© Helvetas

Advisory Services

© Helvetas

Helvetas gives technical advice and support to development projects, develop new tools, methods and approaches, and offers training and capacity building support. We elaborate analytical reports and publications, assist in strategic planning processes, and share Helvetas’ expertise in international networks.

Our expertise

Development means building human and organizational capacities, and local ownership. While providing technical expertise, we are committed to building virtual bridges that help achieve concerted action at global, national and local levels.

Helvetas expertise builds on more than six decades of practical experiences in rural development work. We systematically capture learnings, insights and innovations to effectively address today’s challenges. We strive to create a strong link between local knowledge and concerns and national or international know-how and issues.

For Helvetas, it’s important to share good practices and lessons learned in face-to-face discussion, online debates and publications. We believe in a two-way knowledge exchange between developed and developing countries and foster South-South cooperation. By using multiple media and communications channels and tools, we support strategic planning, policy development and informed public dialogue.

Helvetas collaborates with a wide range of partner organizations that bring in additional critical skills and expertise. We share our expertise in international networks.

What we offer

  • Cutting-edge specialist and evidence-based advice
  • Thematic analysis, documentation and publication
  • Process and network facilitation
  • Capacity-building for our partners and clients through coaching, training, courses and organizational development
  • Development of methodological tools, manuals and curricula
  • Strategic program development and support in project cycle management
  • Evidence-based learning and knowledge management
  • Development of monitoring systems, project evaluations and impact assessments
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© Helvetas / Chinch Gryniewicz
© Helvetas / Chinch Gryniewicz
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National and international references

Our experts not only advise our own programs but also other private, non-profit, state and multilateral organizations on their development projects.

Our clients include

  • Our own development programs and projects
  • Bilateral and multilateral development agencies, e.g. GIZ and DFID
  • Civil society organizations
  • Private enterprises, e.g. Coop, Rabobank, Pakka and Mars
  • Governmental institutions
  • Multilateral financial institutions such as the World Bank (WB) and the African Development Bank (ADB)
  • Global organizations such as the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO), the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the IFAD (International Fund for Agricultural Development) or the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

Our quarterly newsletter “Highlights”

For development practitioners and anyone interested in our projects and approaches.

Helvetas’ Advisory Services comprises experts in rural and urban development, environmental management, and knowledge and learning from around the globe. 

Our Advisory Services are internationally renowned. Helvetas' experts advise external clients – private, nonprofit, state and multilateral organizations – as well as our Helvetas’ teams and projects in the Global South.  

Learn more about our topics and services on

Meet the team of interdisciplinary experts

Our multilingual advisory team offers wide-ranging thematic expertise and has in-depth experience in navigating complex processes. Helvetas’ work builds on over 60 years of experience in more than 30 countries.

Contact our experts
Director Advisory Services / Senior Advisor Sustainable Agriculture & Extension
Director Advisory Services / Senior Advisor Adaptation to Climate Change
Advisor Nutrition Sensitive Agriculture and Food Systems
Senior Advisor Sustainable Agriculture / Organic Farming
Advisor Financial Sector Development & Buisness Management
Senior Advisor Value Chain & Market Development
Owen Frazer
Senior Advisor Conflict Transformation
Senior Advisor Learning and Innovation
Senior Advisor Disaster Risk Management
Advisor Vocational Skills Development
Advisor Financial Inclusion and Private Sector Engagement
Senior Advisor Learning & Innovation
© Helvetas / Maurice K. Grünig
Senior Advisor Value Chains & Sustainable Commodities
Advisor Skills Development and Entrepreneurship
Senior Advisor Private Sector Development
Senior Advisor Private Sector Development and Inclusive Systems

Training and competence development

We have extensive experience in giving workshops and training on key tools and approaches in our working areas including advocacy, partnership and capacity development, gender and social equity as well as marketing and communications.

For more information, please contact advisory.services@helvetas.org

Learn more about our working areas

Voice, Inclusion & Cohesion

In many countries where we work, men and women are unable to claim their rights and participate actively in decision-making processes.

Education and Vocational Skills

Lack of education perpetuates inequality because poor countries cannot compete economically without a skilled workforce.

