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EPFL, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, is one of the most dynamic university campuses in Europe and ranks among the top 20 universities worldwide. The EPFL employs more than 6,500 people supporting the three main missions of the institutions: education, research and innovation. The EPFL campus offers an exceptional working environment at the heart of a community of more than 17,000 people, including over 12,500 students and 4,000 researchers from more than 120 different countries.

Due Diligence Senior Officer

Mission

Philanthropy’s mission at EPFL is to support the advancement of education, research, and innovation by providing resources that complement public funding and tuition fees. Through donations and partnerships, philanthropy enables our institution to enhance its academic and educational programs, fund groundbreaking research, build state-of-the-art facilities, and attract top talent, including faculty and students.

Philanthropy helps EPFL to play a role in addressing global challenges and driving societal impact.

Main duties and responsibilities

The role’s mission is to ensure that, before engaging in any new partnership or accepting third-party funding for research projects, sponsored chairs, infrastructure, equipment, fellowships, event sponsorships, in-kind donations, or technology transfer—EPFL conducts a thorough due diligence process. This comprehensive review is essential to identify and manage potential operational, financial, and reputational risks, ensuring that all collaborations align with EPFL’s standards, values, and strategic objectives.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Assessing potential partners’ capacity to fulfill funding commitments, financial stability, and compliance with EPFL’s ethical standards.
  • Verifying that partnerships comply with regulatory and internal policies to avoid financial and reputational risks.
  • Conducting in-depth reviews of partners’ reputations and the ethical source of funds to prevent associations that could harm EPFL’s image.
  • Monitoring for issues such as regulatory or legal problems whilst maintaining annual reviews to uphold partnership standards.
  • Preparing due diligence reports, presenting findings to the Global Ethics and Partnerships Committee, and supporting internal teams with partner evaluations as needed.
  • Engaging in strategic discussions for decision-making.

This ensures that all collaborations support EPFL’s operational goals without introducing undue risks.

Profile

The ideal profile will demonstrate:
An advanced Degree such as an MBA (Master of Business Administration), LLM (Master of Laws), or a specialized degree in Risk Management or Compliance.
Fluent in English and French, German an asset
At least 7-10 years of experience in risk assessment, with a strong understanding of financial statements, funding structures.
A background in legal compliance, including familiarity with international and local regulations, intellectual property rights, contract law, and ethical guidelines.
An experience in identifying, assessing, and mitigating operational, financial, and reputational risks, in private partnerships and /or institutional collaborations, including handling sensitive issues related to the origin of funds or ethical concerns.

Competencies

  • Clear and concise communication
  • Evidence-based, holistic and analytical thinking
  • Comfortable to engage with senior management and other internal stakeholders
  • Curious and attentive to detail
  • Team player

We offer

  • A stimulating, dynamic, interdisciplinary, and international working environment
  • An inclusive workspace and equal opportunities for all
  • Excellent work conditions

Informations

Contract Start Date : 01/15/2025 

Activity Rate : 100,00 

Contract Type: CDI

Reference: 1204 










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