Notes from the Federal Palace tinent, in countries like Indonesia and Lebanon. I’ve been in Venezuela since 2021. The Swiss embassy in Venezuela also covers seven other Caribbean countries, including Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago,” explains consul Pascal Sollberger. The staff at the representations are responsible for representing Swiss interests in all aspects of international diplomacy. KBF staff coordinate operations and act as a hub for all the departments in the foreign representation. On a day-to-day basis, that involves combining plannable and ad-hoc activities. “An embassy is both a Swiss and a local employer. Operations management, security and crisis management bring me into close contact with Swiss and Venezuelan staff, external service providers, other embassies and international organisations, for example the International Committee of the Red Cross.” Responding quickly to critical situations is part of the KBF employees’ remit. Pascal Sollberger remembers the explosion at Beirut port in 2020, which caused serious damage to the embassy. “The employees play a key part in dealing with events like that, in my case as head of crisis management. What happened that day will stay with us for a long time.” Another important task is to ensure the provision of high-quality consular services for Swiss people living abroad and Swiss tourists (intercultural marriages, issuing passports, repatriations etc.) in close cooperation with the professional staff at the consulate. FDFA “I’ve been with the FDFA since 2014 and have worked on almost every continent, in countries like Indonesia and Lebanon” Pascal Sollberger Pascal Sollberger is a qualified insurance economist and spent over ten years in the private sector working in insurance and process management prior to joining the FDFA. Photo provided, Pascal Sollberger, iStock (photomontage) Jobs for people who like variety The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) is looking for Swiss who are ready to apply their skills and experience in the service of Switzerland. They will work on a relocatable basis, as employees are obliged to transfer every two to four years. The following paths are offered: ■ Career “Consular affairs, operations management and finance” ■ Career “International cooperation” ■ Career “Diplomacy” ■ Consular specialist Would you like to offer your abilities and experience to serve Switzerland? Further information is available at www.eda.admin.ch/karriere 25 Swiss Review / October 2023 / No.5
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