How the Federal Administration is organised
The Federal Administration consists of seven departments and the Federal Chancellery. It assists the Federal Council in conducting day-to-day government business and implementing the laws passed by Parliament. Together, the Federal Council and the Federal Administration form the executive branch of the Swiss Confederation.
The seven departments and the Federal Chancellery
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA
The FDFA determines and coordinates Swiss foreign policy on behalf of the Federal Council, safeguards Switzerland's national interests and promotes Swiss values, guided by the principles of the rule of law, universality and neutrality. The FDFA maintains a network of approximately 170 representations and 200 honorary representations abroad.
Federal Department of Home Affairs FDHA
The FDHA deals with key issues concerning the everyday lives of the population, such as health, family policy, social insurance and culture. Other areas for which it is responsible include food safety, equality between men and women, equality for people with disabilities, statistics and weather forecasting.
Federal Department of Justice and Police FDJP
The FDJP deals with a wide range of socio-political issues, such as the coexistence of Swiss and foreign nationals in the country, asylum and the fight against crime. Other areas for which the FDJP is responsible include civil status and the supervision of gambling.
Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport DDPS
The DDPS is responsible for national defence and peacebuilding, as well as for protection against disasters and cyberthreats. It provides the Armed Forces and third parties with systems, vehicles, equipment and real estate. In addition, it runs the Federal Intelligence Service, promotes sport and conducts modern national surveying.
Federal Department of Finance FDF
The FDF implements a forward-looking tax and fiscal policy and ensures that the Confederation and the business location perform efficiently. It collects taxes and customs duties, and provides services for the entire Federal Administration, from IT to human resources to infrastructure.
Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research EAER
The EAER defines the framework conditions for the economy and the labour market. It strives to achieve sustainable growth and prosperity for the entire country. The EAER implements the political specifications in education and research, agriculture and housing, and plans the country's economic supply.
Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications DETEC
The DETEC is Switzerland's infrastructure department. It is responsible for roads, railways and power lines. Another key task of the DETEC is taking care of the soil, water, air, landscapes, flora and fauna. It is vital to protect and preserve these natural resources, which are the basis of our life.
Federal Chancellery FCh
The Federal Chancellery is the administrative office of the Federal Council. It prepares government meetings and provides information on the decisions made. It also examines the legality of initiatives and referendums, and ensures that national elections and votes are conducted correctly. The Federal Chancellery publishes official texts in several languages.
When we speak of the “Confederation”, we include not only the Federal Council and the Federal Administration (executive power), but also Parliament and Parliamentary Services (legislative power), the federal courts (judicial power) and the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland. It is important to bear this in mind when searching for jobs, as all federal vacancies are listed under “Vacancies”.
The publication “The Confederation in brief” provides a comprehensive overview of the Confederation and explains how the political, administrative and judicial system works in Switzerland.