Intern / Trainee

swisspeace is a practice and research institute dedicated to advancing effective peacebuilding. It supports and advises local, national, and international actors relevant for peacebuilding, researches topics particularly relevant for peacebuilding practice, provides spaces for exchange and dialogue, and shapes peace policy in Switzerland and globally. swisspeace is an associated institute of the University of Basel.

To support the Mediation Program, swisspeace is looking for an: Intern / Trainee (100%)
Starting date: 1 June 2021 or by agreement
Duration: 6 months
Gross salary per month: CHF 2,400

The swisspeace Mediation Program provides high-quality support to ongoing peace mediation and dialogue processes, giving advice to mediators and conflict parties and running inclusion formats. It offers dialogue and mediation training and develops knowledge products based on critical reflections and lessons from peace mediation, negotiation, and dialogue processes. The Mediation Program also conducts cutting-edge research aimed at influencing scholarly debates and informing peace mediation practice.

Your position

• Support the preparation and implementation of activities related to Syria, including the Civil Society Support Room (CSSR) meetings and consultations (virtually and/or in Geneva) and peacebuilding trainings for Syrian civil society actors
• Contribute to the implementation of project activities in other contexts, including preparation for training of civil society actors and reporting to donors
• Support other practice and research initiatives in the Mediation Program as needed
• General support in acquiring new projects and mandates such as drafting proposals and contributing to networking
• Administrative and logistic support of courses, conferences, workshops and roundtables

Your profile

• MA in international relations, social sciences or similar disciplines
• Strong organizational skills, reliable and paying attention to detail
• Self-initiative, able to work independently and as part of a team, able to work under pressure
• Cultural sensitivity
• Knowledge of and willingness to support virtual activities
• Proficiency in English (writing, speaking and listening); Arabic and French are an asset
• Legal residence status in Switzerland

We offer you

• A challenging internship in a dynamic field of work with political relevance
• A positive working atmosphere in a dynamic and international team
• An attractive workplace in the heart of Bern. Office presence dependent on FDPH recommendations.