Our recruitment process is thorough and designed to ensure a strong mutual fit. We seek individuals who can deliver to IMPACT’s high-quality standards, thrive in demanding environments, and uphold our humanitarian ethical principles. 

• Candidates must submit all required application materials as outlined in the relevant application form.  
• IMPACT will verify that applications are submitted under the correct applicant category (internal vs. external).  
• Both internal and external candidates must meet all job-specific requirements to be considered.  
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, typically within 3 weeks of application.  
• The application process for external candidates generally includes: a 1st interview with HR, a technical test relevant to the role, and a final interview with the hiring manager and other panel members. Internal candidates will undergo a shortened recruitment process. 
• Our typical 7-step process combines screening, tests, interviews, and background checks. While the full process can take up to three months, it is often much faster. 

Here’s what you can expect:

1 – Application Review: Our selection panel carefully reviews all applications to identify the best match for the job advertisement.

2 – Written Test: Top candidates may be invited to complete a written technical test, specifically tailored to the position.

3 – HR Interview: The highest-scoring candidates proceed to an HR interview (via MS Teams) to discuss your profile, motivation, and understanding of the role and organization.

4 – Hiring Manager Review: Candidates validated by HR are shared with the hiring manager, who decides on proceeding to a second interview. Depending on the candidates’ interests and IMPACT’s hiring needs, candidates may also be repositioned to another vacancy.

5 – Technical/Job-Specific Interview: Selected candidates are invited for a second interview (via MS Teams) to delve deeper into role responsibilities and context. For senior managerial roles, a third interview will take place.

6 – Offer pending references: The chosen candidate will be sent an offer subject to references from previously employers and background checks.

7 – Outcome Notification: Unsuccessful candidates will receive a rejection email

• Internal Candidates: Current IMPACT staff and IMPACT alumni (former IMPACT international or national contracted staff, not under contract at the time of application). Internal candidates will be required to fill a shortened application form. If you are a former staff member, you may be asked to submit updated reference contacts at a later stage to comply with IMPACT recruitment standards. When applying, use the vacancies with reference to “Internal candidates only”.  

• External Candidates: Individuals who have never worked for IMPACT. External candidates may apply to vacancies with reference “External candidates only”. External candidates must submit a full application dossier to ensure compliance with recruitment standards.  

• IMPACT is dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive team. We actively welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.
• Please be aware that IMPACT will never charge a fee for the recruitment process.
• IMPACT maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against all forms of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (SEAH). Safeguarding is central to our work, ensuring the protection of beneficiaries, staff, and especially children. All employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of appropriate screening checks, including criminal records and terrorism finance checks, and satisfactory professional references. All IMPACT staff are expected to adhere to our Code of Conduct and organizational policies.

Applications submitted to IMPACT will be processed in line with the IMPACT Data Protection Policy and the Applicant Privacy Notice.

How can I apply for a position at IMPACT? 

To apply, simply click the “Postuler/Apply” button on any vacancy that you’re interested in. You’ll be directed to our secure online recruitment portal to upload your CV and cover letter. 

Can I apply for more than one job at a time? 

Yes, you can apply for more than one position. However, we strongly encourage you to apply only for roles where your skills and experience genuinely match the requirements. Applications that aren’t a good fit will not pass our initial screening. 

I don’t see any vacancy matching my profile and interest on the website. Can I send a spontaneous application to IMPACT generic email address? 

Unfortunately, we’re unable to process unsolicited applications. Please keep an eye on our “Work with us” page at impact-initiatives.org/work-with-us for new openings that align with your profile and interests. 

I am interested in completing an internship at IMPACT. What are the options? 

IMPACT Initiatives regularly offers 6-month internships at our Headquarters in Geneva. 

• Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in, or a recent graduate of, a recognized university and be eligible to work in Switzerland. Your university must also sign an internship agreement. The internship must be a mandatory part of your university curriculum. 

