Head of Refugee Department — Caritas Schweiz
- Location
- Zürich
- Contract
- full-time
- Posted
- Yesterday
Role overview
- Caritas Zurich is an independent Catholic aid organization. We work for families and disadvantaged people affected by poverty, regardless of nationality or worldview. In this way, we make a significant contribution to their social integration in the Canton of Zurich.
Refugees face major challenges after their arrival in Switzerland. Caritas Zürich joins forces to support the integration of refugees; this in addition to the existing legal structures of the canton and in coordination in particular with the reformed regional church. We lead the Refugee Centre on behalf of the Catholic Church in the Canton of Zurich.
As a result of a change of staff, we are looking for 1. October 2026 or, by agreement, a dedicated head of the Refugee Centre (80%).
- Leadership and further development of the Refugee Centre
- Cooperation with parishes/church communities and the Communication Office of the Synodal Council
- Planning and implementation of training and information provision
Stages
- Networking with local cooperation partners*
- Internal cooperation with other departments at Caritas Zurich
- Implementation of the project «zäme da» within the framework of the Integration Agenda Zurich (temporary until 2027, option for continuation) in a co-project management
- Documentation of activities and reporting to the Refugee Assistance Commission
- Internal and external communication, cooperation with especially Catholic communication bodies
They have experience and knowledge of transcultural processes. In addition, you are characterized by high social competence, organizational flair and the ability to delegate and coordinate processes. In addition, bring the following:
- Social work or comparable training with focus on socio-cultural animation, community work, project management
- High communication competence, possibly. Further education in intercultural communication
- Willingness to work flexible hours
- Experience in volunteering and integration (with migrants and/or asylum)
- Competences in adult education
- Knowledge of church structures in the Canton of Zurich
- Basic knowledge of the asylum procedure and the legal basis in the Asylum Act as well as in the Aliens and Integration Act
Company and context
- Caritas Zurich is an independent Catholic aid organization.
- We work for families and disadvantaged people affected by poverty, regardless of nationality or worldview.
- In this way, we make a significant contribution to their social integration in the Canton of Zurich. Head of Refugee Services (80%)
- Refugees face major challenges after their arrival in Switzerland.
- Caritas Zürich joins forces to support the integration of refugees; this in addition to the existing legal structures of the canton and in coordination in particular with the reformed regional church.
- We lead the Refugee Centre on behalf of the Catholic Church in the Canton of Zurich.
- As a result of a change of staff, we are looking for 1.
- October 2026 or, by agreement, a dedicated head of the Refugee Centre (80%). Their tasks
- Leadership and further development of the Refugee Centre
- Cooperation with parishes/church communities and the Communication Office of the Synodal Council
Additional details
- In this way, we make a significant contribution to their social integration in the Canton of Zurich. Head of Refugee Services (80%)
- October 2026 or, by agreement, a dedicated head of the Refugee Centre (80%).
- Planning and implementation of training and information provision
- In addition, you are characterized by high social competence, organizational flair and the ability to delegate and coordinate processes. In addition, bring the following:
- Further education in intercultural communication Willingness to work flexible hours
- Experience in volunteering and integration (with migrants and/or asylum) Competences in adult education
Notes and original content
- In this way, we make a significant contribution to their social integration in the Canton of Zurich.
- Head of Refugee Services (80%)
- Their tasks
- In addition, you are characterized by high social competence, organizational flair and the ability to delegate and coordinate processes.
- In addition, bring the following:
- Further education in intercultural communication
- Willingness to work flexible hours
- Experience in volunteering and integration (with migrants and/or asylum)
- Competences in adult education
Questions about this listing
What salary does Caritas Schweiz offer for this role?
Caritas Schweiz lists CHF 101'500 - 154'000 gross per year for this position in Zürich. This is the salary published in the original listing (or, when the employer omits a figure, a realistic estimate for the role and sector) — the calculator on this site converts it to your actual net take-home once cross-border tax and social contributions are applied.
Is this a full-time role, and what type of contract does Caritas Schweiz offer?
This listing is a full-time position. The contract type shown here comes directly from the employer's original posting; always confirm exact hours, notice period and probation length with Caritas Schweiz during the application process, since these details can vary by role even within the same contract category.
Do I need a cross-border work permit for a role in Zürich?
EU/EFTA residents living in the border zone of the country adjoining Canton Zürich can apply for a G permit; the Swiss employer files it with that canton's migration office after the contract is signed. Border-zone rules and processing times vary by neighbouring country and canton, so confirm the specifics with Zürich's cantonal migration office or with HR during the application.
How do I apply for this position at Caritas Schweiz?
Use the "Apply now" button on this page — it links directly to Caritas Schweiz's original listing at apply.refline.ch, so your application goes straight to the employer's own applicant-tracking system. Frontaliere Ticino does not collect or forward applications itself.
