Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Hobbies and Interests
Training
Languages
Extracurricular Activities
Personal Information
Timeline
Generic
Annina Frischknecht

Annina Frischknecht

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Summary

With my skills in governance, civilian peacebuilding, mediation and facilitation as well as an analyst, I am committed to promoting peace, governance, inclusion, human rights and security around the globe. My experience spans Swiss government roles in Bern and abroad, as well as private sector positions. I have a proven track record of driving impactful projects, such as connecting in negotiations and decision-making processes, and developing international programs.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience

Work History

Fundraising Specialist

MYBLUEPLANET
Winterthur
03.2024 - 07.2024
  • Wrote project proposals, donor requests, conducted impact analysis, and helped to improve the project management skills of the NGO.

Sabbatical

12.2023 - 02.2024
  • Dedicated time to further personal and professional development through attending workshops, training, traveling and cultural exchange

Scientific Officer Political Affairs

Swiss Armed Forces
Bern
10.2022 - 11.2023
  • Led coordination of political affairs across five departments, creating and ensuring smooth, aligned communication for federal council and parliamentary commissions on behalf of the Chief of Defence
  • Developed and implemented a political radar, improving the Chief of Defense’s decision-making processes, contributing to more informed and timely policy outcomes. This mitigated political risks significantly in several cases.

Head International Relations / Scientific Officer Strategy and Coordination

National Emergency Operations Centre
Bern
01.2017 - 09.2022
  • Successfully managed international and bilateral relations as National Competent Authority for nuclear and radiological emergencies, ensuring compliance with global EPR standards and bilateral agreements
  • Led and coordinated multi-country working groups, driving the development of new EPR guidance that improved international collaboration and preparedness
  • Directed high-impact crisis response exercises, resulting in improving the operational readiness and interagency coordination
  • Delivered training that enhanced staff capabilities, ensuring adherence to international agreements and conventions, and improving national emergency response efficacy.

Temporary Assignments in the SMART team

Swiss Armed Forces
01.2016 - 12.2016
  • Training of staff and marketing.

Analyst

Swiss Armed Forces
Pristina
01.2015 - 10.2015
  • Provided critical political and security analysis that informed military strategies and operations, improving situational awareness for key stakeholders.
  • Authored reports and delivered briefings that helped anticipate and mitigate security risks, directly contributing to the safety and success of Swiss Armed Forces missions.
  • Debriefed members of the Swiss Armed Forces.

Observer

Swiss Armed Forces
Trebinje
07.2013 - 10.2014
  • Conducted in-depth interviews and assessments, contributing to a more accurate understanding of the security situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which informed EUFOR operations.
  • Delivered a key briefing on the general elections to the commander of SWISSINT and the delegation, and helped the mission navigate complex political dynamics and maintain peace during a critical national event.

Assistant Sustainability Management

LGT Financial Services AG
Bendern
10.2011 - 10.2012
  • Launched and led the Ideas Management program, improving internal communication and driving employee engagement with social initiatives
  • Designed and implemented an Employee Volunteering Program, significantly increasing employee participation in corporate social responsibility activities
  • Played a pivotal role in sustainability reporting, which contributed to the company's positive recognition for its environmental and social impact

Academic internship

Embassy of Switzerland in Singapore
Singapore
11.2010 - 03.2011
  • Produced comprehensive bi-monthly reports on political and economic developments, ensuring that Swiss government officials were well-informed of key issues in Southeast Asia
  • Supported the Ambassador during high-level meetings, contributing to relationships and promoting Swiss interests in regional diplomacy

Academic Associate Corporate Communications, part time

Wegelin & Co. Private Bankers
St. Gallen
01.2007 - 10.2010
  • Successfully led ISO recertification processes, conducting internal audits and delivering targeted employee training, which enhanced compliance and operational efficiency
  • Managed corporate sponsorship initiatives, streamlining the evaluation process for requests and providing clear recommendations to the directorate, resulting in more strategic resource allocation
  • Strengthened internal capabilities by training 'Power Users' across branches

