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Job Category Department for Business and Trade roles (DBT) Job Subcategory Department for Business and Trade (DBT) Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)
The British Embassy in Berne is part of a world-wide network representing British political, economic and consular interests. We are recruiting Senior Investment Officer to work within our Financial Services Team, at the Department for Business and Trade Department in Berne.
We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Investment Officer to lead on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Capital Investment (CI) strategy for Switzerland and Liechtenstein, with a strong focus on the financial services sector and institutional investors. This is an exciting opportunity to promote the UK as a leading destination for investment and deliver high-value projects that support UK economic growth.
In this role, you will act as the sector lead for financial services and capital investment, driving the delivery of high-quality inward investment projects aligned with Switzerland’s Country Trade Plan and DBT Europe’s Regional Trade Plan. You will develop and implement the Switzerland & Liechtenstein investment business plan, ensuring measurable outcomes and contributing to regional objectives.
A key part of the role is building and maintaining strategic relationships with existing and prospective C-level investors. You will identify opportunities, build and maintain pipeline of projects, advise on business development plans, and support the successful landing of projects in the UK. You will also organise high-level engagements and visits involving Ministers and senior UK Government officials, helping shape impactful programmes and announcements that resonate with our global audiences.
Collaboration is essential. You will work closely with colleagues across the Embassy, in Europe and with other UK Government departments to maximise value and deliver shared objectives. Regular reporting to the Head of Investment on pipeline progress and project delivery will be required.
This role offers a unique opportunity to influence investment decisions and contribute to the UK’s trade and investment ambitions.
What will you be expected to achieve?
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) – 30% Act as the sector lead for financial services, driving the delivery of high-quality FDI projects into the UK. Ensure alignment with Switzerland’s Country Trade Plan and DBT Europe’s Regional Trade Plan, working closely with the Head of Investment and the Country Director.
Capital Investment – 30% Lead the Capital Investment focus, managing delivery of high-value investment projects into the UK and build relationship with selected institutional investors locally. Collaborate with the Head of Investment and Country Director to ensure consistency with Switzerland’s Country Trade Plan and DBT Europe’s Regional Trade Plan.
Strategic Relationship Management – 20% Build and maintain a strong network of influential financial services and capital investment stakeholders in Switzerland. Support senior official engagement with key decision-makers and stakeholders. Use your organisational skills to manage strategic engagement tools and respond promptly to stakeholder queries.
Visits and High-Level Meetings – 10% Play a pivotal role in supporting VIP visits and engagements involving Ministers and senior UK Government officials focused on financial services in Switzerland. Help design and deliver impactful programmes, site visits, announcements, and associated communications for a global audience.
Wider Embassy Support – 10% Contribute to cross-HMG and cross-Embassy activities, working collaboratively with relevant teams across the UK Government and the Embassy to achieve shared objectives.
Essential qualifications, skills and experience
Knowledge and understanding of the Swiss business environment (particularly the Financial services sector);
Fluent written and spoken English as well as German/French (minimum level required C1 under the CEFRL* or equivalent);
Experienced networker with the ability to establish relationships in Switzerland & Liechtenstein;
Fast learning, self-starter who can demonstrate initiative, resilience, and project management skills;
Good communicator, written and verbal;
A team player with a collaborative approach who can work successfully within a geography and ‘virtual team’ to achieve common objectives.
Desirable qualifications, skills and experience
Enterprising business track record;
An understanding of FDI/CI and trade policy topics;
Experience of working in an international trade promotion environment;
Demonstrated ability to engage and collaborate with senior stakeholders;
Analytical skills acquired in an international market context with a consultative sales approach to achieving results.
Required behaviours
Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Seeing the Big Picture, Working Together
Application deadline 25 January 2026
Grade Executive Officer (EO) Type of Position Full-time, Permanent Working hours per week 40 hours/week gross Region Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia Country/Territory Switzerland Location (City) Berne Type of Post British Embassy Number of vacancies 1 Salary Currency CHF Salary Monthly 8,652.00 CHF (gross) Type of Salary monthly Start Date 1 March 2026
Other benefits and conditions of employment
This is a full-time and permanent contract of 40 hours per week inclusive of four compulsory 45-minute lunch breaks. There is a 3-month probationary period, during which either party may bring the agreement to an end, in writing with 7 days’ notice.
The Embassy operates flexible working patterns within an extended working day and a ‘compressed hours’ working week (currently closing at 13:00 Friday). Working from home for one or two days a week is possible, depending on business needs.
Typical hours are 09:00 – 18:00 with a compulsory paid lunch break of 45 minutes (Mon-Thurs), but staff can start earlier/later and finish earlier/later.
Gross monthly salary is CHF 8,652.00. The annual leave entitlement is 25 days per year, increasing to 30 days over 5 years, and the Embassy also enjoys 13 Swiss/ UK public holidays per year.
The successful candidate will be subject to professional background and security clearances before a contract is offered.
FCDO is committed to continual learning and development. The Embassy will provide funding in line with L&D requirements and a variety of learning and development is provided throughout the year both directly at post and virtually through the FCDO International Academy. There will be opportunities to attend training, lectures etc. on the job.
Visa/work permit requirements: The successful candidate must have pre-existing work authorisation for Switzerland in order to apply. All applicants should have the right to live and work in Switzerland.
Equal employment
We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability or gender identity. We particularly encourage applications from candidates with protected characteristics. FCDO want to maximise the potential of everyone who chooses to work for us, regardless of their background.
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