Head of the Office for Secondary Schools and Vocational Education 100%

Start date:

1 January 2027 or date to be agreed

Place of work:

Bern

We are looking for an experienced person with initiative and strong leadership qualities for the Office for Secondary Schools and Vocational Education of the Directorate of Public Instruction and Culture. The Office for Secondary Schools and Vocational Education creates the optimal framework conditions for comprehensive education. You will lead the office both technically and in terms of personnel, and develop viable solutions that enjoy broad consensus for vocational and secondary school education. You will be distinguished by your political acumen, strong communication skills, your ability to collaborate reliably with a wide range of stakeholders, and your capacity to effectively develop your network.

Your tasks

As head, you will lead the Office for Secondary Schools and Vocational Education, which has around 350 employees. You will personally manage ten managers who report directly to you and be responsible for the strategic, organisational, and personnel direction of the office. You will also advise and support the Director of Public Instruction and Culture and the Secretary-General on matters relating to education policy, strategic aspects, and technical issues. In this demanding and varied role, you will adapt training offers to the needs of society, the labour market, and higher education levels. You will continuously develop the strategy in the areas of upper secondary level II, advanced vocational education, continuing education, and career guidance, and support major strategic projects. Furthermore, you will lead the office with respect and kindness, strengthen collaboration within the office and with external partners, and create the necessary conditions for the office’s tasks to be carried out effectively without losing sight of the set objectives and solutions to be implemented. Finally, as a member of the management committee of the Directorate of Public Instruction and Culture, you will actively participate in the strategic development of the Directorate.

Your profile

You hold a tertiary-level degree, have completed additional training in personnel management, and have several years of experience in leadership positions. Moreover, you are able to understand the issues related to education policy and master political processes. Even in difficult situations, you manage to keep an overview, act thoughtfully, and demonstrate resilience. Additionally, you are well acquainted with the Bernese educational landscape, have led complex organisations, and ideally have experience working in public administration. You also demonstrate a strong sense of service and loyalty and are capable of collaborating reliably with various stakeholders. Finally, you have an excellent command of one of the canton’s two official languages (German or French) and a very good level in the other language (at least B2 level).

We offer you

We offer you a varied key position with great responsibilities, at the crossroads of administration, the labour market, society, and politics. You will perform meaningful and diverse work that offers you great autonomy and freedom of action in a forward-looking field of activity, and you will benefit from attractive working conditions.

Contact

We look forward to meeting you! Please submit your application online. For more information, please contact Christopher Bertrand, Head of Human Resources Management Personnel Administration, by phone at +41 31 636 75 67, christopher.bertrand@be.ch

Office for Secondary Schools and Vocational Education

The Office for Secondary Schools and Vocational Education (OMP) of the Directorate of Public Instruction and Culture is the main service centre for all training partners at the upper secondary level II, advanced vocational education, continuing education, and school and career guidance. It promotes the development of provision and its quality within the framework of legislation. It is also responsible for the management and monitoring of financial resources and quality indicators for upper secondary institutions.

https://www.bkd.be.ch/fr/start/ueber-uns/die-organisation/mittelschul-und-berufsbildungsamt.html