SeniorExpert Corps

About Swisscontact

Swisscontact supports economic development in over 25 countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America and Eastern Europe. Swisscontact’s overriding goal is to help individuals create opportunities for themselves and to utilize their economic potential. We are convinced that private sector involvement in development initiatives is crucial to successfully combat poverty. Skilled workers and proactive small entrepreneurs are important engines for sustained economic development of a country. Through advisory services, training and further education in cooperation with competent local partners, we enable them to improve their professional knowledge and skills, get access to resources and

market outlets and to advocate for a favourable business environment. Swisscontact encourages and enables people to independently improve their living conditions.

Within Swisscontact’s overall program, the Senior Expert Corps is a practical addition to SME-Support. Experienced professionals and experts offer direct and concrete advice to individual enterprises in developing countries and Eastern Europe. In this way, experience is gained first hand and is passed on appropriately – from country to country and from one generation to the next.

Swisscontact - the development organization of the Swiss private sector - provides support to entrepreneurs in developping and transition economies. By helping develop vocational training programs, assisting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and undertaking projects to improve the environment, Swisscontact empowers people to improve their living conditions and gradually overcome poverty.

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“If we stop thinking of the poor people in the world as victims or as a burden, and instead acknowledge them as resilient and inventive entrepreneurs and value-oriented consumers, then a new world of possibilities opens up.”

C. K. prahalad, Economics professor at the

University of Michigan, USA

Senior Expert Corps – First Hand Experience

SEC was established by Swisscontact in 1979. More than 650 experts from artisans to hotel professionals and marketing specialists avail their expertise and wealth of experience.

Since 1979, SEC has organized and overseen more than 2,000 assignments. In the process the experts have done over 350,000 voluntary working hours. This has an equivalent value of approximate-ly 30 million Swiss Francs.

We thank all the experts for their tireless service.

Many companies in developing countries and Eastern Europe cannot afford professional advisory services. Experts from the Senior Expert Corps (SEC) share their professional knowledge and skills where it is needed on a voluntary basis. Small and medium enterprises and institutions receive professional advice on favorable terms. The experts in turn return home with a new wealth of experi-ence, because their ideas are implemented in a local context that is completely different from the one in Switzerland.

Master Cheesemaker Carlos Marbach with employees of Dolakha Dairy Ltd. In nepal

The Countries of operation

SEC Assignments 1980-2010 according to continents

Eastern Europe/CISAfrica

AsiaLatin America

Since its establishment, SEC has passed on its expertise in around 60 countries. In order to provide better support to the experts, SEC concentrates on countries that have their own SEC coordination office. These are:

in Africa: Benin, Burkina Faso, South Africa

in Asia: Mongolia, nepal

in Latin America: Bolivia, Dominican republic, Ecuador, El

Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, nicaragua, panama, peru

in Eastern Europe: Albania, Kosovo, Macedonia, Ukraine

on a case by case basis, assignments in countries without a SEC coordination office can be organized.

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The FacilitatorsThe key persons locally are our SEC-

Coordinators. They are responsible for advising the companies that apply for an expert, for the perusal of queries and for supporting the experts in the respective countries of operation. They further coordinate the drafting of reports and support the evaluation of assignments.

A list of the coordinators is available on:www.swisscontact.ch/sec

“After completing my MBA in the USA, I started to work for SEC in 2003. SEC work in Nepal became my passion. To date, I have overseen more than 400 projects.”

neeraj Singhal, SEC-Coordinator in nepal

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Assignments Motivate and InspireMarie-Therese Herwig has managed different

hotels in Arosa together with her husband for the last 35 years. When he was 69 years old and she 55, they sold their hotel. Thereafter she registered with the Un for initial assignments in Bolivia and peru. She was three times for SEC in Ecuador, where she oversaw a lodge in the upper price range. The guest house with its 65 employees specialized in weddings and seminars. In the past eight years, she has undertaken several SEC-assignments in El Salvador: “The five operations in the capital and the three in the province all had a very simple infrastructure,” the energetic hotel professional remembers. “The hotel employees were semi-literate. During such assignments, it is not really about exporting Swiss standards. There, it is more about organizing, guiding, and demonstrating – in cleaning, in the kitchen and housekeeping. The people are motivated when they try it out themselves. of course I develop organizational charts, checklists, menu suggestions or do operational accounting,” says Maria-Therese Herwig. In Ecuador, they even undertook renovations after her suggestions.

