Head of Pro Helvetia Cairo / Arab World (100%)

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The Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia employs around 110 staff members in Switzerland and various regions around the world dedicated to promoting Swiss arts and culture.

The Foundation runs a regional liaison office in Cairo, which is mandated to support projects in the Arab world.

We are appointing as of 1st of July 2021 or by arrangement a

Head of Pro Helvetia Cairo / Arab World (100%)

You will be responsible for the general management (conceptual as well as administrative and financial) of the liaison office, supervise 5 employees, working in close cooperation with and reporting to our head office in Zurich, Switzerland.

You will manage and strategically develop Pro Helvetia’s activities in Egypt and the Arab world, develop and monitor the office’s annual programme, process applications in all art disciplines (except film) in collaboration with the specialists at our head office in Switzerland, as well as ensure the accurate reporting on the office’s activities. You will build new and expand the office’s existing networks within the arts sector in Egypt, Arab countries and Switzerland and maintain relations with other foreign arts councils, Swiss representations (Swiss embassies and consulates) and regional arts and cultural bodies. You will promote, stimulate and support (in cooperation with cultural actors and partners from the region) artistic/cultural projects with Swiss content as well as cultural exchange activities with Swiss and Arab participants and the Arab region and be responsible for the financial administration of such projects. You will oversee the communication strategy of the office. You will moreover contribute your knowledge on the region and critical insights to the further development of Pro Helvetia’s global activities, in dialogue with your peers within the organisation in Switzerland and around the world.

The profile we are looking for:

• University degree or equivalent education


• Competence in conceptual thinking and willingness to take on responsibility, excellent communication and networking skills


• At least 10 years professional experience in cultural project management and administrative work.


• Proved experience in leading an organization or a complex programme, including expertise in accounting, personnel and financial management.


• Thorough networks in and knowledge of the contemporary cultural scenes in both Egypt and the Arab world and professional expertise within at least one artistic discipline covered by Pro Helvetia’s activities


• Familiarity with the international (incl. European) arts environment and strong cross-cultural sensibilities


• Excellent knowledge of English and Arabic (written and spoken), knowledge of German and/or French is not a requirement but of advantage


• Experience with the production of cultural events


• Experience in personnel management, excellent organizational and interpersonal skills and willingness to work hands-on


• Willingness to work irregular hours (evenings and weekends) and travel for business


• Candidates may be located in Egypt or any other Arab country (pending willingness and ability to relocate to Egypt upon joining Pro Helvetia)

Pro Helvetia is committed to diversity and equal opportunities in its teams. We promote professional equality of all genders and lifestyles. We are therefore particularly pleased to receive applications from people with a different social and cultural background who are not yet part of Pro Helvetia.

HOW TO APPLY

Send your full application in English (CV, 1-page motivation letter, diplomas/reference letters – preferably in 3 files) and at least two contactable references to application@prohelvetia.ch. Include the email subject “Head Cairo”. Kindly note that incomplete applications will be disregarded.

There is no deadline for applications and we accept dossiers until the position is filled. A confirmation letter that the application is received will be sent. Please note our data protection policy before you apply.

Pro Helvetia is committed to diversity and equal opportunities in its teams. We promote professional equality of all genders and lifestyles. We are therefore particularly pleased to receive applications from people with a different social and cultural background who are not yet part of Pro Helvetia.

For more information please consult our websites prohelvetia.ch or prohelvetia.org.eg or contact mlautner@prohelvetia.ch (Head of Human Resources).