Are you ready to help shape the future of a global organisation advancing underground solutions worldwide? Welcome to the ITA.
At the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association (ITA), we bring together a global network of member nations, industry leaders and experts to advance the use of underground space as a sustainable solution to infrastructure and urban challenges.
Building on a strong legacy of technical excellence and collaboration, ITA is strengthening its capacity to deliver programmes and global activities with greater structure, continuity and impact.
We are looking for a Head of Programmes to join the Secretariat and play a central role in coordinating ITA’s activities, supporting governance processes, and ensuring effective implementation of our strategic priorities.
This is a unique opportunity to work at the heart of a global organisation and contribute directly to its future development.
Supporting the coordination, delivery and professionalisation of ITA's activities, governance processes and technical outputs, the Head of Programmes plays a central role in ensuring continuity, quality and effective follow-up across ITA's Committees, Working Groups and priority initiatives.
The role may also include responsibility for selected strategic initiatives, subject to organisational priorities and resource allocation.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for an organised, self-motivated and collaborative professional who thrives in an international, multi-stakeholder environment.
You are comfortable navigating between strategic priorities and operational delivery, and you bring the ability to translate decisions into concrete actions. You build trust through clear communication, professionalism and reliability, and you are motivated by supporting high-quality delivery across a complex organisational landscape.
Organisational Placement
Working closely with the Executive Director, the Head of Programmes acts as a key operational partner, supporting the coordination, delivery and professionalisation of ITA's activities, governance processes and technical outputs. The role is central to ensuring continuity, quality and effective follow-up across ITA's Committees, Working Groups and priority initiatives. While the role does not currently include direct staff management responsibilities, it carries significant responsibility for programme oversight, stakeholder coordination and implementation of strategic priorities.
- Reports directly to the Executive Director.
- Acts as a key support to the Executive Director, with delegated authority as required.
- Works closely with the ITA President, the Executive Council, ITA Committees, Working Groups (WGs), Special Interest Groups (SIGs), Secretariat colleagues (a small team of five) and key external partners.
- Provides continuity and operational oversight across ITA’s voluntary and professional structures.
- Works within a clearly defined division of responsibilities with the Executive Director and other Secretariat staff.
Key Responsibilities
Programme Coordination and Executive Support
- Support the Executive Director in the coordination and day-to-day management of ITA’s activities
- Contribute to strategic planning, follow-up of decisions and implementation of governance priorities
- Prepare briefings and decision-support materials for leadership and governance bodies
- Represent the Executive Director internally and externally, as delegated.
Strategic Projects and Market Intelligence
- Lead one of ITA's key strategic initiatives, the Prime Sponsors Market Survey, with responsibility for its governance, development, implementation and long-term evolution as a core instrument supporting market intelligence, stakeholder engagement and organisational development.
- Lead and coordinate key strategic projects and tools supporting ITA’s development and stakeholder engagement
- Coordinate internal and external contributors, including sponsors, Committees, consultants and digital service providers
- Ensure data quality, relevance, confidentiality and appropriate use of results, in line with ITA’s governance principles
- Support the strategic use of market insights to inform decision-making, strengthen stakeholder engagement and contribute to ITA’s long-term organisational development
World Tunnel Congress (ITA WTC)
- Support the continued development and professionalisation of the ITA World Tunnel Congress
- Contribute to frameworks, processes and knowledge transfer across successive congresses
- Serve as Secretary to the ITA Cross-Congress Coordination Committee
Committees, WGs and Strategic Initiatives
- Support selected Committees, SIGs and strategic initiatives, as agreed with the Executive Director
- Strengthen Secretariat services and ensure consistent processes across Committees and Working Group structures
- Support onboarding, training and effective governance compliance of Working Group leadership
Operational Development and Continuous Improvement
- Contribute to improving internal processes, workflows and digital tools
- Support budget planning and monitoring in collaboration with relevant stakeholders
- Identify opportunities for efficiency and professionalisation across ITA’s activities
Additional Duties
- Perform other tasks and responsibilities as required to support ITA’s activities, priorities and strategic development.
About ITA
The International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association (ITA) is in its 51st year and is looking ahead. Representing 81 Member and Observer Nations and a global network of engineering industry and individual members, ITA is a trusted voice for promoting the use of underground space as a sustainable solution to urban and infrastructure challenges. Through knowledge sharing, technical guidance, and international collaboration, ITA supports innovation and excellence in tunnelling and underground construction worldwide. While ITA headquarters is in Geneva, Switzerland, the Secretariat is decentralised with the team working from their home offices.
Application Process
This is a full-time position with a flexible, remote working arrangement, though availability during Central European working hours is required. The successful candidate will report to the Executive Director and collaborate closely with the ITA’s Secretariat.
The anticipated start date is as soon as possible, subject to availability and notice period.
The application deadline is 9 August 2026
Motivation letters and CVs should be submitted by email to the Executive Director at [email protected].
Questions regarding the position may also be directed to the same address.
Diplomas and certificates may be requested at a later stage and could be subject to verification by an external agency to confirm their authenticity.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interviews end of August 2026.