Apart from her involvement with SEC, Marie-Therese Herwig has been supporting a vocational training project by Swisscontact in El Salvador for

years. She has proved a successful fundraiser and raises money in Switzerland with her presentations on the Central American project. Through these donations, she has enabled around 60 youths to get training as bakers and carpenters.

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“It was the first time in the history of our company, that we could get the advice of an expert from elsewhere. Ms. Herwig’s great wealth of experience acquired in 35 years in the hotel industry helped us a lot. Shortcomings were exposed and we are aware, that in the future, we have to make several improvements and change estab-lished mechanisms. Moreover, thanks to her advice we also discovered our potential. The concrete recommendations and practical measures that we can apply daily will help us exploit this potential.”

Juan José Luca Aguilar, president Fundación

Segunde Montes, Ecuador. The foundation

established the lodge as an additional source of

income.

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© Frederic Meyer

Marie-Therese Herwig at home in Arosa

Assignments Improve Quality – piece by piece

“It is particularly important for us, that the sausage products we were taught to make by Don Josef, are of high quality,” says Leonor rosa. “In this way, our products clearly distinguish them-selves from the large number of meat products on offer in peru.” Leonor rosa is the manager of the Butchers’ Cooperative in Chuquibamba in the South of peru. They breed and slaughter the animals themselves and this gives them an additional competitive advantage. “our advertising slogan is: “natural sausage products from healthy country pigs,” explains Leonor rosa. This was not always the case. At the beginning of 2010, on the advice of the Master Butcher Josef pittino, the members of the cooperative first reorganized meat production. The experienced butcher from Switzer-land trained a total of 20 women in pig slaughter-ing, cutting of meat as well as the production of sausage and cured meat products. Since some of his students also bred pigs, the method of progres-sive implementation appealed to him. After that he travelled to peru for the second time at the end of 2010. “We perfected the learned skills and optimized quality and packaging. In the eight months since my first visit a client base has been set up and the operations have been noticeably developed,” remembers the 66 year old Senior Expert from Bösingen (Fr). Improvements were achieved progressively. “It is important, that follow-up assignments first take place when the recommendations for the initial assignment have been implemented. This was the case here, the cooperation worked optimally,” states the experi-enced Master Butcher.

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Master Butcher Josef pittino and Manager of the Butchers’

Cooperative Leonor rosa Fernández in Chuquibamba

The Most Important Sectors

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Three quarters of all assignments are in the hotel industry, in the food sector, in management and finance as well as in training institutions (See chart).

The majority of experts are required in these main SEC assignment areas, and particularly, if they also speak Spanish.

The other quarter is shared by the various professional fields with slight deviations every year. These are, for example: assignments in the textile or wood sector, in health, in waste management, in the construction industry or in forestry and agriculture.

Food and Beverages

Hotel Industry / Tourism

Management and Finance

Education

Agriculture

Woodwork

Health

Electrical Engineering

Construction Industry

Textile

Minerals

Media / press

Machines / Vehicles

Energy & Water

Chemical Industry

Waste Management

SEC-Assignments 1980-2010 according to sectors

“One of the SEC-Experts once said: “Small things

bring about big changes.” I can only add that these

small things cannot be taught by just anybody. The

experts implement this task in an exemplary manner

and thereby make big changes possible.”

