility, and a high level of integrity.
Beyond financial rewards, working at the Swiss Embassy provides a platform for exceptional professional development. The experience gained in this multi-cultural and high-stakes environment is invaluable, positioning the employee as a top-tier administrative professional within the international diplomatic community.
How to Apply
The application process for the Embassy of Switzerland is rigorous and requires strict adherence to the specified guidelines. Applicants must ensure they hold a valid employment permit for Ethiopia and are either Ethiopian citizens or dual citizens (CHE-ETH).
Please note that scanned certificates or attachments of degrees are NOT required during the initial application email. Your application should consist of a neatly formatted motivation letter (max 1 page) and a CV (max 3 pages) in Microsoft Word or PDF format only.
Original certificates, relevant university degrees, and work certificates should be available but are only required for physical verification during the interview stage for those who progress through the screening process.
Only shortlisted candidates who meet 100% of the compliance criteria will be contacted for further assessment. We thank all applicants for their interest, but please understand that we can only respond to those who are selected for the next stage of recruitment.
Interested candidates should send their application in a single email to the Embassy of Switzerland at addisababa@eda.admin.ch. The subject of the email must state exactly: “Application for Office Manager to the Defense Attaché Position”.
Application Deadline
May 6, 2026.
Official Application Link / Contact
Email: addisababa@eda.admin.ch Address: Embassy of Switzerland, Old Airport, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.