HR Business Partner/in
Based on a modern campus in Brig, UniDistance Suisse, an accredited university institute in accordance with the Swiss Higher Education Act (HEdA), has been offering bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes and further education in economics, history, law, mathematics, computer science and psychology for over 30 years. These programmes are designed to fit around family life or a professional or sporting career through a flexible, distance-learning model.
UniDistance Suisse maintains high quality standards in both university teaching and research. The institute is aiming for university reaccreditation in 2027 to become the University of Valais, marking a historic step for the institution and the canton.
With almost 2,400 students, UniDistance Suisse is the leader in distance education in Switzerland. The institute employs more than 500 employees from all over Switzerland and abroad, nearly 450 of whom are involved in teaching and research, and are recognised experts in their respective fields.
To support our growth and strengthen the development of our Human Resources department, UniDistance Suisse is opening a new position as:
HR Business Partner (100%)
Location: Brig, with the option of working from home part-time
Start date: 1 August 2025 or upon agreement
Contract: Permanent
To support the evolution of the HR department, we are opening a new position as HR Business Partner dedicated to our faculties. Your role? To provide an HR framework and expertise in close collaboration with the teaching and research teams and their managers to support our institution in its challenges and development. As the primary contact for faculties and the academic community, you will have the opportunity to build your role, define your approach and collaboratively develop solutions adapted to the specific needs of your scope. You will also actively contribute to the continuous improvement of HR services by participating in or leading various projects. Knowledge of the university and scientific environment is an important success factor for this position.
Your missions
- Act as a partner and key contact for deans, programme managers, faculty managers and academic staff, supporting and advising them on key processes in the employee life cycle, resource planning, conflict management, change management, employee development and succession planning;
- Collect staffing requirements and follow up on recruitment in agreement with the relevant stakeholder ;
- Provide administrative leadership on HR processes with ad hoc committees for the hiring, performance management and promotion of professors;
- Play an active role in implementing HR policies and ensuring that they are rigorously applied in the field;
- With HR administration, coordinate the processing of information required for HR management, salary payments and the formalisation and drafting of standard documents;
- Bring your experience and knowledge to the development of HR solutions by participating in various improvement and creation projects, particularly for the digitalisation and development of HR services;
- Contribute to the development of the institution’s employer brand and HR marketing.
Your profile
- University degree or a university of applied sciences diploma in human resources, human sciences, economics or a related field;
- Specialised training, such as a federal diploma as a human resources specialist, would be an asset;
- At least 7 years’ proven experience in a similar role in Switzerland; experience in higher education and/or university would be a real plus for the position;
- Good applied knowledge of HR processes, employment law and social insurance; knowledge of public law would be an asset;
- Computer literate and at ease with HRIS tools – Odoo and Abacus;
- Excellent command of spoken and written German or French, with very good knowledge of the other language and a good level of English;
- Experience in change management and/or project management is an asset;
- Ability to work autonomously with excellent organisational skills;
- Team spirit with strong interpersonal skills, able to take initiative and assert oneself, good listening skills, people skills and strong customer orientation;
- Sense of responsibility and rigorous, ethical and confidential information management;
- At ease in a changing working environment: preparing for the transformation of UniDistance Suisse into a cantonal university and its implementation will be a major challenge over the next few years!
What we offer
- Stimulating environment: An opportunity to work in a dynamic, fast-changing academic environment with varied projects that leave room for creativity and innovation.
- Attractive employment conditions: UniDistance Suisse offers a wide range of benefits, including a contribution towards public transport costs, generous holiday entitlements, competitive social benefits, loyalty bonuses and an attractive training policy.
- Flexibility: We guarantee hybrid working arrangements, offering a high degree of organisational flexibility and a good work-life balance.
- Committed team: By joining UniDistance Suisse, you will become part of a passionate, multidisciplinary and talented team, committed to innovation and the success of our projects.
- Modern and pleasant working environment: Our modern campus is just a few minutes’ walk from Brig’s charming old town and the SBB railway station. It’s also close to nature and famous mountain resorts, offering a unique and inspiring working environment.
- Enriching prospects: Benefit from an environment that encourages professional and personal development and take the opportunity to make a tangible contribution to the evolution of a growing institution in its role as the future University of Valais!
How to apply?
We look forward to receiving your complete application by e-mail in PDF format no later than 30April 2025 to jobs@unidistance.ch.
For further information, please contact Patrick Constantin, Head of Human Resources: patrick.constantin@unidistance.ch and visit our website www.unidistance.ch.
Applications will be considered from people living in Switzerland or planning to relocate.
Joining UniDistance Suisse represents a unique opportunity to participate in the birth of a university in Valais and contribute to its development!
