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Opportunities in Switzerland

6 verified scholarships, jobs, and international opportunities available in or open to applicants in Switzerland.

Browse fully funded scholarships, NGO jobs, internships, and fellowships with Switzerland as the destination or eligibility country.

All (6)Internships (2)Jobs (2)Scholarships (2)

Internships· CERN

Technical Student Internship at CERN

Opportunity Overview CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, operates the world’s largest particle physics laboratory near Geneva. Founded in 1954, CERN has driven breakthroughs such as the discovery of the Higgs boson and the development of the World Wide Web. Its Short‑Term Internship program invites technically‑oriented and administrative students to spend up to six months working alongside scientists, engineers, and support staff on real projects. Interns receive a monthly stipend of 1,516 CHF, which comfortably covers Geneva’s high cost of living when combined with the organization’s on‑site accommodation options. The program runs year‑round, and successful candidates become part of a global network of former CERN interns who often continue into research, industry, or policy roles. Applicants can use Oppora’s CV Builder Studio and AI Cover Letter Generator to craft documents that match CERN’s expectations, and the Recommendation Letter Studio can help secure strong references from university supervisors. Responsibilities - Assist senior researchers or engineers in the operation, monitoring, and maintenance of particle accelerators, detectors, or related instrumentation. - Contribute to data‑analysis pipelines, software development, or simulation tasks using languages such as C++, Python, or ROOT. - Support administrative units (e.g., Human Resources, Legal, Logistics) by preparing reports, managing documentation, or coordinating events. - Participate in weekly team meetings, present progress updates, and document findings in internal reports. - Follow CERN’s safety and security protocols, especially when working in high‑radiation or ultra‑high‑vacuum environments. Requirements & Qualifications - Full‑time enrollment in a diploma, Bachelor’s, or Master’s program in a technical discipline (computing, mathematics, applied physics, electronics, mechanical, civil, materials science, radiation protection, instrumentation, etc.) or an administrative discipline (accounting, HR, legal services, secretarial work, librarianship, translation, logistics). - Minimum age of 18 at the time of application. - Proficiency in English and/or French. - Ability to commit to an internship period of up to six months and to relocate to Geneva for the duration. - Strong analytical or organizational skills, demonstrated through coursework, projects, or prior work experience. - A well‑written CV and a reference letter from the current institute. Benefits - Monthly Stipend: 1,516 CHF to cover accommodation, meals, and local transport. - World‑Class Mentorship: Direct guidance from leading physicists, engineers, and senior administrators. - Access to Cutting‑Edge Facilities: Hands‑on work with the Large Hadron Collider, detector prototypes, and high‑performance computing clusters. - International Network: Daily interaction with a multicultural community of researchers, fostering long‑term professional contacts. - Career Development: Experience at CERN is highly regarded by academia and industry, enhancing future employment prospects. - Living Support: CERN provides information on affordable housing options, public‑transport passes, and health insurance for interns. How to Apply 1. Click the Apply button below to open the official CERN internship portal. 2. Complete the online form, upload your PDF CV (English or French), a reference letter, and proof of enrollment. 3. Review all entries and submit before the portal closes for your chosen availability period.

Closes Sep 28🇨🇭 Switzerland · Fully Funded

Scholarships· World Meteorological Organization

WMO Internship at World Meteorological Organization (Geneva, Switzerland)

