Mediation Support Program Officer in the 'Mediation Support Project'

80%-100%, Zurich, fixed-term

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.

Project background

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.

Job description

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

Profile

• 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

Workplace

Workplace

We offer

• 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.

We value diversity and sustainability

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So are we.

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.