Mediation Support Program Officer in the 'Mediation Support Project'

Einleitungstext
The Center for Security Studies (CSS) at ETH Zurich is a center of competence for Swiss and international security policy and peace promotion. It offers expertise in research, teaching, and consultancy.

Projekthintergrund
The Think Tank of the Center for Security Studies serves as an important link between academia and practitioners in the field of security policy and as a point of contact and reference for the wider public. The Think Tank’s Mediation and Peace Section supports efforts to negotiate, mediate and transform violent political conflicts by conducting research, providing training and directly supporting those engaged in peace practice and conflict transformation processes. We are seeking someone to work as a Program Officer in our “Mediation Support Project” (MSP), a joint project between the CSS ETH Zurich and swisspeace, working in collaboration with the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). MSP seeks to strengthen Swiss and international mediation efforts.

Aufgaben-/Stellenbeschreibung
The successful candidate will join the Mediation and Peace Team, supporting and leading the implementation of MSP activities. The position will involve the following responsibilities:

Knowledge management and applied research related to mediation in peace processes
Design and delivery of negotiation and mediation trainings and other capacity building activities
Support the operation of mediation networks
Conflict analysis
Support dialogue, negotiation and mediation activities
Work in conflict contexts
Training of future mediators and peace practitioners
Training for parties in conflict contexts (e.g. www.peacemediation.ch, www.mas-mediation.ethz.ch)
Coordination of MSP activities
Organization of MSP activities
Management tasks related to the MSP program
Ihr Profil
Relevant MA degree in Social Sciences or Humanities (e.g. peace and conflict studies, political science, sociology, anthropology, environment)
A minimum of three years’ work experience related to mediation/mediation support, project management or (applied) research in the peace and conflict field
Experience working and living in a conflict-affected context, as well as concrete mediation process support work
Experience writing, publishing, and editing applied research
Work experience in international organizations, NGOs or think tanks related to the topic of mediation and mediation support
Strong analytical, organizational and interpersonal skills
Curious, cooperative and independent personality
Proactive approach to tasks
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Willingness to travel, including to conflict-affected contexts
Excellent proficiency in English is required
At least one Swiss national language is a significant plus
Other language skills are beneficial
Wir bieten
We offer the opportunity to apply and develop mediation support and research skills, within the environment of a university-based think tank working on security and peace issues.
The term for the appointment is for two years, with the option of extension if there is funding and if there is mutual agreement to continue the cooperation.
We offer a workplace in the center of Zurich with attractive working conditions. Further training and the ability to conduct applied research, publish the results in different formats and provide your own process support related to peace mediation are part of the career development and are central elements of our personnel policy.
Neugierig? Sind wir auch.
We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

Letter of interest explaining the skills and motivation you would bring to the post
One to two single-authored writing samples (e.g. an academic article, policy brief, or thesis chapter – can be draft form)
Please list at least two references to be approached (in case you are invited to an interview).
Please add copy of your Master’s Degree and any job references
Application deadline is 31 October 2026. Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

Further information about us can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Sabina Stein, [email protected] (no applications).

We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.