Mediation Support Program Officer in the 'Culture and Religion in Mediation' (CARIM) Program

Supporting and, where appropriate, leading the implementation of CARIM activities

Conducting knowledge management and applied research related to mediation in peace processes

Designing and delivering training programmes on negotiation, mediation, and related capacity-building activities

Providing direct support to conflict analysis, dialogue, negotiation, and mediation processes in diverse conflict contexts

Contributing to the training and development of future mediators, peace practitioners, and conflict parties, both within established programmes (such as Peace Mediation and the MAS Mediation) and through courses tailored to specific contexts and needs

Focusing in particular on the role of narratives and legal traditions in shaping conflict dynamics, negotiations, and mediation processes

Undertaking coordination, organisational, and programme management tasks related to the CARIM Programme

Contributing to the further development of the Programme’s activities, networks, and knowledge base at the intersection of research and practice

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

The Think Tank of the CSS serves as a link between researchers 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.

CARIM is a joint initiative between the CSS ETH Zurich and the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). CARIM seeks to strengthen Swiss and international mediation efforts by effectively engaging with the different narratives, legal traditions or worldviews that shape conflict and the negotiation of political solutions.

The successful candidate will join the Mediation and Peace Team and contribute to the implementation and further development of the CARIM Programme.

• You have a 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 conflict transformation 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

• Experience working in inter-cultural dimensions and narratives in conflict and mediation

• You are a curious, cooperative, independent personality with strong analytical, organizational and interpersonal skills

• You approach tasks proactively and are happy working independently and as part of a team

• You should be willing to travel, including to conflict-affected contexts

• The CSS is a multi-lingual working environment, excellent proficiency in English is required

• At least one Swiss national language is a significant plus

• Other language skills are beneficial