Join Our Team at swisspeace
swisspeace is a practice and research institute dedicated to advancing effective peacebuilding. At the core of our work are partnerships with local and international actors, allowing us to combine expertise and creativity to reduce violence and promote peace in conflict-affected contexts. We contribute to more impactful peacebuilding processes, foster a robust knowledge-driven environment, and enhance the capacities of the peacebuilding community. swisspeace is an associated institute of the University of Basel.
Position Available
We are currently seeking a dedicated professional for the role of:
Associate Program Officer or Program Officer – Dealing with the Past (80 – 100 %)
We aim to reinforce our team’s capacity, and based on your skills and experience, you may join us as either an Associate Program Officer (APO) or a Program Officer (PO).
Location: Basel, Switzerland
Starting date: 1 June 2026 (or by agreement); contract duration for APO: 2 years
About the Dealing with the Past Program
The swisspeace Dealing with the Past team supports both governmental and non-governmental actors in navigating the legacies of significant human rights violations and breaches of international humanitarian law stemming from colonialism, armed conflict, and authoritarian regimes. Our aim is to help prevent the reoccurrence of such violations.
Your Responsibilities
- Shape and develop swisspeace’s initiatives on Dealing with the Past across various contexts.
- Forge partnerships and projects that support Dealing with the Past processes, especially in the MENA region, with an emphasis on Syria.
- Provide subject matter expertise for Dealing with the Past processes in diverse environments.
- Deliver trainings, coaching sessions, and other capacity building activities for partners in peacebuilding settings, both at the University of Basel and internationally.
- Contribute to research projects focused on practice-based approaches to Dealing with the Past.
- Oversee the administrative and financial management of projects and mandates.
Your Profile
- Master’s degree in a relevant discipline (international relations, political science, Middle Eastern studies, social sciences, law, or similar fields).
- A motivation to shape and expand swisspeace’s work on Dealing with the Past, bringing personal experience and expertise in related processes, international relations, and/or peacebuilding.
- 1 to 2 years of relevant experience for APO, or 4 to 8 years for PO, in supporting Dealing with the Past processes, international relations, and/or peacebuilding.
- Field experience in conflict and peacebuilding contexts is essential for PO candidates and preferred for APO candidates.
- An existing network of peacebuilding actors in Syria is a strong asset for the PO position.
- Proficient spoken and written skills in English and Arabic; knowledge of Ukrainian or other relevant languages is a significant advantage.
- Excellent analytical and drafting abilities.
- Demonstrated experience in delivering training and coaching activities.
- A collaborative team player with the capability to deliver quality results under tight deadlines and operate in politically sensitive environments.
- Strong intercultural, interpersonal, and communication skills.
What We Offer
- An interesting and challenging role in a politically relevant field.
- A competitive gross annual salary ranging from CHF 48,000 to CHF 55,000 (100%) for APO, or CHF 83,000 to CHF 95,000 (100%) for PO.
- A positive working atmosphere among motivated young and international practitioners and researchers who are passionate about their work.
- Excellent working conditions, including flexible office hours and an appealing workplace in the city of Basel.
We look forward to receiving your complete application in English, which should include a motivation letter, CV, work certificates, and diplomas. Please apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.