Location: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Job Type: Full-Time
Level: Intermediate
Eligibility: Only open to Tanzanian nationals
Sector: Diplomatic Missions
The Embassy of Switzerland in Tanzania is seeking a proactive, dynamic, and competent professional to join its team as a Program Officer – Economist.
The Embassy represents Switzerland’s interests in Tanzania across political, economic, financial, legal, scientific, educational, and cultural matters. It also implements a cooperation programme in Tanzania in partnership with government institutions, NGOs, and national and international organizations.
The successful candidate will develop and manage initiatives focusing on innovative financing mechanisms, impact-linked financing, private sector development, and public-private partnerships.
Key Responsibilities
1. Project Management and Stakeholder Engagement
Approximately 75% of the role will involve project management and stakeholder engagement.
The Program Officer will independently manage assigned projects under the Swiss Cooperation Programme Tanzania, particularly projects focusing on impact-linked financing and private sector development.
Key duties will include:
- Plan projects and manage the project cycle from initiation to completion.
- Support procurement processes, risk assessments, contracting, and contract management.
- Monitor project implementation and progress.
- Review and analyse project indicators, operational reports, and financial reports.
- Establish and maintain effective relationships with public and private sector stakeholders.
- Ensure assigned projects achieve their intended results and objectives.
2. Economic Analysis and Policy Advice
Approximately 15% of the role will focus on economic analysis and policy advice.
Responsibilities will include:
- Conduct in-depth analysis of Tanzania’s macroeconomic environment.
- Monitor developments in Tanzania’s business environment.
- Prepare reports on relevant economic and business developments.
- Provide expert advice on private sector engagement.
- Advise on economic governance and relevant policy developments.
- Assess the implications of economic and policy developments for Swiss cooperation activities.
3. Global and Multilateral Initiatives
Approximately 10% of the position will involve global and multilateral initiatives.
The successful candidate will:
- Serve as the Embassy’s contact person for relevant global and multilateral initiatives.
- Engage with institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.
- Liaise with the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs and other relevant Swiss Government units.
- Support coordination and information exchange on matters related to the Embassy’s areas of responsibility.
Education and Qualifications
Applicants must have:
- A Master’s Degree in Economics, Business Administration, or a related field.
Professional Experience
Candidates should have:
- At least 7 years of professional experience in macroeconomic development, business environment, economic governance, or a related field.
- Relevant experience working in or with the private sector.
- Ideally, at least 5 years of professional experience in or with development cooperation.
- Demonstrated experience in project management, particularly project planning, monitoring, results-based management, and reporting.
- Proven experience in private sector engagement.
- Experience with innovative financing mechanisms, including impact-linked finance and/or public-private partnerships.
Skills and Personal Attributes
The successful candidate should demonstrate:
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in Kiswahili and English.
- Ability to prepare concise, clear, and well-structured reports and articles.
- A proactive, dynamic, and solution-oriented approach.
- Strong motivation to develop and deepen technical expertise.
- Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to work independently and effectively as part of a team.
- Excellent understanding of Tanzania’s private sector, business environment, and macroeconomic context.
- Strong understanding of growth pathways for start-ups and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (M)SMEs.
- Knowledge of the relevant legal and regulatory framework, including licensing, permits, and taxation.
- Strong analytical and conceptual skills.
- Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Excellent IT skills.
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Who Can Apply
This position is specifically open to Tanzanian nationals with advanced academic qualifications and substantial professional experience in economics, development cooperation, private sector development, economic governance, project management, or related areas.
Candidates with experience in innovative financing, impact-linked finance, public-private partnerships, and engagement with development institutions will be particularly relevant to the role.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should review the full vacancy details and submit their application through the designated recruitment platform.
View the full Program Officer – Economist vacancy and application details
Final Thought
The Embassy of Switzerland in Tanzania Program Officer – Economist Vacancy 2026 is a senior professional opportunity for an experienced economist or development professional interested in private sector development, economic policy, innovative financing, and international cooperation. Qualified Tanzanian nationals who meet the Master’s degree and professional experience requirements should consider applying.
