Be a part of ensuring good foreign relations and sustainable development
Switzerland is constantly interacting with foreign countries on issues such as trade, political integration, migration, cross-border traffic, peacebuilding and development cooperation. In a variety of areas, you can help our country safeguard its interests in a globalised world and thus also strengthen Switzerland's reputation.
Where you can get involved
The Directorate for Resources manages and steers the efficient use of the FDFA's human, financial and IT resources. As a competence centre for resources, the DR provides services for both the FDFA's head office in Bern and the worldwide network of Swiss representations. The Swiss Government Travel Centre also comes under the DR.
SECO creates framework conditions for sustainable economic growth, high employment and fair working conditions. Its activities range from labour market policy and the protection of employees to the removal of trade barriers, access to foreign markets and economic development cooperation.
The Armed Forces ensure the training of troops, militia cadres and career military personnel, as well as the supply and return of weapons, equipment and foodstuffs. The Armed Forces also operate in the field of modern information and communication technologies. Furthermore, the Armed Forces are involved in peacebuilding, disaster relief and the planning and management of event security.
The FOCA is committed to a high standard of safety in Swiss civil aviation, relying on standards adopted by the international community. In addition to its supervisory activities, it is responsible for the preparation and implementation of aviation policy decisions. It also defends Switzerland's interests in international aviation organisations.
The Directorate of International Law safeguards Switzerland's rights and interests arising from international law. It deals with legal aspects of Swiss neutrality, human rights and the Geneva Conventions, and is involved in concluding international treaties. The Swiss Maritime Navigation Office is attached to the DIL.
The State Secretariat supports the head of the FDFA in developing and planning foreign policy. It is responsible for Switzerland's relations with other states and international organisations, and is committed to peace, security and human rights. The FDFA Protocol and the Crisis Management Centre (KMZ) come under the State Secretariat.
SIF implements the federal government's financial market policy and represents Switzerland's interests in financial, monetary and tax matters vis-à-vis partner countries and in international bodies. It is committed to good framework conditions to ensure that Switzerland has a secure, competitive and globally recognised financial centre and business location.
Customs and border security specialists ensure the smooth cross-border movement of goods and people. The FOCBS also collects VAT, mineral oil tax and tobacco duty, and carries out security police and migration tasks.
The SDC coordinates the Confederation's humanitarian aid, development cooperation and cooperation with Eastern Europe. It combats poverty in the countries of the South and East, supports victims of crises and conflicts and, together with the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA), provides emergency and reconstruction aid following natural disasters and violent conflicts.
The Consular Directorate acts as a central contact point and works together with the Swiss representations to provide efficient, customer-oriented consular services worldwide. As a central contact point within the Federal Administration, it coordinates all matters relating to Swiss nationals living abroad and their support concerns.
The SEM determines the conditions under which a person may enter Switzerland and live and work here. It decides who is granted protection from persecution and, together with the cantons, organises the accommodation or repatriation of asylum seekers. Furthermore, the SEM coordinates integration work, is responsible for naturalising foreigners and is involved internationally in steering migration flows.