Policy & Stakeholder Engagement Lead / Policy & Stakeholder Engagement Lead

Policy & Stakeholder Engagement Lead at swisspeace

swisspeace is a practice and research institute dedicated to advancing effective peacebuilding. Our work is centered around partnerships with local and international actors, blending expertise and creativity to reduce violence and promote peace in conflict-affected contexts. Through our efforts, we contribute to more impactful peacebuilding processes, fostering a knowledge-driven environment and enhancing the capacities of the peacebuilding community. swisspeace is an associated institute of the University of Basel.

About the Role

To shape our strategic policy engagement and multi-stakeholder dialogue processes, the swisspeace Communication Program is seeking a:

Policy & Stakeholder Engagement Lead (80 – 100 %)

Starting date: 01 September 2026 (or by agreement)

The swisspeace Communication Program examines and advises on the role of peacebuilding communication in research and practice while influencing peacebuilding policy in Switzerland and beyond. Our research delves into how visual representations of peace and related concepts shape public perceptions and explore the intersection of art and peace. In practice, the program fosters dialogue and creative spaces, including the Basel Peace Forum and ECHO Basel, to connect diverse stakeholders and make peacebuilding accessible to a wide range of audiences.

Through its platforms and networks, such as KOFF and the interparliamentary group on peacebuilding, our program informs public and policy debates, engages decision-makers, amplifies the voices of partners and members, and contributes to a more informed discourse on peace both in Switzerland and internationally.

Among other initiatives, we coordinate the Swiss Platform for Peacebuilding (KOFF), which serves as an exchange and dialogue platform involving around 40 civil society organizations and two governmental member organizations. This platform focuses on peace, human rights, gender equality, sustainable development, humanitarian aid, and international cooperation. The overarching goal of KOFF is to strengthen the positive impact of Swiss actors' engagement on peaceful and inclusive societies, especially during global and national challenges. By facilitating exchange and dialogue, KOFF connects key stakeholders, contributes to more coherent approaches, and supports informed policy discussions.

Your Tasks

• Shape swisspeace’s strategic policy engagement by cultivating and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders across federal administration, parliament, and civil society.
• Position various platforms as relevant spaces for dialogue on peacebuilding policy.
• Represent swisspeace vis-à-vis partners and clients, including the European Peacebuilding Liaison Office (EPLO), and lead project development, resulting in sustainable financial support for the Program.
• Lead and further develop the KOFF platform in collaboration with its members, fostering exchange and joint learning through roundtables, working groups, events, and digital channels.
• Support and enhance the interparliamentary group on peacebuilding.
• Contribute to swisspeace's broader communication activities and strategic reflections on the communication of peacebuilding.

Your Profile

• Passionate about networking and stakeholder engagement, motivated to shape and develop platforms for informed policy dialogue in peacebuilding.
• Proven track record in acquiring mandates and funding from institutional donors or public administration.
• Sound political understanding of peacebuilding and the Swiss peace policy landscape; acts professionally in politically sensitive contexts.
• Established connections with civil society and governmental actors in Switzerland in the fields of peace, human rights, gender equality, and development cooperation.
• Experience in strategic communication, public affairs, or editorial work and an interest in effective peacebuilding communication.
• Excellent command of German, French, and English, both written and spoken.
• Team-oriented, capable of representing the organization with confidence and delivering high-quality results independently under time pressure.

Our Offer

• An opportunity to shape a meaningful role in an attractive field of work with significant political relevance.
• A positive working atmosphere with a team of highly motivated young and international practitioners and researchers passionate about their work.
• Excellent working conditions, flexible office hours, and a supportive workplace located in the city of Basel.

We look forward to receiving your application. Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

For further information, please visit our website at swisspeace.ch or contact us by phone at +41 61 551 56 99.