Opportunity Overview The World Meteorological Organization (WMO), a United Nations specialized agency founded in 1950, coordinates international cooperation in weather, climate and water resources. Headquartered in Geneva, the agency serves 193 member states and operates a global network of national meteorological services. The WMO Internship, hosted within the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) Secretariat, offers a six‑month, on‑site placement in Geneva. Interns work at the heart of global climate action, contributing to the Technical Authority that expands and strengthens worldwide weather and climate observation systems. Geneva’s cost of living is among the highest in Europe; interns should budget for housing, transport and daily expenses, and secure a short‑term residence permit that allows unpaid or paid work for the internship duration. The city’s multilingual, diplomatic environment provides a unique cultural backdrop for professional growth. Applicants can leverage Oppora’s CV Builder Studio, AI Cover Letter Generator, and Recommendation Letter Studio to craft tailored application materials that highlight relevant experience. Responsibilities - Assist the Technical Authority in monitoring and evaluating global observation networks, including data quality checks and gap analyses. - Draft policy briefs, technical reports, and briefing notes for senior scientists and diplomats. - Support knowledge‑management activities by organizing documentation, updating databases, and preparing presentation materials. - Conduct literature reviews on emerging climate‑science methodologies and summarize findings for internal use. - Participate in stakeholder‑engagement meetings, taking minutes and tracking action items. - Contribute to the preparation of outreach materials that communicate WMO initiatives to the public and partner organizations. Requirements & Qualifications - Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program, or a recent graduate from a recognized university. - Academic background in Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, Environmental Studies, Climate Science, Geography, International Development, Environmental Policy, or a closely related field. - Proven ability to produce clear written reports, presentations, or technical documentation. - Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and basic data‑analysis tools. - Excellent analytical, organizational, and multitasking skills. - Fluency in written and spoken English; ability to work effectively in multicultural teams. - Demonstrated interest in international climate cooperation and meteorological services. Benefits - Paid Internship: Stipend covers living expenses in Geneva, allowing interns to focus on professional development. - UN Experience: Direct involvement with a UN agency provides insight into global governance, climate policy and scientific collaboration. - Networking: Access to senior scientists, diplomats, and development leaders across the UN system. - Skill Development: Hands‑on experience in policy analysis, technical writing, knowledge management and stakeholder engagement. - Extension Potential: High‑performing interns may be offered an extension based on organizational needs. - Career Visibility: Successful completion is a strong credential for future roles in climate science, international development, or governmental meteorological services. How to Apply 1. Visit the official WMO online recruitment portal and create an applicant account. 2. Complete the online application form, uploading a current CV, a cover letter tailored to the internship, academic transcripts, and any relevant certificates. 3. Submit the application before the deadline on 16 August 2026. 4. If shortlisted, prepare for a technical written assessment followed by a competency‑based interview. 5. Await notification; only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Rolling deadline🇨🇭 Switzerland · Paid

Scholarships· University of Zurich

University of Zurich Master's Grants by University of Zurich

Opportunity Overview The University of Zurich, founded in 1833 and consistently ranked among Europe’s top research institutions, provides a comprehensive Master's Grant for students entering any of its master’s programmes. With more than 30,000 students and a strong focus on interdisciplinary research, the university supports scholars who aim to contribute to global knowledge while experiencing Swiss academic culture. Recipients receive full tuition coverage plus a CHF 12,000 annual contribution toward living expenses, easing the high cost of life in Zurich—a city known for its excellent public transport, safety, and a cost of living that averages around CHF 2,500 per month for accommodation, food, and basic services. The grant also includes guidance on visa procedures and settlement services, helping international scholars transition smoothly. Applicants are encouraged to use Oppora’s Studio tools—CV Builder Studio for a polished Europass‑style résumé, AI Cover Letter Generator for a compelling motivation letter, and Recommendation Letter Studio to organize referee inputs—before submitting their application. Benefits - Full tuition waiver for the entire master’s programme. - CHF 12,000 per year to offset housing, food, and transportation costs. - Access to university health insurance subsidies and student support services. - Eligibility for on‑campus research assistantships and networking events with faculty and industry partners. - Formal assistance with Swiss residence permit applications and integration workshops. Eligibility - Applicants must have secured admission to a master’s programme at the University of Zurich. - The grant is open to high‑achieving international and domestic students; no restriction on nationality beyond admission requirements. - Candidates should demonstrate strong academic records (typically a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 or equivalent). - Proof of language proficiency is required: IELTS, TOEFL, or an official certificate in the language of instruction (German, French, or English, depending on the programme). - Financial need is assessed for students from European countries with regional welfare support, using standard metrics such as ISEE Parificato or parental income statements. Required Documents - Certified copies of undergraduate transcripts and degree certificates (translated into English or German if necessary). - A detailed statement of purpose or motivation letter outlining research interests and career goals. - Proof of language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL scores or relevant language certificate). - Two academic reference letters on official letterhead. - A valid passport copy for identity verification. - Any additional financial documentation required for need‑based assessment (e.g., parental income statements). How to Apply 1. Verify that you meet the direct admission criteria for your chosen master’s programme on the University of Zurich admissions portal. 2. Gather all required documents, ensuring they are certified, translated where needed, and formatted according to the university’s guidelines. 3. Register on the official UZH Admissions Online portal and upload your complete application package before the deadline of 2027‑02‑28. 4. After submission, monitor your email for confirmation and further instructions regarding award notification, visa processing, and enrolment steps. Click the Apply button below to start your application.

