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EPFL, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, is one of the most dynamic university campuses in Europe and ranks among the top 20 universities worldwide. The EPFL employs more than 6,500 people supporting the three main missions of the institutions: education, research and innovation. The EPFL campus offers an exceptional working environment at the heart of a community of more than 18,500 people, including over 14,000 students and 4,000 researchers from more than 120 different countries.
Head of Humanitarian Action Division
As Head of the Humanitarian Division at the EPFL EssentialTech Centre, you will lead and shape the Centre’s humanitarian strategy under the supervision of the Director. You will serve as a thought leader in humanitarian engineering, able to bridge long-term strategic thinking with pragmatic, hands-on collaboration with EPFL researchers and students.
With a focus on growth, visibility, and impact, you will work closely with the heads of the Centre’s other two divisions (Sustainable Development and PeaceTech) to create synergies, align projects, and deliver added value for EPFL and its external partners, including NGOs, foundations and academic institutions.
Main duties and responsibilities
* Provide strategic and operational leadership for the Humanitarian Division
* Maintain and expand partnerships with NGOs, foundations and academic institutions
* Design, oversee, and evaluate programs and projects to maximize societal impact
* Lead the development of new initiatives and project proposals aligned with the Centre’s mission
* Define and implement a fundraising strategy in collaboration with the Centre’s management
* Conduct and supervise applied research in humanitarian engineering
* Author and co-author peer-reviewed publications and technical reports
* Represent the Centre at conferences, workshops, and expert panels in humanitarian settings
* Actively contribute to the Centre’s communication strategy, including social media presence
* Contribute to teaching and training activities in line with the Centre’s educational mission
* Serve as a resource for EPFL laboratories on humanitarian-related topics.
Profile
Education:
* Master’s degree or PhD (preferred) in a STEM field
* Full professional proficiency in both French and English (required)
Experience and Background:
* Substantial field and headquarters experience in the humanitarian sector
* Proven experience managing scientific and/or technical projects
* Strong understanding of global humanitarian challenges and dynamics
* Solid network within the humanitarian and philanthropic ecosystems in Switzerland and internationally
* Highest level of integrity and professionalism, with an entrepreneurial mindset
* Strong team player with the ability to collaborate across the Centre’s two other divisions and with the EPFL ecosystem
* Excellent leadership, interpersonal and communication skills
* Diplomatic and adaptable, with the ability to work in complex and evolving contexts
* Visionary and creative thinker, focused on practical impact
* Proven fundraising ability; capable of pitching concepts and securing support from donors and partners.
We offer
A work environment within a top-tier university and a multidisciplinary team.
Possibility of remote work and other social benefits according to EPFL’s policies and regulations.
Informations
Contract Start Date : 1 January 2026 or to be agreed
Activity Rate : 100%
Contract Type: CDD
Duration: 1 year with possible renewal
Only applications submitted through the EPFL recruitment channels indicated in the job posting will be considered. We do not accept applications from unsolicited agencies.
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