Sustainability Officer (80–100%)

UniDistance Suisse offers fully online university degree programmes and is accredited under the Swiss Higher Education Act (HEdA). It combines flexible, location‑independent part‑time distance learning with an active, interdisciplinary research culture on its campus in Brig. Across five faculties – Law, Psychology, Economics, History, and Mathematics & Computer Science – we have been shaping modern teaching, learning and research for more than 30 years. Today, UniDistance Suisse counts over 2,700 students and around 550 staff members.

To strengthen the rectorate support office, we are seeking a dynamic and committed individual for the position of:

Sustainability Officer (80–100%)

Place of work: Brig
Start date: to be agreed

UniDistance Suisse is seeking a Sustainability Officer. The position reports to the Rector’s Office. The Sustainability Officer leads or coordinates institutional activities in various areas of sustainability. The focus is on social sustainability (in particular, equal opportunity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility—EDIA), while also incorporating economic and environmental sustainability. The Sustainability Officer plays a central role in developing and implementing institutional strategies, supporting students and staff, and strengthening FernUni Schweiz’s engagement in national and international networks focused on social, economic, and environmental sustainability.

Strategic implementation and governance

• Implement and further develop the Social Sustainability, including EDIA strategy and action plan 

• Develop and implement a strategy and action plan for environmental and economic sustainability

• Develop, formalise, and update institution-wide guidelines 

• Monitor, evaluate, and document sustainability-related processes and measures across the institution

• Contribute to institutional quality assurance, accreditation, and reporting processes related to all three sustainability domains

Networking and representation

• Represent UniDistance Suisse in relevant national and international networks, working groups, and professional associations

• Act as an institutional interface between research, practice, and policy in all sustainability domains

• University degree (Master’s or PhD) in psychology, social sciences, special education, education sciences, public health, or a related field

• Training in the domain of EDIA is an advantage

• Strong understanding of equity and accessibility frameworks

• Experience in project coordination, policy implementation, and institutional development

• Knowledge of the Swiss higher education system and relevant legal frameworks

• Experience with gender equality initiatives or institutional diversity strategies

• Familiarity with distance education and e-accessibility tools

• Experience in interdisciplinary or multi-stakeholder collaboration

• Experience in economic and environmental sustainability

• High level of analytical, organisational and communication skills

• Ability to work independently and strategically, while collaborating across institutional units

• Strong interpersonal skills and sensitivity to diverse perspectives and needs

• Excellent command of French and/or German, with good knowledge of English

• A strategically important position with high institutional visibility

• The opportunity to shape and implement sustainability and EDIA structures in a growing university institution

• A research-intensive academic environment: You will be part of a dynamic university setting characterised by strong scientific expertise and a culture of interdisciplinary collaboration.

• Attractive employment conditions: modern working conditions, generous social benefits and a wide range of continuing education opportunities. 

• A committed team: you will join a highly skilled and engaged team that embodies innovation, excellence, and a strong culture of collaboration.

• An inspiring working environment: our campus in Brig is located in immediate proximity to the historic old town, the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) station and attractive natural and mountain regions. It offers a high quality of life and a vibrant academic exchange.