Closes Feb 28🇨🇭 Switzerland · Full Tuition · Masters

Internships· UNHCR (UN Refugee Agency)

UNHCR Global Secretariat Internship Program 2026 (Geneva & Field Offices)

Opportunity Overview The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) operates the Global Secretariat Internship Program 2026 from its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, with placements also available across its network of field offices in more than 130 countries. As the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR has spent over seven decades protecting the rights and well-being of refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people worldwide. The organization's mandate, grounded in the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, drives a comprehensive approach to international protection that spans emergency response, legal advocacy, and durable solutions. For aspiring humanitarian professionals, this internship offers direct exposure to the operational machinery of one of the world's most significant international organizations. Geneva serves as the primary base for this program, placing interns at the heart of global diplomacy and humanitarian coordination. The city hosts numerous UN agencies, international NGOs, and permanent missions, creating an ecosystem where policy decisions with global impact are shaped daily. Interns stationed in Geneva benefit from proximity to the Human Rights Council, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and countless other institutions that define the international humanitarian landscape. Field office placements, by contrast, provide ground-level experience in operational settings, where interns observe firsthand how protection principles translate into concrete assistance for displaced populations in diverse contexts across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas. The program structure pairs each intern with experienced UNHCR professionals who provide direct supervision and mentorship. Interns contribute to substantive work streams while developing a comprehensive understanding of how a large multilateral organization functions. The learning curve is steep but rewarding, encompassing everything from legal research on asylum frameworks to crafting public communications that shape global perceptions of displacement crises. This internship serves as a strategic entry point for careers in international organizations, humanitarian response, and public policy, with many former interns advancing to junior professional roles within the UN system. Key Responsibilities - Conduct legal and policy research on international refugee protection frameworks, analyzing treaty obligations, regional instruments, and emerging jurisprudence relevant to UNHCR's mandate - Draft donor reports, briefing notes, and statistical summaries that translate operational data into compelling narratives for funding partners and stakeholders - Support the preparation of public communication assets, including press releases, social media content, and website materials that highlight UNHCR's field operations and advocacy campaigns - Participate in inter-agency coordination meetings, documenting discussions and preparing action points that inform collaborative humanitarian responses - Assist protection teams in case management tasks, including preparing documentation for refugee status determination procedures and resettlement submissions - Contribute to thematic research on education access, livelihood opportunities, and gender-based violence prevention for displaced populations - Provide administrative support to senior staff, including scheduling, meeting preparation, and correspondence management across multiple time zones - Collaborate with specialized units such as the Legal Affairs Section, Division of External Relations, and Bureau for Europe to support cross-functional initiatives Eligibility & Prerequisites - Current enrollment in or recent completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree program in law, international relations, political science, communications, or a related field - Demonstrated academic or professional interest in refugee protection, humanitarian action, or international human rights law - Excellent written and spoken English proficiency; working knowledge of French, Arabic, or Spanish is a distinct advantage for field placements - Strong research capabilities with the ability to synthesize complex legal and policy documents into accessible summaries - Proven writing and editing skills, evidenced by academic papers, published articles, or professional communication materials - Capacity to work independently in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple priorities and meeting tight deadlines - Familiarity with the UN system, humanitarian principles, and the specific challenges facing displaced populations globally - Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across cultural and professional boundaries Benefits & Compensation Package - Monthly stipend calibrated to cover living expenses in Geneva or the designated field office location, adjusted for local cost of living - Comprehensive health insurance coverage including medical, dental, and vision care for the duration of the internship - Access to UNHCR's Learning Management System with hundreds of online courses, webinars, and certification programs in humanitarian topics - Mentorship from senior UNHCR professionals with structured feedback sessions and career development guidance - Networking opportunities through participation in UN inter-agency events, diplomatic briefings, and humanitarian conferences - Potential travel support for interns assigned to field offices requiring relocation from their home country Required Application Documents - Professional CV or resume in ATS format, highlighting relevant academic achievements, volunteer experience, and any prior work in humanitarian or legal settings - Cover letter articulating your motivation for joining UNHCR, specific interest in refugee protection, and alignment with the organization's mandate - Official or unofficial academic transcripts demonstrating current enrollment or recent graduation from a recognized institution - Writing sample of 5-10 pages showcasing research capabilities, analytical rigor, and professional writing style - Proof of English proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent certification if your primary education was not conducted in English - Contact information for two professional or academic references who can speak to your qualifications and character How to Apply 1. Review the complete eligibility criteria and identify whether your preferred placement is at the Geneva headquarters or a specific field office, then tailor your application materials accordingly. 2. Prepare all required documents, ensuring your CV follows international standards and your cover letter directly addresses UNHCR's current priorities and your specific contributions. 3. Click the Apply button below to submit your application, making sure to upload all required documents and complete all fields in the online application form.

