Head of Military and Civil Protection

Strategic Tasks: You strategically develop the Military and Civil Protection department, participate as a member of the Rescue Executive Board in overarching topics, and represent cantonal interests in national committees. In doing so, you initiate innovations and create sustainable foundations to ensure the safety of the population.

Operational Tasks: You ensure the implementation of legal mandates in the military and civil protection sector, lead central processes, and are responsible for the department's operational readiness. This includes, among others, the civil protection organisation, the district command, the army's rehabilitation office, protective structures, military service replacement, as well as logistics services for partner organisations – including ensuring service quality and the operational management of complex tasks and interfaces.
The role can be combined with the additional task of district commander Basel-Stadt. In this role, you are the main contact person for the canton of Basel-Stadt regarding military matters vis-à-vis the federal government and the army.

Command & Operational Leadership at Major Events: Within the framework of the overarching command on-call duty, you lead complex operations on-site at the level of rescue or the cantonal crisis organisation – also ad hoc at major events with up to 800 people. You coordinate all emergency forces (fire brigade, ambulance, police, etc.) and make far-reaching decisions under high time pressure. Your actions in the public eye are characterised by professionalism and composure.

Financial & Personnel Overall Responsibility: You bear overall responsibility for the department – including budget and personnel – and manage resources efficiently. The leadership of around 48 subordinate employees as well as approximately 850 civil protection members is in your hands. You promote modern personnel development and establish a motivating leadership and mission statement. Through targeted process management and quality controls (ISO 9001), you ensure high service quality and cost-effectiveness within your department.

Collaboration with Partners & Stakeholders: You network the department regionally, nationally, and internationally and lead demanding cantonal projects. You maintain contacts with federal offices, partner organisations, and committees. Through your negotiation skills, you achieve sustainable solutions in complex contracts. Additionally, you ensure professional communication with the media and political bodies and competently represent your department as well as Rescue Basel-Stadt externally.

Experience: You have sufficient professional experience, mostly in a responsible leadership position. Ideally, you bring solid knowledge in operational management as well as in command leadership. Experience in project management and a familiar handling of cantonal administrative structures complete your profile optimally.

Personality: We are looking for an integral leadership personality with high psychological resilience and assertiveness. You keep a cool head even in hectic situations and make confident decisions. Your pronounced social competence and situational leadership behaviour make you a role model for your team. Networked thinking and high personal responsibility are natural to you.

Education: Ideally, you hold a master’s degree (FH/University), preferably in a technical or business administration field. Additionally, you have an advanced qualification (e.g., CAS) in leadership or change management. Your role as an officer in the army or in a civil protection organisation is required, as well as willingness to train as an incident commander.

Language: You communicate confidently and appropriately in German (spoken and written). You have the ability to present complex matters precisely and convincingly both internally and to the media and public. Knowledge of another official language or English is a great advantage in exchange with national partners and committees.