• Conditions: Internships are full-time (at least 4 days a week in the Geneva office) and include a gross monthly stipend of 1450 CHF. Internships are posted on our “Work with us” page, so we recommend monitoring it for new opportunities. 

Is the position still available even though start of the contract mentioned in the offer is soon / past? 

All vacancies posted on our website are open for applications until a suitable candidate is found and the position is filled. We remove listings from the website once a role is no longer available.  

Is there a deadline to apply to each vacancy?  

All vacancies posted on our website are open for applications until filled. Once a position is filled, it is removed from the website. 

I saw an IMPACT job advert on another website, but I can’t find it on your website. What do I do? 

It may occur that external job boards display expired adverts, even if they’ve been removed from our official careers page. We always recommend double-checking our vacancy page directly. If you can’t find the advert there, the position has either been filled or the recruitment process has been canceled. 

I noticed that the position requires a valid Swiss work permit or EU/EFTA citizenship. Might IMPACT Initiatives consider candidates who would require sponsorship for a Swiss work permit? 

If no candidate with a valid Swiss work permit or EU/EFTA citizenship can appropriately fill the vacancy, we might in very rare cases consider candidates who would require sponsorship for a Swiss work permit. Indeed, to obtain a work permit, we must demonstrate that employment of non EU/EFTA citizens is in the economic interests of Switzerland and that we are unable to recruit the necessary personnel in Switzerland or from an EU/EFTA member state. See here for further information: Working in Switzerland as a foreign national.  

Could you provide more information on the possibility of remote work within your organization? Is there flexibility regarding remote work for this role?  

The base location for the role and the possibility of remote work (if any) are indicated in each job description. Look under the “Location”  and “Conditions” sections for details on remote work.  

Example 

Location: Geneva, Switzerland 

Conditions 

[…] 

• • Applicants must hold a valid work permit for Switzerland or be EU/EFTA citizens 

• • Up to 40% of remote work on a weekly basis 

If remote work is not mentioned in the job description, it means that there is no possibility of remote work. 

Is it possible to get advice before I apply on which position I should apply to based on my profile? 

We are unfortunately unable to provide all applicants with individual advice given the high number of applications and requests we receive and manage every day. Kindly refer to the job posting and required competencies and requirements.  

I’m facing problems submitting my application, what should I do? 

Here are some tips if you’re having issues submitting your application: 

• Consider using a newer browser, like Chrome, Edge or Safari on a regular computer/laptop 

• Make sure all mandatory fields are completed; that you have uploaded all required documents  

• Clear your cache and cookies 

When I pressed “Postuler/Apply” in the application form, it does not load and or show any sign of activity. What should I do? 

Make sure you have clicked on the conditions boxes before clicking “Postuler/Apply”. Once the 2 boxes are checked you should be able to apply. 

How might I track my application or confirm its completeness? 

There is no tracking number or position reference number. If you have received an email confirming receipt of your application, it means that the HR team has well received your application and will get back to you if shortlisted. 

How can I confirm that my application was successfully submitted? 

You should receive an automated confirmation email shortly after you have successfully submitted your application. If this email doesn’t appear in your inbox, we recommend looking in your spam folder. An absence of this confirmation email usually indicates that the submission was not completed. We would then advise you to re-attempt the application process. 

Will I hear back about my application? 

If your profile meets the recruitment criteria, you will be contacted for a test or interview, depending on the role. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are only able to contact shortlisted candidates. If you have not received a response within three weeks, you may consider that your application has not been selected for this position. 

However, if your profile is suitable for another IMPACT role and you have indicated flexibility in your application, we may keep your profile in our database for future consideration if you agree to it.

I applied to a position at IMPACT. Please can you advise how long it normally takes to receive a response? 

If you do not receive an answer within 3 weeks you may consider that you have not been selected for the position. 

Can I re-apply if my previous application was unsuccessful? 

Yes, absolutely. We encourage you to keep an eye on our careers page for new openings. If you find another position that aligns with your skills and experience, we welcome you to apply again. We recommend carefully reviewing the requirements for each role to ensure a good match.