Rolling deadline🇨🇭 Switzerland · Bachelor's / Master's · Onsite

Jobs· UNHCR (UN Refugee Agency)

UNHCR Assistant Protection Officer — Field Operations 2026

Opportunity Overview The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) leads international action to protect people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and persecution. With a mandate rooted in the 1951 Refugee Convention and a presence in over 130 countries, the agency delivers legal and physical protection, shelter, and long-term solutions to more than 100 million displaced individuals. The Assistant Protection Officer position, based at UNHCR headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, serves as a critical entry point for professionals seeking to build a career within the organization’s international field operations. This role is designed for individuals who combine legal expertise with a demonstrated commitment to humanitarian service and who are prepared for deployment to some of the world’s most demanding operational environments. Geneva functions as the diplomatic and humanitarian capital of the world, hosting the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and dozens of other international organizations. The city’s lakeside setting, framed by the Alps and Jura mountains, offers an exceptional quality of life, with world-class healthcare, efficient public transportation, and a cosmopolitan population representing nearly 200 nationalities. While the cost of living ranks among the highest globally, UNHCR’s compensation structure is calibrated to international civil service standards, ensuring that staff maintain a comfortable standard of living. The headquarters assignment provides access to the agency’s policy-making apparatus, legal research divisions, and senior leadership, offering an unparalleled vantage point for understanding global protection trends before deploying to field operations. The strategic value of this position extends beyond its immediate responsibilities. UNHCR operates as a frontline responder in refugee emergencies, protracted displacement situations, and statelessness crises across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas. The Assistant Protection Officer will be expected to rotate into field assignments, where they will apply legal frameworks in real-time contexts, negotiate with host governments, and coordinate multi-agency responses. This dual headquarters-field structure ensures that successful candidates develop a comprehensive understanding of both policy formulation and operational implementation, positioning them for accelerated career progression within the organization’s protection stream. The agency’s workforce comprises over 20,000 staff members from diverse national, cultural, and professional backgrounds, united by a shared commitment to the principle that no one should be forced to flee their home without protection. The organizational culture emphasizes adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and resilience, with staff regularly called upon to operate in insecure environments, natural disaster zones, and politically volatile regions. For the right candidate, this role offers the rare combination of institutional stability, professional challenge, and the profound personal satisfaction that comes from contributing to the protection of some of the world’s most vulnerable populations. Key Responsibilities - Conduct individual protection interviews with asylum seekers and refugees to assess their claims, identify vulnerabilities, and inform refugee status determination decisions in accordance with the 1951 Convention and regional legal instruments. - Monitor reception conditions at refugee camps, transit centers, and urban settlement sites, documenting gaps in services and advocating for corrective action with government authorities and implementing partners. - Coordinate legal aid programs and ensure that refugees have access to fair, timely, and effective legal representation throughout the status determination process and appeals procedures. - Collaborate with national governments, local NGOs, and UN sister agencies to design and implement community-based protection strategies that address gender-based violence, child protection, and the specific needs of persons with disabilities. - Provide technical guidance to field staff on the application of international refugee law, human rights standards, and humanitarian principles, ensuring operational consistency across different country operations. - Represent UNHCR in protection cluster meetings, inter-agency coordination forums, and government consultations, advocating for policy changes that strengthen the legal and physical protection environment for displaced populations. - Participate in emergency preparedness and response activities, including rapid needs assessments, protection