ICYE Switzerland Office (CHE-55)

Type: Office Work: Administration - Country: Switzerland

Brief description and main aims

ICYE (International Cultural Youth Exchange) aims to connect people from different cultures and backgrounds through international, individual voluntary services. Getting to know a different culture and language through volunteering and living in the local community supports personal and professional development and encourages understanding and respect for different ways of life. 

Cultural Exposure

Bern is Switzerland’s capital, with about 142’000 inhabitants and located in the north-west. It belongs to the German-speaking part of Switzerland. Bern hosts all federal political institutions, as well as embassies so French is used frequently too.

Main Activities

The team of ICYE Switzerland consists of 4 part time employees and 1 volunteer. The programmes are implemented with the assistance of voluntary co-workers, who help out during marketing events, camps and other meetings. ICYE offers the following intercultural exchange programmes:

• Short-term programmes outgoing: 1-5 months

• Long-term programmes outgoing: 6-12 months

• Long-term programmes incoming: 12 months

Volunteer tasks

The volunteer will work together with the ICYE office staff as well as with the voluntary co-workers. ICYE offers the volunteer to gain experience in office administration and event/project management, intercultural learning, marketing and communication as well as deepen his:her communication skills in German, French and English.

The volunteer will have the opportunity to get insight into different fields of work of the organisation, depending on the volunteer’s competences and interests:

• General office support (supplies/material, filing/archive, IT, process management)

• Support in marketing and communication (e-mailing, promotion events, website, social media channels, newsletter, graphic design, content management)

• Administrative support in the outgoing programme

• Event logistics

Volunteer requirements / Skills

The volunteer:

• enjoys working in an office environment and already has some experience in this field

• good knowledge of English, basic knowledge of German or French

• enjoys occasional trips within Switzerland for activities

• is flexible, communicative, a teamplayer, curious and happy to try new things

Location

Bern

Hosting Situation (Board and Lodging)

Host family, or shared apartment