Deputy Chief Operating Officer

The European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) is a non-profit organisation whose mission is to champion medical progress in infection for a healthier tomorrow. This is achieved by promoting and supporting research, education, training, development of international policy and good medical practice. With more than 13,000 individuals and 45,000 affiliated members, ESCMID is the leading international society covering infectious diseases and clinical microbiology and sponsor of the largest congress in the field, ESCMID Global with more than 18'000 participants.

ESCMID is a dynamic and growing organisation run by an elected Executive Committee and the ESCMID Office Team who are based in Basel, Switzerland. To support the future development of ESCMID at this critical time in its development, we are currently seeking applications from qualified candidates to join our Basel office for the newly created post of:

Deputy Chief Operating Officer %)

The Deputy Chief Operating Officer (DCOO) will support and work closely with the Chief Operating Officer in ensuring smooth day-to-day operations across the Society. The DCOO reports to the COO. This role reflects the need for increasing senior management in the ESCMID Office and will provide essential assistance in financial oversight, organizational management, governance, and stakeholder relations while leading HR, administrative, and operational activities. The DCOO will work closely with the COO in strengthening and maintaining relationships with industry partners for sponsorship of our main congress as well as establishing new relationships beyond the existing collaborations. The Deputy COO acts as a key link between teams, leadership, and partners, helping to ensure that strategic initiatives and daily operations run effectively

Key Responsibilities

1. Operational Support

• Support the COO in overseeing day-to-day operations of the Society, including congresses, educational initiatives, publications, and digital resources.
• Work with COO as part of the Senior Leadership Team.
• Coordinate across departments to ensure activities align with organizational strategy.
• Track deliverables and support monitoring and reporting on outcomes.

2. Finance

• Work with the Treasurer and COO in budget development and monitoring.
• Support financial reporting, cost control, and sponsorship invoice processing.
• Contribute to forecasting and ROI analysis while ensuring adherence to financial processes and compliance requirements.

3. Conferences & Congresses

• Provide operational support in planning congresses and conferences (e.g., vaccines conference, joint innovation conference - GAMRIC).
• Assist in sponsorship coordination, supplier management, and logistical preparations.
• Support financial tracking and budget monitoring guided by the COO.

4. Governance & Compliance

• Support governance processes in collaboration with the President, Secretary General, Immediate past-Preisdent and COO.
• Assist in preparing reports, election documentation, and bylaw/statute updates.
• Ensure compliance with GDPR, contracts, and association law in coordination with legal advisors.
• Provide general support to the Executive Committee, ensuring smooth communication and collaboration between leadership and teams.
• Facilitate effective information flow to strengthen decision-making and strategic alignment.
• Support long-term continuity and adherence to agreed processes.

5. Stakeholder Engagement

• Assist in maintaining relationships with sponsors, institutional partners, and members.
• Support the COO in liaising with external stakeholders, including medical societies, EU bodies, and public health organizations.
• Prepare briefings, track meetings, and ensure follow-up on action points for leadership.

7. Innovation & Change Management

• Assist in evaluating new tools, trends, and programs that enhance operational efficiency.
• Support the COO in implementing IT, AI and digital transformation initiatives (specialist advice will be sought).
• Contribute to change management processes to ensure alignment with evolving organizational needs.

8. Human Resources & Administration

• Manage HR processes, including contracts, employment certificates, recruitment, and performance reviews.
• Plan and organize team-building activities to foster a positive work culture.
• Oversee office management (supplies, equipment, IT infrastructure).

Requirements

Education & Experience

Requirement (
Essential or desirable)

• University Degree (Essential)
• Degree or further qualification in Business Administration, Finance, Management, or a related field. (Desirable)
• Several years of professional experience in operations, finance support, event management, or association governance. (Essential)
• Demonstrated leadership in managing teams, driving performance, and fostering professional development. (Essential)
• Experience working in member-based, medical, or non-profit organization(s) is an advantage. (Desirable)
• Understanding of the medical and/or scientific environment. (Desirable)

Application

Skills & Competencies

Requirement
(Essential or desirable)

• Solid understanding of finance and budgeting processes. (Essential)
• Strong organizational and project coordination skills. (Essential)
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. (Essential)
• Stakeholder management abilities. (Essential)
• Knowledge of HR management and governance frameworks. (Essential)
• Tech-savvy with interest in IT tools and process improvements. (Desirable)
• Fluent in English. (Essential)
• German language skills are an asset. Any other language skills may be beneficial. (Desirable)
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact with the office team, clinicians and scientists in a collaborative and effective way. (Essential)
• Valid work permit in Switzerland is required. (Essential)

What We Offer

• A central role in supporting the operational, financial, and governance activities of a large, dynamic non-profit Society.
• The opportunity to work closely with leadership and contribute to high-level strategic initiatives.
• Exposure to international stakeholders and projects across science, education, and healthcare.
• Working with a highly skilled, motivated and friendly team

ESCMID wishes to fill this position

as of 1 May 2026

.

For more information about ESCMID, please consult the website at

. To find out more about the position, please contact Simone Brüderli (
).

Please send your CV (max 4 sides), including a motivation letter (max 1500 words) and relevant references (from your most recent employers, max 4) by email to:

Simone Brüderli

Chief Operating Officer