The Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia employs around 110 staff members in Switzerland and in six branch offices abroad who are dedicated to promoting Swiss arts and culture. Through our activities we support and enhance the quality and variety of professional artistic creation and its diffusion around the world. Equal employment opportunities and a diverse workforce are fundamental principles at Pro Helvetia.
Established in 1998, the Johannesburg liaison office of Pro Helvetia supports cultural exchange and artistic collaboration between Switzerland and Southern Africa, including, from 2020, Central, East and West Africa. The office facilitates professional encounters between artistic scenes, forges ties with event organisers and nurtures long-term partnerships with relevant platforms to support the promotion and dissemination of Swiss arts in the region.
As of 1st May 2025, we are seeking to appoint a person in the position of Programme Manager: Southern Africa (60%)
- A dynamic working environment in the field of international arts and culture connected to the foundation’s activities in the promotion of Swiss arts and culture.
- Room for personal initiative and responsibility.
- A competitive salary based on age and years of professional experience.
- 21 days of holidays (pro-rata) and the opportunity to combine office and remote work.
- Child allowances, contribution to the medical aid costs including dependents, and to Retirement Annuity.
- Neutral point of contact/advisory service for employees.
Your tasks:
- Manage projects across different disciplines (residencies, tours, projects), showcasing Swiss arts in the Southern African region, developing exchanges and collaborations between artists from Switzerland and the Southern African region.
- Develop exchange projects and process applications in different art disciplines.
- Assist the Head of Office with planning and reporting, as well as representing Pro Helvetia in Southern Africa when required.
- Develop networks and provide specialist input in support of our Regional Programme for Arts and Culture.
- General administrative and organisational tasks as required.
- Four-year university degree or equivalent qualification.
- Experience in cultural project and programme management.
- Administrative expertise, including financial management.
- Strong operational knowledge of computer software (Microsoft or Google Docs suite.
- Thorough knowledge of the contemporary cultural scenes in the Southern African region and professional experience across various art disciplines (performance, visual art, music, design).
- Familiarity with the international (incl. European) arts environment and strong cross-cultural sensibilities.
- Excellent communication and networking skills.
- Very good knowledge of English (written and spoken); knowledge of Portuguese, French, and/or German is an asset.
- Experience with the production of cultural events.
- Good organisational and interpersonal skills and willingness to work hands-on.
- Willingness to occasionally work irregular hours (evenings and weekends) and travel for business.