Head of AlgorithmWatch Switzerland

AlgorithmWatch is the leading European research and advocacy organization committed to evaluating and shedding light on algorithmic decision-making processes that have a social relevance, meaning they are used either to predict or prescribe human action or to make decisions automatically. In cooperation with international partners from academia and civil society, we are advocating that the use of such systems preserves and advances social participation, rule of law and individual autonomy. Learn more about the work of AlgorithmWatch at our website.

We are looking for an experienced colleague to establish and lead AlgorithmWatch Switzerland.

Your Role

As part of the AlgorithmWatch leadership team, you will establish the Swiss office in close cooperation with the German organization. You will be responsible for:

• strategy and organizational development
• recruiting, leading and developing the Swiss team
• promoting and advocating the organization’s objectives vis-à-vis representatives of politics, business, the media and civil society
• representing AlgorithmWatch – at events, in workshops and background talks
• fundraising and securing the financial sustainability of the Swiss organization
• building and expanding coalitions with like-minded stakeholders, maintaining existing networks and contacts

What we are looking for

• A team player
• At least five years’ experience as head or deputy head of a comparable institution or department
• A high level of motivation to develop and establish an organization from scratch
• Solid knowledge of AlgorithmWatch’s focus areas, or the willingness to acquire expertise in the field quickly
• The ability to understand and critically analyze complex issues and develop policy positions
• Excellent knowledge of the Swiss political system and relevant stakeholders in civil society, academia and the private sector
• Excellent communication skills in German or French, good active knowledge of the respective other language, very good communication skills in English
• Very good knowledge of the funding landscape (national and European)
• Experience in the development and management of grant-funded projects
• Excellent negotiation skills

What we offer

• The opportunity to shape one of the most pressing societal topics at the interface of human and civil rights, social justice, technology and digital policy – in Switzerland and beyond
• The opportunity to design your own working environment
• The opportunity to assemble, lead and develop a team
• Close collaboration with the highly motivated and multidisciplinary colleagues of AlgorithmWatch in Berlin
• Family-friendly working hours
• A competitive salary
• A three-year contract, indefinite extension intended
• Flexible working hours (between 30 and 40 hours per week)

We are looking forward to applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds, dedicated to inclusivity and diversity.

How to Apply

Deadline: 23 February 2020

Please address the following documents to the attention of Ms Kristina Penner as PDF (max. 15 MB), via email to jobs@algorithmwatch.org:

• Cover letter outlining your suitability and motivation for the position.
• Résumé/CV (without photo)
• Relevant samples of work – journalistic or research articles, press releases, position papers; descriptions of campaigns, workshops or conferences, for which you have been responsible
• Relevant certificates
• Salary requirements
• Indication of the earliest starting date
• 1-2 references from people who know you well from previous collaborations

Please briefly indicate how you became aware of our job post.

If you have any questions, please contact Executive Advisor Kristina Penner:
email: kp@algorithmwatch.org
phone +49.30.99.404.9000

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