Join Our Team at swisspeace
swisspeace is a respected practice and research institute dedicated to advancing effective peacebuilding. Our approach is centered on partnerships with both local and international actors. By combining expertise and creativity, we strive to reduce violence and promote peace in contexts affected by conflict. Our contributions lead to more impactful peacebuilding processes, a stronger knowledge-driven environment, and enhanced capacities for the peacebuilding community. Swisspeace is an associated institute of the University of Basel.
Position: Associate Program Officer or Program Officer – Dealing with the Past (80 – 100 %)
We are looking for a dedicated new colleague to reinforce our team. Depending on your skills and experiences, you may join us as an Associate Program Officer (APO) or as a Program Officer (PO).
Location: Basel, Switzerland
Starting Date: 1 June 2026 (or by agreement); contract duration for APO: 2 years
About the Program
The swisspeace Dealing with the Past program, also referred to as transitional justice, assists governmental and non-governmental actors in overcoming the legacies of human rights violations and breaches of international humanitarian law stemming from colonialism, armed conflict, and authoritarian regimes. Our aim is to prevent the recurrence of such violations.
Your Responsibilities
- Shape and develop swisspeace’s work on Dealing with the Past in various contexts.
- Develop partnerships, projects, and acquire mandates in support of Dealing with the Past processes, focusing particularly on the MENA region, especially Syria.
- Provide expertise in Dealing with the Past processes across different settings.
- Deliver trainings, coaching, and other capacity-building activities for partners in peacebuilding contexts, at the University of Basel, and internationally.
- Contribute to practice-based research projects on Dealing with the Past.
- Manage the administrative and financial aspects of projects and mandates.
Your Profile
- Master’s degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., international relations, political sciences, Middle Eastern studies, social sciences, law).
- Aspiration to shape and grow swisspeace's initiatives on Dealing with the Past, bringing personal experience and expertise in this area, as well as in international relations and 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 level and advantageous for APO.
- An existing network of peacebuilding actors in Syria is a strong asset for the PO position.
- Excellent spoken and written English and Arabic language skills are required; knowledge of Ukrainian or other relevant languages is a plus.
- Outstanding analytical and drafting skills.
- Experience in delivering training and coaching activities.
- A team player capable of producing high-quality results under tight deadlines in politically sensitive environments.
- Strong intercultural, interpersonal, and communication skills.
What We Offer
- An engaging and challenging position within a field of work of significant political relevance.
- A competitive gross annual salary of 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 in collaboration with motivated young international practitioners and researchers.
- Excellent working conditions with flexible office hours in an attractive workplace located in the city of Basel.
We look forward to receiving your complete application in English, including a motivation letter, CV, work certificates, and diplomas. Applications should be submitted online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.