Afrim Kamishi, SEC-Coordinator in Kosovo

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Master Baker Hans-Ueli Marti and Head Baker Victor Mauri in peru

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Assignments Change perceptions – on Both Sides

Assignments Mean Learning from Each other

naim Gacaferi owns the Gacaferi Mobilje family business in pea, an idyllic town in Kosovo at the foot of the mountains at the border with Montene-gro. The company has 70 employees and manufac-tures private kitchens, furniture and staircases from wood. According to the SEC Expert Jürg naef, the machinery and the quality of products are good, and the operational structure in the company also works well. “Their objective, to export to Western Europe, is ambitious, but doable,” opines the Sales and Marketing Manager from Stetten (SH). “My advice was particularly useful for this vision.” Jürg naef analysed the strengths and weaknesses, worked on the calculation methods and the structure of the price list and subsequently discussed this with the employees. In addition, he also made changes to the website. naim Gacaferi is very satisfied with the support of the Swiss. “His presence and his detailed report will certainly help

me achieve our company goals,” states the client. The SEC-Expert also values the open and produc-tive cooperation with his main contact person naim Gacaferi. He is happy, that many measures were introduced during his stay. “once in a while they turn a deaf ear to my advice, but one must learn to live with that. Hopefully, my input has had a positive effect on job security and job creation,” states naef. The impact on the success of the organization can however not be assessed such a short time after the completion of the assignment. When the Senior Expert looks back at his time in pea, he does not only think of the number of companies and sales targets. “I did not only do something meaningful, but I also completely expanded my personal horizon,” states naef. “For instance, I will continue to talk about my positive impression of Kosovo here in Switzerland. It is important to portray diverse pictures.”

The Kirovograd Institute of Commerce in the Ukraine is a college established in 1993 with around 1,000 students. It offers courses in the fields of finance, business administration, market-ing, auditing and accounting. Although the institute has well trained instructors, knowledge on the latest bank products and technical developments needed for international bank transactions is lacking. The institute applied to SEC for a consul-tancy assignment focusing on the handling of case studies and simulated transactions. Methodical/didactical input and the improvement of the teaching materials were required just as much as technical knowledge.

ruedi Frank, a financial expert from Zizers (Gr), undertook his first assignment at the Kirovograd Institute of Commerce in 2010. This was part of a series of trainings and lectures by different Senior Experts within the framework of a special project to support the banking sector in the Ukraine.

“I also learnt something new,” says the Senior Expert. “not only on weekends when Vlada and nima accompanied me to the most important

places and buildings in the city, when I visited the Museum of Art and paintings or took part in a city founding ceremony.” Each assignment is a give and take. I impart specific professional knowledge, the partners allow me to be part of their day-to-day life and give me an insight into the general conditions under which they face their professional and private challenges,” explains ruedi Frank.

“The close practical experience was very useful for the students. We not only improved our knowledge of European standards, but also implemented new teaching methods at the insti-tute,” states Vlada Sergiuk, International relations Manager at Kirovograd Institute of Commerce. “I am convinced that this has had a positive effect on the institute’s reputation and on the students’ chances in the job market.” According to ruedi Frank, the macroeconomic benefits were also considered during the assignment. “our knowledge is imparted where it is needed and also under-stood,” reckons the 64-year old. “In this manner, a real exchange takes place and a partnership is established and continues being fostered.”

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“I am impressed by the work of Swisscon-tact. The input of the Senior Expert Corps as well as the different initiatives in the field of education and vocational training offer model solutions on how disadvantaged persons can sustainably take control of their lives.”

Egbert Appel, Member of the Board and

Managing Director Hilti Foundation, Trustee Martin

Hilti Family Trust

Hilti FoundationThe Hilti Foundation, with headquarters in

Schaan, Liechtenstein, has since 1996 been a long-time partner of Swisscontact. Numerous material donations as well as contributions for different projects, especially for the Senior Expert Corps have been made by the Hilti Foundation throughout the years.

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“Swisscontact demonstrates with the Senior Expert Corps how valuable the experience of retired professionals is and how this can be profitably used to benefit disadvantaged persons. We are impressed by the voluntary commitment of the Senior Experts who offer their services worldwide.”

Dr. Manuel Rybach, Managing Director Credit

Suisse Foundation

Credit Suisse FoundationCredit Suisse works together with Swiss-

contact within the framework of the Microfi-nance Capacity Building Initiative started in 2008. By announcing the Senior Expert Corps during the Farewell Days of Credit Suisse, the pool was expanded with the expertise of bankers and its activities intensified.

