FDFA transferable careers in 2025: change in a changing world

Switzerland's external network dates back to 1798 when the first consulate was opened in Bordeaux. Switzerland's burgeoning economic ties with other countries and the increasing importance of representing its interests abroad resulted in the appointment of the first Swiss consul, Marc-Antoine Pellis, in Bordeaux. In an era when transport and communications were very limited, it was especially important to forge business ties directly in one of Europe's largest port cities. However, the first consulate was not just opened to represent Switzerland's economic interests, but also the interests of the growing community of Swiss merchants and traders in Bordeaux. 

Today, Switzerland has 170 official representations abroad. The FDFA's external network depends on roughly one thousand transferable staff. They routinely deal with foreign policy issues, global challenges and unpredictable developments in global affairs and respond to questions and requests from Swiss citizens abroad. These transferable staff follow diplomacy, international cooperation or consular career paths.

This year, the FDFA is introducing some changes. It has redesigned the consular career path which now has a two-tier 'specialist' and 'management' structure. The 'specialist level' consular career path comprises consular specialist positions and consular specialists that previously fell within the general 'FPV' ('transferable specialist staff') category. The 'management level' career path comprises management positions and management staff that were previously referred to as 'KBF' ('consular, management and finance') positions and staff.

Consular specialist staff perform a wide range of tasks, including processing identity documents and visa applications, assisting with civil status and citizenship matters, and dealing with the various concerns of Swiss nationals abroad. Their duties also include providing consular assistance and performing various administrative tasks such as issuing authentications.

Consular management staff perform a variety of challenging tasks that vary from location to location. Their main duties include HR and financial management, the provision of consular services and crisis management. They also play a key role in managing teams and establishing networks in their host country and in Switzerland.

In a volatile world, implementing the Foreign Policy Strategy 2024–27 can sometimes be challenging. To ensure that they are well prepared for their future roles, transferable FDFA staff are required to complete a two-month theoretical training course in Zollikofen followed by 12 months' practical training at the FDFA. The diversity of Switzerland is not just reflected in candidates' profiles, but also in the tasks and activities performed by the FDFA. 

In addition to carrying out a range of challenging tasks, transferable careers give FDFA staff the opportunity to help shape Swiss foreign policy and gain intercultural experience. Two consular career staff at specialist and management levels talk about their day-to-day work: 

Robin Serex grew up in Oron, canton of Vaud, and is now head of consular services in Abu Dhabi. He started out as a commercial apprentice in public administration, while also working towards his federal vocational baccalaureate. He then spent 2.5 years working at a juvenile court where he gained experience in the administration of justice.  Motivated by a desire to live abroad while continuing to be employed by a Swiss public body, Robin embarked on his specialist level consular career in April 2021. Following an internship in Berlin, he joined the pool of stand-by staff, completing assignments in New Delhi, Lima, Nairobi, Bangkok and Kyiv.

When asked how he constantly starts over while simultaneously building expertise, Robin says "to help me acclimatise, I always start by identifying areas where I can immediately apply the skills I've gained. I then try to understand the local context and its unique features so I can spot opportunities to develop expertise I've recently acquired." The transfer regime has enabled Robin to become more adaptable, develop openness to other cultures, and cope with unforeseen circumstances in everyday life.

In 2022, Estelle Biolaz-Remondeulaz decided to pursue a consular career at management level. This turned out to be challenging at first: "In 2022, I got the opportunity to work as an intern in Colombo, Sri Lanka while the country was going through a serious crisis. I was quite apprehensive when I arrived, but in the end I had a fantastic year there, mainly thanks to my Swiss and Sri Lankan colleagues." Building valuable relationships with new colleagues and friends brings a 'sense of accomplishment', which makes it easier to settle in a new country.  Estelle views her consular career as an enriching experience.

Today Estelle is head of consular affairs in Kathmandu. For her, there is no typical working day. In addition to performing routine consular, visa or management tasks, Estelle's team has to navigate the challenging mountainous terrain in Nepal. Providing effective services and support to Swiss nationals on the ground therefore requires good cooperation not just among embassy staff, but also with Consular Protection colleagues in Bern. 

Over 200 years later, the FDFA's external network is even more important – in terms of representing Switzerland's interests – than it was in 1798. Today's world is shaped by globalisation, technological innovation, the fast pace of life, instability, and crises. Switzerland's external network is now called upon to promote economic relations, support cultural exchange and academic cooperation. Given the growing community of Swiss nationals living abroad, providing consular services and support to citizens in need is becoming increasingly important.