The Swiss Polar Institute (SPI) supports Swiss-based scientists in their research at the three poles of the Earth, the Arctic, Antarctic and remote regions in high altitudes. Activities range from project and logistics funding, the organisation of scientific expeditions, to health and safety courses and outreach activities with schools and cultural actors. SPI is a private foundation supported by the Swiss Confederation.
The Swiss Polar Institute is looking to complete its dynamic team by recruiting an
to oversee all facets of event planning and community engagement related to Swiss Polar Institute’s 10th Anniversary celebration throughout 2026.
Reporting to the Communications Officer, the ideal candidate will possess a thorough understanding of both event management and community building, adeptly managing everything from conceptualisation and detailed planning to seamless execution and post-event insights. Your comprehensive 360° vision will be essential in creating impactful events and fostering a thriving community that resonates with SPI’s mission and strategic goals.
Location: Energypolis Campus, Sion
Entry date: 15 October 2025, or upon agreement
Duration: CDD (limited contract duration) until 31 December 2026
Main tasks and responsibilities
• Event coordination: from strategic planning, venue selection, logistics, coordination with partners to budget management & on-site coordination
• Online community building and engagement: using social media channels to foster interaction among SPI’s community around the events
• Content creation: developing and sharing content related to event promotion
• Analytics and reporting: analysing community engagement data and reporting on the success of events and community initiatives
• Collaboration & communication: working closely with SPI’s Communications Officer and the whole SPI team to ensure consistent messaging and brand alignment
Profile:
• Excellent organisational and project management skills
• Ability to conceptualise in a 360° manner and attention to detail
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities
• Creative thinking, problem-solving skills and diplomacy
• Able to generate enthusiasm and take ownership for projects
• Excellent writing and speaking abilities to create clear and original engaging content for target audiences
• Good experience in social media platforms, community and website management tools
• Critical approach to AI tools
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Sensitivity to sustainability principles and best practices
Requirements:
• Diploma or certificate in event management, communications or equivalent (bachelor).
• Proven experience with event coordination, and content creation for multi-channel distribution (print, digital).
• Excellent knowledge of content creation programmes, web and office tools and platforms (Adobe Creative Suite or open-source equivalents, Microsoft Office 360, WordPress, etc).
• Fluent in English and French or German
• Interest in polar and high-altitude regions and climate topics
What we offer
• Working in a small team committed to supporting cutting-edge science in the fascinating and fast-changing polar environment
• The possibility of partial home office and at least 2 days/week in the office
• New offices in Sion, Valais, within a vibrant science campus in the middle of rich outdoor opportunities
Should you be interested and match the profile, we very much look forward to hearing from you.
Please send your full application (motivation letter, CV, diplomas, in a single pdf file) to secretariat(at)swisspolar.ch until 5 September.
Only complete application files will be considered.