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Specific Assignments – That’s how it Works Locally

All small and medium enterprises, training institutions and other institutions in developing countries and Eastern Europe that are dependent on professional expertise for solving operational difficulties, but cannot afford the market rates can apply for a Senior Expert.

With the input from the expert, competitiveness is increased, training of local personnel is improved and employment opportunities are created or secured.

The assignments normally take between one and three months.

From the onset, the client bears part of the cost of the assignment. They not only pay for the expert’s accommodation but also subsistence and local transport. Follow-up assignments are needed since these ensure sustainability and contribute to the long-term success of the enterprise or institution. on the second and third assignment, the client bears the travel and placement expenses.

requests for an expert assignment are handled by the local SEC Coordinators or the SEC management in Zürich.

Detailed information on the regulations and

procedures are available in our guidelines under: www.swisscontact.ch/sec.

Whether in Africa, Asia, Latin America or Eastern Europe, the results of the client questionnaires after an expert assignment give a uniform picture: 95% describe their satisfaction between good and excellent and attest excellent (83%) or good (11%) aptitude to the professionals. 88% wish for a follow-up assignment as a result of the expertise.

“Some SEC assignments have already led to real friendships and successful business relationships. There is no doubt that the demand for SEC-Experts will grow. We should therefore try to extend our activities in the future.”

Irina Kovtun, SEC-Coordinator in the Ukraine

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Master Carpenter otto Vogel and two employees of EnAMIT ébénisterie Mamadou Minkoro Traore in Mali

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Assignments Connect GenerationsMany married couples offer their services as a

team during SEC-assignments. Dora and Urs Frey-Wüest, for instance. Their first assignment in 2006 at a private college in nepal was rather sobering. After unsuccessfully attempting to change the school leadership, the school then had to close after a short while… nevertheless, the couple did not get discouraged and travelled back to the landlocked country in southern Asia to advise schools on curriculum development, to train teachers and improve school management. rabin Dahal, principal at a secondary school in the nepalese Biratnagar particularly cherishes the fact that the two educators from Switzerland have completely reformed the selection and training processes at the school. This significantly contrib-uted to the professionalization of the school. “Mr. Urs and Mrs. Dora helped us to understand the difference between excellent and average lessons,” applauds rabin Dahal. “They changed our teaching methods from cramming to understanding.” With a wink he adds that the school was selected as the best school in Eastern nepal by the Ministry of Education thanks to the Frey-Wüests.

“one of our first students was an 18-year old rekha girl. We supported her when she wanted to continue and attend a Montessori Kindergarten Teacher Training Course in Kathmandu,” remem-bers Doris Frey-Wüest. “Since then she has studied economics and received a scholarship for studies in poland.” “She will be even able to spend the coming winter semester as an exchange student in Germany,” interjects her husband proudly. “It is good when young people develop an open mind and an understanding for other cul-tures.” The couple has therefore made it possible for a young student from the teacher training college of Graubünden to accompany them to nepal. “The exchange was beneficial for all involved,” agreed the two. “When we travel to nepal, we feel like we are going home. We always visit our earlier assignment areas. That way we can also see the fruit of our efforts. SEC not only connects people but also religions, cultures and generations. That is what we value most.”

Dora and Urs Frey-Wüest in nepal

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Assignments Bring Cultures Togetherraymond Tinguely was in Benin for Swisscontact.

That was six years ago. He was 54 years old at the time

and without any experience in Africa, and not really a

typical Senior Expert. However, the metalworker asserted

himself in Didier Agbohouto’s company. The company,

CMCp-Benin is today competitive and has its eyes on the

future.

A conversation with raymond Tinguely and his

African client Didier Agbohouto.

Mr. Tinguely, how did you come to Africa in

2005?

Raymond Tinguely: A friend of mine asked me if I

wanted to take his place on an assignment to Benin. I

went to my wife and asked her, what she would think if I

went to Africa.

And what did she answer?

Raymond Tinguely: That she would come along.

And she actually did. The two of us travelled to the

capital Cotonou. The company CMCp-Benin, where I

worked, specialized in metal construction and the

production of rubber and plastic parts.

Which tasks did you take on as a SEC Expert?

