Working at the IOC
Working at the IOC isn’t just a job—it’s a chance to be part of something bigger. You’ll join a passionate, international team that’s united by a shared purpose: using sport to build a better world.
Whether you’re helping deliver the Olympic Games, supporting athletes, driving forward our mission or promoting our values and cultural heritage, your work will have global impact.
We’re proud to offer an experience where passion meets purpose. At the IOC, you’ll find:
- A vibrant, purpose-driven culture, where collaboration, excellence and innovation are part of everyday life. You’ll work alongside people who are deeply committed to the Olympic values and who bring energy and expertise to everything they do.
- Opportunities to grow, both personally and professionally. We support continuous learning through training programmes, mentoring and career development initiatives—so you can build the skills and confidence to thrive in your role and beyond.
- Unique experiences, from working, volunteering or secondment opportunities at the Olympic Games (depending on organisational needs, performance and availability) to a rich calendar of internal events throughout the year. These range from cultural and educational activities to inspiring encounters with Olympians and other members of the Olympic community—designed to spark connection, learning and a sense of belonging.
At the International Olympic Committee, our culture is shaped by our vision and purpose: “Building a better world through sport.” We are united by the Olympic values of Excellence, Respect and Friendship, and guided by eight core competencies that define how we work, grow, and lead. Like athletes on the field, we strive, support and succeed—together.
Excellence
We give our best, striving for progress not perfection, and celebrating every step forward.
Respect
We play fair and respect ourselves, others, the rules and the environment, just as athletes respect their sport.
Friendship
We foster genuine connections across departments and cultures, supporting one another like relay runners who trust their teammates to carry the baton forward.
Integrity: Play by the rules, honour the game.
Agility: Change direction like a sprinter off the blocks.
Ownership: Take the shot when the moment comes.
Communication: Call the play, make it clear.
Collaboration: Pass the ball, win as one.
Engage and Motivate: Cheer from the sidelines, inspire on the field.
Strategic Thinking: See the whole field before making the move.
Result-Oriented: Keep your eyes on the finish line.
Manage Resources: Balance the team, play to strengths.
You’ll be surrounded by people who care deeply about what they do, and who bring energy, creativity and commitment to every challenge.
Benefits
We’re committed to creating a workplace where we take care of our people and where everyone can thrive—because when our people grow, so do our mission and our impact.
That’s why we offer a competitive total compensation package designed to support your well-being, growth and work-life balance—wherever you are in your career journey.
While the details vary by location and role, here’s what you can generally expect:
- Competitive salary package (equal pay for equal work) with a very attractive occupational pension component
- Swiss health insurance (for staff members with an IOC contract)
- Flexible working hours and remote-working policy
- Continuous professional development, training and mentoring programmes
- Sustainable travel-to-work incentive
- Numerous incentives to live a sustainable, healthy and active life, such as access to a well-equipped gym at work, an active sports club with various courses, and an allowance for sports fees.
- Attractive offers at various companies in Switzerland, for gyms, cars, etc.
- State-of-the-art office with an on-site restaurant serving partially subsidised meals.
The IOC supports your health and well-being in ways that go beyond the basics. Through our Health@Work initiative, we offer a variety of activities and resources throughout the year to help you stay balanced and energised. From talks and workshops to wellness booths, gym facilities in the workplace, access to sports and music activities and mental health support, there’s always something happening to encourage a healthy lifestyle. It’s not about ticking boxes—it’s about creating a work environment where you can feel good, do your best and take care of yourself along the way.
Meet the teams
People of more than 70 nationalities work in the IOC administration at our headquarters and in the Olympic Museum in Lausanne (Switzerland). Our team members come from different backgrounds and bring diverse experience to the IOC. They are the ones who make our offices such a great place to work and help to develop the Olympic Movement every day with their enthusiasm and commitment to the IOC’s mission. Get to know our employees – your future colleagues and managers – by reading about their experiences below.
See what our Staff Have to Say
It’s motivating to know that you are a piece of the jigsaw that is the IOC, which organises the Olympic Games every two years. It’s even more magical once the Games begin, and you live and work for several days losing all track of time, in tune with the results and the emotions at the competition venues. Besides that, the working environment on the shores of the lake in Lausanne is very pleasant.
As an Olympian, it is really meaningful for me to work at the IOC. We have so many knowledgeable people in the house, and it is truly a privilege to be part of this incredible group of people. On top of this, it is inspiring to come to the office, when your mission is to support athletes globally with their sporting and non-sporting careers.
I joined the IOC to experience the work that goes on beyond the Olympic Games. I have had the opportunity to contribute to a range of different projects and provide ongoing resources for athletes, entourage members, Federations and NOCs – all while getting to work with some brilliant colleagues along the way!
I have been employed at the IOC since 2003, and have worked on the Youth Olympic Games since 2007. It is an exciting project as it is aimed at young people and promotes Olympism as a philosophy of life, of education through sport.
I decided to work for the IOC as I had always wanted to work for a large international organisation alongside dedicated people. Through being in contact with 206 NOCs across the world, that is exactly what I found here: a multicultural world, passionate about sport, with new challenges for each edition of the Olympic Games.
The Olympics are a magic place, and I do not know any other organisation where getting the feeling of goose-bumps is part of the job. In addition, working in a multi-cultural environment is a truly enriching experience.
Inclusion et diversité
At the IOC, we’re united in our diversity. We believe that a truly inclusive workplace is one where everyone feels respected, valued and empowered to be their best—regardless of gender, background or identity.
Inclusion and diversity aren’t just buzzwords here; they’re part of how we work, how we lead and how we grow together.
We’ve made strong commitments to gender equality and inclusion, and we’re proud of the progress so far.
From mentoring programmes and inclusive leadership training to fair recruitment practices and equal pay policies, we’re working to ensure that everyone has a fair shot and feels they belong.
Our workplace culture encourages openness, fairness and flexibility, and we’re constantly learning and evolving to do better.
We know there’s always more to do, and we’re committed to walking the talk—through concrete actions, transparent reporting and ongoing dialogue. Whether it’s through our EmpowerHer programme for female senior leaders, our inclusive hiring practices, or our celebration of key moments like Pride Month and International Women’s Day, we’re building a workplace that reflects the values of the Olympic Movement: respect, solidarity and unity.