monitoring missions, and the development of contingency plans for sudden-onset displacement events. - Contribute to the development of country-level protection strategies, including durable solutions frameworks that promote voluntary repatriation, local integration, and resettlement to third countries. - Maintain accurate documentation of protection cases, legal interventions, and advocacy efforts, ensuring compliance with UNHCR’s data protection policies and reporting requirements. - Support capacity-building initiatives for government officials, judicial actors, and civil society partners on refugee law and protection principles. Eligibility & Prerequisites - Advanced university degree in Law, Human Rights, International Relations, Political Science, or Social Sciences, with specialized coursework in refugee law, international humanitarian law, or human rights law. - Minimum of two years of progressively responsible professional experience in humanitarian protection, legal advocacy, or refugee assistance, preferably with an international organization or reputable NGO. - Demonstrated knowledge of the 1951 Refugee Convention, its 1967 Protocol, and regional refugee protection frameworks such as the OAU Convention and the Cartagena Declaration. - Proven ability to conduct legal research, draft protection assessments, and prepare policy briefs for diverse audiences, including government officials and judicial bodies. - Willingness to deploy to international field offices, including remote, insecure, or logistically challenging locations, for assignments lasting six months or longer. - Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the capacity to make sound judgments under pressure and in culturally complex environments. - Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust with refugees, government authorities, and humanitarian partners from diverse backgrounds. - Fluency in English is mandatory; working proficiency in French, Spanish, Arabic, or another UN official language is a significant advantage. - Familiarity with UNHCR’s mandate, operational guidelines, and protection tools, such as the ProGres case management system, is desirable. - Demonstrated commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, with experience working in multicultural and multi-religious settings. Benefits & Compensation Package - Competitive international civil service salary, calculated according to the United Nations common system, with annual step increases and cost-of-living adjustments for Geneva-based assignments. - Comprehensive health insurance coverage, including medical, dental, and vision care, with access to UN clinics and global healthcare networks. - Participation in the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund, providing long-term retirement security with employer contributions. - Generous annual leave entitlement of 30 days, plus official UN holidays, home leave travel, and sick leave provisions. - Professional development opportunities, including access to the UNHCR Learning Hub, specialized protection training programs, and language courses. - Deployment-related allowances, including assignment grants, hardship allowances for field postings, and rest and recuperation travel for staff in challenging duty stations. - Relocation and installation support for international staff, including shipment of personal effects, settling-in grants, and assistance with housing arrangements in Geneva. Required Application Documents - Updated CV or resume in English, formatted for ATS compatibility, highlighting relevant legal, humanitarian, and field experience with specific examples of protection work. - A tailored cover letter that articulates your motivation for joining UNHCR, your understanding of refugee protection challenges, and your specific qualifications for this role. - Academic transcripts or degree certificates from all post-secondary institutions, with certified translations if the original documents are not in English or French. - Contact information for at least three professional references, including current or former supervisors who can speak to your legal expertise and field readiness. - A writing sample, such as a legal memorandum, protection assessment, or policy brief, demonstrating your analytical and drafting abilities in the context of refugee or human rights law. How to Apply 1. Review the complete job description and eligibility criteria to confirm that you meet the minimum qualifications, particularly the two-year experience requirement and willingness to deploy to field operations. 2. Prepare your application package, ensuring that your CV is current, your cover letter is tailored to the Assistant Protection Officer role, and all supporting documents are complete and properly formatted. 3. Click the Apply button below to submit your application.