Raymond Tinguely: During the six weeks at

CMCp-Benin, I trained around 20 workers in welding, in

tin and copper smithy as well as pipe manufacture. I

showed the workers new techniques in this area and this

strengthened the company’s competitiveness.

Your wife also got a new job after a short time.

How did that happen?

Raymond Tinguely: Yes, that’s true (laughs). There

was a primary school close to CMCp. The director soon

found out that my wife was a teacher. So she ended up

offering a very interesting though unofficial service to the

school. She made several contacts there, some of which

still remain.

Benin did not let you go. You travelled back to

Africa.

Raymond Tinguely: right. During my second

assignment in the same company, my 18-year old son

accompanied me. He is a mechanic and helped in the

relevant department. The exchange was very enriching

for us. of course at the beginning you have to approach

things positively, and not limit yourself. I soon learnt how

open and warm Africans are.

Mr. Agbohouto, how did you get to know Mr.

Tinguely?

Didier Agbohouto: I was impressed by his personal-

ity not only professionally but also privately. He came to

us, lived and shared with us. The cooperation with people

from other countries and continents gave us a new

picture and a certain openness that had a further positive

effect. The service should continue to be supported and

extended, to the big enterprises as well.

What changed for your company and employees

upon Raymond Tinguely arrival?

Didier Agbohouto: My employees learned welding

techniques that are normally not practiced in Benin. I

improved my management skills through raymond

Tinguely and got access to new markets. My workers

improved their professional standards. Some were so

highly qualified as a result that they were poached by big

construction companies. I certainly lost several of my

best people but on the other hand, I improved the

company’s reputation (laughs).

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Didier Agbohouto

raymond Tinguely

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Swiss Chef Vincenzo Bossotto and Hotel owner naser Arifi in Kosovo

Specific Assignments – That’s how it Works in Switzerland

professionals from all occupations who are prepared

to offer their consultancy services voluntarily can apply to

the Senior Expert Corps.

The criteria for registration into our expert database

are professional experience, language proficiency,

experience abroad, good health and the willingness to

grapple with other cultures and peoples. The experience

of a decade long professional life helps experts to quickly

adapt to new living and working conditions. Even people

who are still working can also be registered in the

database and sent on a SEC-assignment.

There is no guarantee that every professional who

applies will be assigned. The possibilities of assignment

are different depending on the sector. The request for

specialised knowledge can however not be predicted. A

wide professional and specialist base is therefore

necessary. Applications are welcome:On our homepage: www.swisscontact.orgVia mail: sec@swisscontact.chVia telephone: 044 454 1717

“Working for SEC was enriching for me because through it I got to know different people and companies. I think it is important to stress the dedication the experts apply to every assign-ment. And certainly their satisfaction as well when they see how the companies practically implement their advice.”

Susanna Lopez, SEC-Coordinator in Ecuador

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From the Travel Diary of a Senior Expert

people were already used to power outages five times during the theory lesson. With time it also became normal for me. I visited the hospital depart-ment so that I could connect the theoretical and practical aspects more effectively. I put great emphasis on explaining to the women how impor-tant patient information was before embarking on any treatment. Soon the women reported that they could help their patients relax using the massage skills they had learnt. I think I succeeded in kindling the fire for reflexology.

Annelise Schenk, Senior Expert

In February 2011 arrived I in pokhara, nepal, on my first assignment on board a “Golden Travel Bus.” What a noble name! The driver drove very carefully during the seven hour drive over rough terrain. In the “Girlshome” at the college, I moved into a very simple room. I could only dream of warm water, and I compensated for the lack of electricity with my torch. I protected myself from the cold nights with my own featherbed sleeping bag. The food was simple. There was always rice, lentils and other vegetables.

I taught for the first time in a foreign language and culture and quickly learnt that patience, flexibility and creativity were required. From the beginning, everyone was very friendly and willing to help. I trained 19 vocational school teachers and the college manager in theoretical reflexology so that they could teach this form of therapy to their students. reflexology is cost-effective and effec-tively supports medicine.

