Jacques Gerber, Federal Council Delegate for Ukraine, Ambassador
Jacques Gerber is a Swiss public administrator with extensive experience in economic governance, international coordination, and the implementation of large-scale governmental programs. His background is particularly relevant in the context of Ukraine’s recovery, where effective synchronization of economic, infrastructure, and administrative decisions is essential.
Gerber holds an academic background in agricultural economics, including a PhD from ETH Zurich, and began his career within research institutions. His early work focused on economic analysis and sustainable development — competencies that are crucial in designing long-term reconstruction strategies for countries emerging from crisis.
At the federal level, he held senior positions at the Swiss Federal Office for Agriculture, where he was responsible for relations with international bodies (including the OECD) and for managing international economic coordination. This experience shaped him as a specialist capable of building complex, multi-agency processes.
From 2015 onward, Jacques Gerber served in the Government of the Canton of Jura, leading the Department of Economy and Health. Under his leadership, the canton implemented economic development initiatives, investment programs, and policies related to sustainability and administrative efficiency. He twice served as President of the Cantonal Government and was Vice President of the Conference of Cantonal Governments — a national-level platform for harmonizing intergovernmental policies.
In September 2024, the Swiss Federal Council appointed Gerber as the Delegate for Switzerland’s Ukraine Programme (“Länderprogramm Ukraine”). He will assume this position on 1 January 2025, with the diplomatic rank of Ambassador. In this role, he will lead an interdepartmental group uniting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, SECO, SDC, and other federal actors responsible for Switzerland’s recovery efforts in Ukraine. His mandate includes strategic coordination and the approval of projects of up to CHF 10 million.
For international investors, his appointment is strategically significant: Gerber becomes a key point of contact in the dialogue between Switzerland, the private sector, and Ukrainian partners. For Lighthouse, this means the opportunity to engage with the individual responsible for aligning federal support mechanisms, ensuring transparency, and integrating international initiatives into the broader architecture of Ukraine’s reconstruction.
