Mediation Support Program Officer in the 'Culture and Religion in Mediation' (CARIM) Program

Mediation Support Program Officer in the 'Culture and Religion in Mediation' (CARIM) Program

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. It offers security policy expertise in research, teaching, and consultancy.

Project background

The Think Tank of the CSS serves as a link between researchers 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 (Senior) Program Officer in our “Culture and Religion in Mediation” Program (CARIM), a joint initiative between the CSS ETH Zurich and the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). CARIM seeks to strengthen Swiss and international mediation efforts by effectively engaging with the different narratives, legal traditions or worldviews that shape conflict and the negotiation of political solutions.

Job description

The successful candidate will join the Mediation and Peace Team and contribute to the implementation and further development of the CARIM Programme. The position will involve the following responsibilities:

• Supporting and, where appropriate, leading the implementation of CARIM activities
• Conducting knowledge management and applied research related to mediation in peace processes
• Designing and delivering training programmes on negotiation, mediation, and related capacity-building activities
• Providing direct support to conflict analysis, dialogue, negotiation, and mediation processes in diverse conflict contexts
• Contributing to the training and development of future mediators, peace practitioners, and conflict parties, both within established programmes (such as Peace Mediation and the MAS Mediation) and through courses tailored to specific contexts and needs
• Focusing in particular on the role of narratives and legal traditions in shaping conflict dynamics, negotiations, and mediation processes
• Undertaking coordination, organisational, and programme management tasks related to the CARIM Programme
• Contributing to the further development of the Programme’s activities, networks, and knowledge base at the intersection of research and practice

Profile

• You have a 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 conflict transformation 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
• Experience working in inter-cultural dimensions and narratives in conflict and mediation
• You are a curious, cooperative, independent personality with strong analytical, organizational and interpersonal skills
• You approach tasks proactively and are happy working independently and as part of a team
• You should be willing to travel, including to conflict-affected contexts
• The CSS is a multi-lingual working environment, excellent proficiency in English is required
• At least one Swiss national language is a significant plus
• Other language skills are beneficial

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:

• CV
• 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 a draft version)
• 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. For questions about the position, please contact Emanuel Schäublin ([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.

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.