Jobs at Swiss representations in the U.S. will be published here.
Job openings
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) regulary seeks qualified and motivated employees.
Job vacancies will be published through the state job web portal. You can tailor your search towards your requirements through various search criteria.
Consulate General of Switzerland in Chicago
Trade Commissioner (100%)
in the Swiss Business Hub USA Team
Start date: June 1, 2025 (or tbd)
The Consulate General of Switzerland in Chicago seeks a qualified candidate for a permanent position as Trade Commissioner for business development in Export and Investment Promotion for the Swiss Business Hub USA (SBH USA). This is a locally recruited position within the SBH USA at the Consulate General of Switzerland in Chicago.
The SBH USA is part of the official representation of Switzerland in the United States, representing Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE), Switzerland’s official agency for Export and Investment Promotion. S-GE's mission is to enable new business for Swiss and US companies and contribute to the prosperity of Switzerland.
For Export Promotion (EP) we are the sparring partners of Swiss companies and, together with our network of trusted experts, we support them with their internationalization projects on their journey from Switzerland to the United States. Our services include market surveys, business partner search, legal- tax- and regulatory advice as well as trade fair services and support in the market.
For Investment promotion (IP) we are working closely with the Swiss Cantons and Regions under the Business Location Switzerland brand. Our key mandate is foreign direct investment attraction of US companies for Switzerland. This includes direct outreach to companies in various industry clusters, paired with promotional activities promoting Switzerland as a preferred location.
As our Trade commissioner, you will be responsible to develop the US market (Mid-West) support Swiss SMEs focusing on the Machine- Electro- and Metal Industries (MEM). At the same time, you will be responsible for attracting American companies to set up in Switzerland by reaching out and building relationships, with a focus on the Future of Food Ecosystem.
General Tasks
- Cultivate relationships with key stakeholders and further develop our network of trusted experts.
- Organize events and networking activities (Mid-West), including trade fairs.
- Visit Swiss companies in Switzerland as well as the US.
- Develop a strong business sector competence.
- Participate in relevant trade fairs and conferences in the United States.
Export Promotion related Tasks (60%)
- Support Swiss SMEs with their internationalization projects to successfully enter the US market.
- Understand the needs of the Swiss SMEs and provide guidance.
- Consult Swiss exporting companies on their market entry.
- Active market development, customer management, acquisition and care.
- Coordinate and manage client inquiries, projects and mandates, including acquisition of new clients.
- Trendspotting and scouting: identify business opportunities and create relevant content (reports and social media).
- Identify qualified business partners for Swiss SMEs.
Investment Promotion related Tasks (40%)
- Support all aspects of Investment Promotion activities for the US Market.
- Establish Relationship and provide consulting services to innovative companies in the Food Ecosystem that have a potential to setup business functions in Europe/Switzerland.
- Organize individual meetings with C-level executives at American companies.
- Organize Investment events (e.g. roundtables, panel discussions, roadshows, etc.) for the promotion of Switzerland as a business location for American companies.
Team and Location
All our team members are located in Swiss diplomatic representations across the country, with the HQ at the Consulate General in New York City. As part of the SBH USA team, you will be based in Chicago but will collaborate closely with the entire U.S. team (NYC, LA, SF, ATL, DC, and Boston).
Your Profile
- Ideally, experience working at an SME in MEM industry with knowledge of Food industry or vice versa.
- Working experience in an international industrial business development role, consulting firm or at an export and investment promotion agency.
- Excellent communication (verbal and written) in English. Knowledge of one of the Swiss national languages is an advantage.
- Strong interpersonal communication skills, including comfort interacting with different hierarchical levels in an international setup.
- Customer-focused driven personality, ensuring high-quality outcomes.
- Comfort in a dynamic working environment and an openness to agile working methods. A passion for business is a plus.
- Strong interest in innovation and technology as well as a desire to understand the intersection of business and politics.
- An already developed network (industry experts, associations, consultants, law firms) is highly desirable.
- Willingness and flexibility to travel is expected.
- Bachelor’s degree in law / business / economics/international relations or engineering.
Our offer
- A fascinating role at the intersection of private and public business in the heart of Chicago in an exciting global environment.
- 100% matching in 401 k plan.
- Paid vacation.
- American and some Swiss holidays.
- Comprehensive training opportunities, including annual in-person courses at our headquarters and virtual courses throughout the year.
- Become part of a dynamic organization with cultural success factors: Customer Focus.
- Collaboration. Continuous Learning.
Please send your resume, a letter of interest and salary expectations in electronic format (word or pdf) to job-cgny@eda.admin.ch. Please write into the subject line “SBH – Trade Commissioner” to ensure timely processing of your application. Please do not contact the Consulate General or the Permanent Mission. The employer cannot pay for any possible relocation costs. Only candidates chosen for the interview will be contacted.
Deadline for application: May 9th, 2025
Additional Requirements
- Security Clearance: A personnel security check is required for this position.
- Flexibility: Willingness to travel within the U.S. and Switzerland as needed.
