Project and Volunteer Coordinator Pilot Project, limited to 18 months, 60%

A new pilot project creates safe access routes to Switzerland for particularly vulnerable refugees and combines humanitarian protection with needs-oriented integration support. The initiative is led and supported by a broad coalition of churches, aid organisations, and other civil society organisations. The coalition has advocated for safe escape routes, secured funding, and thus created the conditions for implementation.

The project is now entering the implementation phase: On behalf of the coalition, the HEKS office in Zurich/Schaffhausen takes over the operational coordination of the pilot project and builds the volunteer network. It works closely with the coalition, the involved municipalities, and other partners. Implementation is planned in the canton of Zurich and will be scientifically evaluated.

Would you like to implement an innovative pilot project together with an engaged civil society? Are you happy to take responsibility, actively shape the project, and bring different actors together?

We are looking for an initiative, independent, and professionally skilled person as of 1 November 2026 or by arrangement.

• Steer and further develop the implementation of the pilot project: Coordinate activities, establish necessary processes and structures, and keep an eye on goals, milestones, resources, and risks.
• Recruit and support volunteers: Recruitment, induction, training, deployment planning, and professional support of volunteers as well as promoting exchange and networking among the volunteers.
• Support volunteers in integration assistance: Identify the needs and challenges of participating refugees together with the volunteers, provide orientation, and ensure networking with municipalities as well as specialist and support agencies.
• Shape collaboration and networking: Bring together municipalities, specialist agencies, project partners, and other relevant actors, manage communication, and ensure a reliable flow of information. 
• Be responsible for documentation and reporting: Carefully prepare relevant information for funders, project partners, and the scientific evaluation and ensure project documentation.

• A university degree or equivalent qualification in social work, social sciences, or a related field, as well as experience in coordinating and implementing projects.
• Experience in social work support and counselling of people and families with refugee or migration backgrounds, as well as intercultural competencies.
• Experience in volunteer management and enjoyment of working with volunteers.
• Good knowledge of the Swiss asylum, refugee, and integration sector is an advantage.
• Experience in cross-organisational collaboration and a good understanding of local and institutional structures in the integration sector.
• An independent, structured, and solution-oriented working style, combined with organisational talent and a keen sense of priorities.
• Enjoyment of collaboration and networking, strong communication skills, empathy, conflict resolution skills, as well as initiative and enthusiasm to help shape and further develop a pilot project.
• Very good German and good English skills; additional languages are an advantage.

• You will have a responsible and varied role in a dynamic organisation committed to social justice and the preservation of human dignity in Switzerland and globally.
• We offer modern and flexible working conditions.
• A collegial and competent working environment and a role with meaning and impact – right in the heart of a committed NGO.