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registered nurse Annelise Schenk (front row, second left) with Director Sakung Singh (front row, third left) and

teachers of the Manipal College of Medical Sciences in nepal

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Assignments Bring Change – Sustainably and Ecologically

experiences with the roof gardens are no secret, on the

contrary: the building owners actively encouraged them

and recommended other companies to imitate them,”

according to the Expert. “The aim of my assignment was

to provide houses with a roof garden instead of using

sheet or tile roofing in order to improve the indoor

climate. After only half a year I can state with satisfac-

tion, that the trial roofs are up to 90% already green and

have adequate roots. The system has proved its value.”

During his stay, a symposium in which students and

professors of the Faculty of Architecture of the university,

potential clients, bank representatives and the press

participated was organized. There, ECo Mobilia explained

the positive characteristics of roof gardens like rainwater

retention, noise and suspended particle absorption and

improvement of the microclimate. And they managed to

establish new contacts and even took new orders.

“I served my two assignments in 2011 in Valle de

Angeles in Honduras. In Honduras, I met patricia Zéron,

a dedicated SEC-Coordinator,” reports Gian Martin

Bassin from Zürich. The request for this assignment

came from José Sosa, CEo of the ECo Mobilia family

business and from Mirna Antunez, Environmental

Scientist and pr-officer. ECo Mobilia is an architectural

office that acts as a general company and constructs

ecological residential houses using local products. Five

people work in the office, three of whom are women. The

managers are very happy with the SEC-Expert’s advice.

“In our opinion, the assignment was somewhat too short

and should have been much longer. We look forward to

further support from SEC-Experts,” states José Sosa.

Gian Martin Bassin’s consultancy services were mainly in

the development and trial of roof gardens on slanted

roofs, an exceptionally exciting and challenging task. “our

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The Senior Expert Corps finances itself through contributions from companies, private individuals, foundations, communities and cantons as well as church communities. Since 1993, the Senior Expert Corps is part of Swisscontact’s Develop-ment program which is financed up to 50% by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

The experts work voluntarily. They only receive a modest amount of pocket money from SEC for small personal expenses during their assignment.

It is of great importance at this point to sincerely thank all the donors for their valuable financial support and the experts for their tireless service.

Financing

“The biggest advantage of SEC is that the clients define their problem themselves. The experts then bring in their practical experience where it is needed. In this manner, a custom-made outcome for the company is achieved with each assign-ment.”

natalija puntevska, SEC-Coordinator in

Macedonia

SEC is dependent on your financial support for undertaking future assign-ments.

We are grateful for your donations to account number 80-29768-1

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Publishing Information:Editorial Team: Anne Bickel, Ulrike Gminder, Ann-Cathrin JeschLegend photo Cover page: Cheese Master ruedi Amrein from Boll (BE) with Meera Karki from Yeti Cheese in nepalphotos: Swisscontact Employees, Frederic Meyer, Michael Volz, Brigitte MänteleDesign Concept: Schindler parent GmbHLayout: Brand new Worldphoto Editing: Ann-Cathrin Jeschprinting: Bader + niederöst AG

Swiss NPO-Code: The structure and management of Swisscontact conforms to the Corporate Governance regulations for non profit organisations in Switzerland (Swiss npo-Code) issued by the presidents of large relief organizations. An audit conducted on behalf of this organization showed that the principles of the Swiss npo-Code were adhered to.ZEWO-Seal of Approval: Swisscontact was awarded the ZEWo Seal of Approval. It is awarded to non-profit organizations for the conscientious handling of moneys entrusted to them; it certifies dedicated, economic and effective allocation of donations and stands for a transparent and trustworthy organization with functioning control structures that uphold ethics in the procurement of funds and communication. Swisscontact is audited regularly in regard to upholding these criteria. (Source: ZEWo)Société Général de Surveillance (SGS): Swisscontact is at the moment in the process of recertification by the international Inspection Agency Société Général de Surveillance (SGS) within the nGo Benchmarking program. The updated certificate is expected at the end of 2011.

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Swisscontact - Senior Expert Corps · Döltschiweg 39 · CH-8055 Zürich · Telephone +41 44 454 17 17 · Fax +41 44 454 17 97

sec@swisscontact.ch · www.swisscontact.org

WE CREATE OPPORTUNITIES.