Private Sector Development

Youth need access to reliable, fairly paid jobs to break the cycle of poverty. Helvetas creates partnerships and promotes policies that build more inclusive economies.

Climate & Disaster Resilience

Every year, we support over 1,000,000 people in adapting to climate change, reducing the risks of disasters, sustainably managing natural resources, and conserving nature.

Rural Access

Lack of transport infrastructure makes it impossible for the poor to escape the poverty trap. We help people get better access to markets, schools, and hospitals.

WASH & Water Governance

The most vulnerable communities suffer from dirty and scarce water. Annually we help up to 500,000 people get new access to drinking water and basic sanitation.

Further information

Advocacy

Sustainable development only works within the right policy framework. Helvetas advocates for dialog with political decision-makers.

Publications

Annual reports, thematic publications and a lot more

Partnership and Capacity Development

Sustainable change must be owned by national actors. Working in partnerships is a fundamental principle of Helvetas’ work.

Our projects worldwide

In over 250 projects, Helvetas advocates for a world in which people can live in dignity, safety and autonomy. Here is a selection of our projects.

© Fatoumata Diabate
Private Sector Development

Dynamizing Agriculture for the Youth

© Helvetas
Laos Voice, Inclusion & Cohesion

Fostering Civic Engagement

© Helvetas / Patrick Rohr
Laos Private Sector Development

Good Tea Fetches Good Prices

© Helvetas/Nomwindé Sawadogo
Burkina Faso WASH & Water Governance

Health for Schoolchildren and Their Families

© Helvetas / Simon B. Opladen
Nepal Private Sector Development

Riverbed Vegetables

© Helvetas
Nepal WASH & Water Governance

A Fair Share of the Water

© Helvetas
Ethiopia Voice, Inclusion & Cohesion

Taking Responsibility for Village Administration

© Helvetas
Mozambique WASH & Water Governance

Small towns water supply

Mozambique Education and Vocational Skills

Training for the Real Working World

Haiti Education and Vocational Skills

Training young people for the working world

© Helvetas
Haiti Climate & Disaster Resilience

Better Prepared for Storms

© Helvetas / Simon Opladen
Guatemala WASH & Water Governance

Good Governance Makes for Good Water

Guatemala Private Sector Development

Women´s Agro-entrepreneurship in the Highlands

© Helvetas / Flurina Rothenberger
Myanmar Skills, Jobs and Income

Well Equipped for the Working World

© Helvetas
Vietnam Private Sector Development

Fighting Poverty with Responsible Tourism

© Helvetas
Bhutan Education and Vocational Skills

Building Trades with a Future for Young Men and Women

© Helvetas / Christian Bobst
Kosovo Education and Vocational Skills

Jobs for Young People

© Helvetas/Stephane Brabant
Benin Education and Vocational Skills

Making Up Lost Years of School

© Helvetas / Patrick Rohr
Ethiopia Skills, Jobs and Income

Know-How and Skills for Young Tradespeople

© Helvetas
Ethiopia Climate & Disaster Resilience

Pastoralists Take Charge of Natural Resource Management

© Helvetas
Pakistan Voice, Inclusion & Cohesion

Economic Prospects for Peace and Stability

© Helvetas/K M Asad
Bangladesh WASH Services

More resilient communities

© Helvetas / Bruna Fossati
Sri Lanka Voice, Inclusion & Cohesion

Young People on Course for Reconciliation

© Helvetas / Patrick Rohr
Nepal Climate & Disaster Resilience

Fresh Start after the Earthquake

Vietnam_Biotrade_Woman | © Helvetas
Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar Private Sector Development