Rolling deadline🇨🇭 Switzerland · Bachelor's / Master's · Onsite

Jobs· Geneva Global Ethiopia

Job opportunities at Geneva Global Ethiopia (GGE), Ethiopia

Opportunity Overview Geneva Global Ethiopia (GGE) is hiring a Senior Finance Manager for an upcoming emergency response program targeting internally displaced persons (IDPs) and host communities in the Oromia and Amhara regions of Ethiopia. The application deadline is July 29, 2026. This is a senior role, so it is best suited for finance professionals with substantial experience in large-scale humanitarian or development programs. GGE is an international philanthropy advising company. It provides strategic advice, independent research, active program and grant management, and impact measurement to individuals, foundations, companies, and other organizations. The organization is registered under Ethiopia's Agency of Civil Society Organization with certificate No 1724. GGE has worked in Ethiopia's education sector since 2011, focusing on accelerated education programs and Education in Emergencies (EiE). This new emergency response program will operate in specific emergency-affected woredas (districts) and schools in Oromia and Amhara, two regions that have seen significant displacement and conflict-related disruption. Working in Ethiopia's emergency response sector means operating in a complex environment. The Oromia and Amhara regions have experienced widespread displacement, and programs there require close coordination with local authorities, UN agencies, and other NGOs. The work involves frequent travel to field sites, often in areas with limited infrastructure. Addis Ababa, where GGE is likely based, is a bustling capital with a growing economy, but the cost of living has risen in recent years. The work culture in Ethiopian NGOs is collaborative, with a strong emphasis on building local capacity and ensuring programs reach the most vulnerable populations. For international applicants, securing a work permit requires employer sponsorship, which GGE, as a registered civil society organization, is equipped to provide for senior roles. Responsibilities - Oversee all financial management for the emergency response program, including budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow planning. - Ensure compliance with donor financial requirements and reporting deadlines. - Manage the preparation of financial reports for GGE leadership and external funders. - Supervise the finance team, providing training and support to ensure accurate and timely financial transactions. - Establish and maintain internal financial controls to prevent fraud and ensure accountability. - Coordinate with program staff to develop project budgets and track expenditures against them. - Lead the financial aspects of audits, both internal and external. - Manage payroll, procurement, and vendor payments in line with organizational policies. - Provide financial analysis to inform strategic decisions on program scale-up or adjustments. - Liaise with banks and other financial institutions as needed. Requirements & Qualifications - Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field. A Master's degree is a strong advantage. - Professional certification such as CPA, ACCA, or equivalent. - Minimum of 8 years of progressive finance experience, with at least 3 years in a senior management role. - Proven experience managing finances for humanitarian or emergency response programs, preferably in Ethiopia or the East Africa region. - Strong knowledge of Ethiopian tax laws, labor law, and NGO financial regulations. - Experience with major international donors, including USAID, EU, UN agencies, or similar. - Proficiency in financial management software and advanced Excel skills. - Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Knowledge of Amharic or Afan Oromo is a plus. - Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment. - Willingness to travel to field sites in Oromia and Amhara regions. Benefits - Competitive salary commensurate with experience. - Health insurance coverage. - Opportunities for professional development and training. - The chance to contribute to a meaningful emergency response program serving displaced populations. How to Apply 1. Prepare your CV and a cover letter highlighting your relevant experience in emergency response finance management. 2. Ensure your application clearly demonstrates how you meet the qualifications listed above. 3. Click the Apply button below to submit your application.

Deadline passed🇨🇭 Switzerland

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