Program Officer (ca. 60%) working on Religion and Mediation / The Center for Security Studies (CSS) at ETH Zurich — LIMITE : 01/09/2020

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.

Our Mediation Support Team facilitates efforts to 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 on the program entitled “Culture and Religion in Mediation” (CARIM), which is conducted in partnership with the thematic area “Religion, Politics and Conflicts” of the Swiss FDFA. Start date is from 1 November 2020 onwards.

Tasks involve knowledge management and applied research related to transforming conflicts with religious dimensions, as well as accompanying ongoing conflict transformation processes. The successful candidate will also be involved in organizing training workshops for future mediators and peace practitioners, or for parties in a conflict context (e.g. www.rmc.ethz.ch), as well as carrying out administrative tasks related to the CARIM program. You will publish your findings in policy relevant and scientific publications, and will disseminate your knowledge through dialogue with policy-makers and other relevant stakeholders. Ideally, you would be able to join as soon as possible.

The successful candidate will have a relevant MA degree and a minimum of three years of work experience related to mediation or conflict transformation. We are looking for someone with strong analytical and interpersonal skills who approaches tasks proactively and is happy working independently and as part of a team. The candidate will have expertise relevant to peace mediation, ideally with a background in social sciences or humanities (e.g. peace and conflict studies, religious studies, languages). Experience of working on conflicts with religious dimensions or studying the political implications of religious or ethical traditions would be an asset.

The CSS is a multi-lingual working environment, so proficiency in English alongside at least one other Swiss national language is required. Fluency in other languages and/or experience of living and working in a conflict-affected context would be an advantage. Candidates should be willing to travel up to 6-8 weeks per year.

 Work experience in international organisations or think tanks would be an advantage, as is knowledge of the Swiss political landscape.

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