Ethical Trade in Botanicals

© Helvetas
Kyrgyzstan Private Sector Development

Creating Jobs to Escape Poverty

© Helvetas
Tajikistan Voice, Inclusion & Cohesion

Justice for All

© DLDP
Albania Voice, Inclusion & Cohesion

Building Confidence in Local Government

© Helvetas / Patrick Rohr
Bosnia-Herzegovina Private Sector Development

Making Markets and Jobs

© Helvetas / Armand Habazaj
Albania, Serbia Voice, Inclusion & Cohesion

Social Sciences for a Better Society

Mali Climate & Disaster Resilience

New Strategies to Adapt to Climate Change

North Macedonia Climate & Disaster Resilience

Conserving Biodiversity, Managing Complex Landscapes

© Helvetas
Bangladesh Private Sector Development

A healthy diet for women and children

© Helvetas / Simon B. Opladen
Bolivia Private Sector Development

Cocoa harvesting, protecting forests

Anfanni 2023 | © Simon B. Opladen
Benin Private Sector Development

Encouraging Rural Youth to Become Entrepreneurs

© Helvetas
Tajikistan Voice, Inclusion & Cohesion

Water for Sustainable Development

© Helvetas
Tajikistan Rural Access

Organic to Markets

© Helvetas
Bhutan Voice, Inclusion & Cohesion

Partnership for Diverse Civil Society Actions

© Helvetas
Tajikistan Climate & Disaster Resilience

For a Self-Determined Life in Dignity

Albania Private Sector Development

Making Markets Work for the Youth

© Helvetas
Nepal Voice, Inclusion & Cohesion

Making Labor Migration an Informed Choice

© Helvetas
Nepal Education and Vocational Skills

Safer Houses, and Skills for Future Employment

© Helvetas
Kyrgyzstan Voice, Inclusion & Cohesion

Public service improvement in Kyrgyzstan

© Helvetas
Kyrgyzstan Voice, Inclusion & Cohesion

Contributing to a More Cohesive Society in Kyrgyzstan

International bloggers visited Kyrgyzstan | © Helvetas
Kyrgyzstan Private Sector Development

Sustainable Winter Tourism Development Project

© S4RE
Kosovo Education and Vocational Skills

Matching Skills with Demand in the Labor Market

North Macedonia Education and Vocational Skills

Market-Oriented Education for a Prosperous Society

© DEMOS
Kosovo Voice, Inclusion & Cohesion

Building a Democratic Kosovo

© Helvetas
Kyrgyzstan Education and Vocational Skills

Providing the Local Industry With Professionals

Vietnam, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Laos, India Partnership & Capacity Development

Value Chain Capacity Building Network

Tanzania Private Sector Development

Climate-Smart Organic Cotton

© Helvetas
India WASH & Water Governance

Fair and Good – for People and Planet

© Helvetas
Vietnam Private Sector Development

Swiss Import Promotion Program

© Water Sanitation Mozambique
Global WASH & Water Governance

Swiss Water Partnership

© Water for food
Global Voice, Inclusion & Cohesion

Tackling Corruption in the Water Sector

© HelvetasBhutan
Bhutan Voice, Inclusion & Cohesion

Bringing Decision-Making to Local Communities

© Winfried Heusinger / Helvetas
Global Education and Vocational Skills

Decent Jobs Thanks to Vocational Training

© Helvetas/Singye Wangchuk
Global Private Sector Development

Networking for Employment and Income

Switzerland Climate & Disaster Resilience

For Climate and Disaster Resilience - Swiss NGO DRR Platform

Global Private Sector Development

Postharvest Management in Sub-Saharan Africa

© Helvetas
Guatemala Voice, Inclusion & Cohesion

Entrepreneurship in the Guatemalan Highlands

Sri Lanka Voice, Inclusion & Cohesion

A journey towards a Human Trafficking Free Sri Lanka

© Helvetas
Madagascar WASH & Water Governance

Water - the Source of Life

Open History Exhibition Dawei | © Helvetas Myanmar
Myanmar Voice, Inclusion & Cohesion

Open History: Arts for Peace

Bangladesh Private Sector Development

Disability Inclusion in Bangladesh

Bosnia-Herzegovina Education and Vocational Skills

Empowering Youth to Build a Better Future in Bosnia and Herzegovina

© Helvetas / Simon B.Opladen
Tanzania Education and Vocational Skills

Youth Employment through Skills Enhancement (YES)

