SI’s mission is to support multilateral governance actors to think long-term and develop instruments that reduce global catastrophic risks, improve quality of life, and promote agency for present and future generations.
In collaboration with international organizations, governments, think tanks and leading research labs, we translate technical knowledge into actionable policy advice and facilitate decision-making processes with diverse actors, thereby enhancing multilateral governance processes.
The Simon Institute for Longterm Governance (SI) is seeking an Operations Specialist / Manager to lead its Geneva-based operations and make our financial, administrative, HR and event systems as efficient as possible. Fluency in English and French is required to handle day-to-day operations and provide strategic support.
Key roles and responsibilities
Financial management & budgeting:
- Develop and manage budgets and financial projections to ensure our fundraising and spending align with organizational goals and regulatory requirements.
- Collaborate with SI’s fiduciary and banks on payments, accounting, and investments to optimize resource utilization and maintain transparent financial documentation.
- Provide monthly financial reports to leadership, offering insights into SI’s financial health and assisting in forecasting.
Legal & compliance:
- Ensure compliance with local regulations, working closely with SI’s fiduciary and Geneva or Swiss-based institutions (Registre du Commerce, FER-CIAM, etc.)
- Prepare and oversee legal documentation and contractual agreements, ensuring SI’s compliance with Swiss and local laws.
- Act as the primary point of contact for inquiries related to Geneva and Switzerland’s regulatory environment and SI’s legal obligations.
Human resources:
- Support daily HR operations including maintaining employee records, processing documentation for new hires, transfers, and separations, and ensuring all personnel files are complete and up-to-date.
- Assist in recruitment processes with screening and evaluation of candidates, visa sponsorship, relocation support, and onboarding.
- Handle routine HR inquiries from employees regarding benefits, leave policies, and company procedures while maintaining strict confidentiality and providing timely, accurate responses.
Office & events management:
- Manage relationships with SI’s local partners, service providers, and landlord to support the seamless implementation of our projects.
- Oversee, analyze, and optimize logistical arrangements to develop effective infrastructure for the team and events.
Experience and skills expected of the post holder
- A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience with a focus on finance and administrative affairs, preferably in Geneva or Switzerland.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills in English and French.
- Exceptional attention to detail.
- Excellent time management, prioritization, optimization, and organizational skills.
- Proactive analytical approach to anticipating needs and solving problems.
- Professional demeanor and strong interpersonal skills.
- Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and exercise discretion.
- High adaptability in rapidly changing environments.
- Flexibility to occasionally work outside standard business hours.
- Bonus: Experience organizing and managing high-profile events.
Salary and benefits
- Salary: CHF 96,000 – 122,000. We consider a variety of factors when formulating an offer, including but not limited to, the role and responsibilities, work experience, training, skills, expertise, and internal equity. We’re willing to review the salary range for exceptional candidates.
- Start date: As soon as possible, with a strong preference to start in April.
- Hours: Full-time, flexible hours, and occasional travel.
- Location: In-person in Geneva.
- Employment: Permanent employment with a 3-month probation period.
- Office: We have a well-equipped office in Geneva, and we will pay for high-quality ergonomic equipment (laptop, monitors, etc.). Generous vacation: 35 days of holiday each year, plus public holidays. We encourage you to use the full allowance.
- Team retreats and conferences: We hold in-person staff retreats twice a year, to work on our strategy and build strong working relationships. Professional development opportunities: We offer a CHF 2,500 allowance each year for professional development. We build in opportunities for career growth through on-the-job learning, increasing responsibility, and role progression pathways.
- Parental leave and support: We offer maternity and paternity benefits that go beyond Swiss legal requirements: this includes up to 6 months of maternity leave, 60 days of flexible paternity leave, 100% salary coverage during leave, flexibility to work from home, unlimited breastfeeding breaks, parental PTO for childhood difficulties, and the option to work at 80% while being paid 100% in the first year after childbirth.
- Wellbeing: We will reimburse wellbeing expenses of up to CHF600 gross per year per – this might include fitness, therapy, coaching – or anything else to support your personal wellbeing.
We’re a small team and care deeply about our supportive culture. We strive for excellence and encourage high ambitions. We want you to succeed in your career and feel supported to grow.
Application process
- Submit the application form. We expect this application form to take 30-60 minutes to fill in. Please do not spend more than an hour on it. We review candidates on a rolling basis and will close this round on March 16th.
- Complete 1-2 work tests designed to simulate the work you would do if hired and/or evaluate certain skills important for success in the role.
- Attend a remote interview.
- Attend a paid trial day (in-person) to allow you and us to see what it would be like if you worked at SI.
- Submit references.
- Receive an employment offer!