Commercial employee for purchasing, marketing, client service & export

Colorine SA
Crissier VS
03.2004 - 07.2005
  • Marketing

Education

Master in International Affairs and Governance - International Management, CEMS MIM, Community of European Management Schools

University of St. Gallen (HSG)
Switzerland
09.2011

Exchange semester -

University College Dublin
Ireland
05.2009

Bachelor in International Affairs -

University of St. Gallen (HSG)
Switzerland
09.2008

Exchange semester -

University of Geneva
Switzerland
06.2008

School leaving certificate (eidg. Passerelle) -

AKAD College
Zurich
07.2005

Business High School -

Kantonsschule am Brühl
St. Gallen
07.2003

Skills

  • Conflict Analysis
  • Diplomacy
  • Governance
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Security Politics
  • Emergency Preparedness and Response

Hobbies and Interests

  • Sports: mountaineering, yoga, running, biking, diving, dancing
  • Experience abroad: Europe (25 countries), Australia, Afghanistan, Belize, Egypt, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Israel, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Palestine, Pakistan, Panama, Philippines, Singapore, Tahiti, Thailand, Turkey, USA

Training

  • 04/01/24, 07/31/24, Authentic Facilitator
  • 01/29/20, 01/30/20, Training: Advanced Skills Seminar on Strategic Empathy, FDFA, Human Security Division
  • 09/01/18, 12/31/20, Certificate of Advanced Studies in Civilian Peacebuilding Essentials, swisspeace, University of Basel, Switzerland
  • 04/01/20, Certified Mediator
  • 11/01/16, 07/31/17, Mediation and Mediative Communication, International Academy Berlin, Stuttgart
  • 03/01/17, Radiation Protection Expert, Paul Scherrer Institute PSI, Villigen
  • 01/01/15, 04/30/15, Training course at the Competence Centre SWISSINT, Stans
  • 07/01/13, 10/31/13, Military education as Observer/Driver for the Peacekeeping mission EUFOR ALTHEA

Languages

mother tongue, fluent - excellent, spoken and written, level C2 GER, fluent - very good, spoken and written, level C2 GER, basic knowledge, basic knowledge, basic knowledge

Extracurricular Activities

2019, 2023, Internal Mediation, Swiss Government 2013, 2017, Coaching of aspirants at EDUCA SWISS (before studienaktie.org) 2005, 2010, Forum on Security Policy (SPF), student association at the University of St. Gallen

Personal Information

  • Date of Birth: 09/17/82
  • Nationality: Swiss

Timeline

Fundraising Specialist

MYBLUEPLANET
03.2024 - 07.2024

Sabbatical

12.2023 - 02.2024

Scientific Officer Political Affairs

Swiss Armed Forces
10.2022 - 11.2023

Head International Relations / Scientific Officer Strategy and Coordination

National Emergency Operations Centre
01.2017 - 09.2022

Temporary Assignments in the SMART team

Swiss Armed Forces
01.2016 - 12.2016

Analyst

Swiss Armed Forces
01.2015 - 10.2015

Observer

Swiss Armed Forces
07.2013 - 10.2014

Assistant Sustainability Management

LGT Financial Services AG
10.2011 - 10.2012

Academic internship

Embassy of Switzerland in Singapore
11.2010 - 03.2011

Academic Associate Corporate Communications, part time

Wegelin & Co. Private Bankers
01.2007 - 10.2010

Commercial employee for purchasing, marketing, client service & export

Colorine SA
03.2004 - 07.2005

Master in International Affairs and Governance - International Management, CEMS MIM, Community of European Management Schools

University of St. Gallen (HSG)

Exchange semester -

University College Dublin

Bachelor in International Affairs -

University of St. Gallen (HSG)

Exchange semester -

University of Geneva

School leaving certificate (eidg. Passerelle) -

AKAD College

Business High School -

Kantonsschule am Brühl
Annina Frischknecht