Peru Climate & Disaster Resilience

Andes Resilient for Climate Change

Serbia Voice, Inclusion & Cohesion

ACT for a Stronger Civil Society

Rasht Valley Tajikistan | © Helvetas
Tajikistan Gender & Social Equity

Improved Nutrition and Health for Rural Families

Kyrgyzstan Private Sector Development

Sustainable Tourism Strengthens People and Nature

Myanmar Voice, Inclusion & Cohesion

For a Pluralistic, Inclusive and Peaceful Society

© Helvetas
Vietnam Voice, Inclusion & Cohesion

Strengthening Land Rights of Ethnic Minorities

 Mother with daughter preparing food | © Patrick Rohr
Laos Climate & Disaster Resilience

Connecting for Improved Nutrition

Tanzania Private Sector Development

Save Safe Food Project-Hifadhi Nafaka Salama (SSF)

Mozambique Humanitarian Response

WASH Activities for IDPs and Host Communities

Vietnam Private Sector Development

Conservation-Friendly Enterprise Development

© Helvetas/Simon B.Opladen
Burkina Faso Rural Access

A Road to Change Village Life

© Dalia Khamissy
Lebanon Voice, Inclusion & Cohesion

Strengthening Civil Society through Digital Literacy

© Helvetas / KM Asad
Bangladesh Voice, Inclusion & Cohesion

Improved access to migration systems

© Helvetas / Arben Llapashtica
Armenia, Albania, Azerbaijan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, North Macedonia, Serbia, Ukraine, Montenegro Education and Vocational Skills

Building Economies Where All Can Prosper

Myanmar Voice, Inclusion & Cohesion

Artists Relief Fund

© Helvetas / Luigi Baldelli
Madagascar Private Sector Development

Boosting Income to Boost Rainforest Conservation

© Helvetas/Andrew Bartlett
Laos Private Sector Development

Towards a Greener and More Profitable Future

Tanzania Education and Vocational Skills

Lets Go Digital - VSOMO

Vietnam Sustainable and Inclusive Economies

Circular Economy Cocoa: From Bean to Bar

© Helvetas Pakistan
Pakistan Humanitarian Response

Covid 19 Rapid Recovery

© Helvetas Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan Climate & Disaster Resilience

Green Economy for People and Environment

© Helvetas Bolivia
Bolivia Voice, Inclusion & Cohesion

Economic Empowerment for a Strong Community

Mozambique WASH Services

Health Promotion in Cabo Delgado

Tunisia, Niger Voice, Inclusion & Cohesion

Supporting children and young people on migration routes

Peru Private Sector Development

MiCacao Project

© Helvetas
Nepal Climate & Disaster Resilience

Green economic development in Nepal

Banana trunks | © Helvetas Germany & CRED
Vietnam Sustainable and Inclusive Economies

Economic opportunities

Pakistan Humanitarian Response

Flood emergency response in Pakistan

© Helvetas / Alim
Bangladesh Voice, Inclusion & Cohesion

Supporting communities to raise their voice

Mozambique Education and Vocational Skills

Young people assert themselves in work life

Uzbekistan Education and Vocational Skills

Vocational Education on a Moving Ground

Nepal Voice, Inclusion & Cohesion

Support for returning migrant workers

"You see, we have all the windows fixed" said Tonya Vasilivna. "We weren't here when shrapnells were flying everywhere and damaged our roof, windows, rooms. Now we have roof fixed and windows thanks to Helvetas and DESPRO Helvetas’ partner organization". | © Iva Zímová/Panos Pictures
Ukraine Humanitarian Response

Safe Shelters in Times of War

Ukraine Private Sector Development

Fair Opportunities for a Fresh Start in Business

© Polina Cupcea
Moldova Skills, Jobs and Income

Work for Refugees and Locals in Moldova

Peru Climate & Disaster Resilience

Water in Emergencies Project

Bangladesh Skills, Jobs and Income

Feeding new job opportunities

Training of women on picking vegetables at Palosi, Peshawar | © Foundation for Rural Development
Pakistan Food & Nutrition

Re-Food Pakistan

© Axel Fassio
Madagascar Climate & Disaster Resilience

Growing cocoa and protecting the forest at the same time

© Helvetas
Georgia Private Sector Development

Strenghtening Local Economies in Georgia

Peru WASH & Water Governance

Water for Andean Cities

© Axel Fassio
Madagascar Climate & Disaster Resilience

Growing cocoa and protecting the forest at the same time

Peru Private Sector Development

SeCompetitivo Programme - Phase III