Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Application Deadline: 15/04/2025
Type of Contract: Part time – 50%
Languages Required: English, French (and Arabic preferred)
Starting Date: To be defined
Duration: 6 to 9 months
About CPI
The Cordoba Peace Institute – Geneva (CPI) is a Swiss non-governmental non-profit organization working on peace promotion.
CPI was established in Geneva in 2002 to foster research and dialogue on peace issues, and to promote joint projects which address tensions between people and communities holding different ideologies or worldviews. CPI has a particular focus and expertise in enhancing theoretical and practical conflict transformation resources in Muslim majority contexts.
CPI works with an extensive network of partners, including thank-thanks, civil society organizations, research centers, foundations, governments and individuals, to initiate and support activities that build trust and favor mutual respect and reconciliation. CPI provides a distinctive expertise and a culturally sensitive approach in dealing with conflicts. CPI has Special Consultative Status with the United Nations.
The main programs of CPI
CPI has a track record of programs, mediation initiatives and training interventions focused on the promotion of the peaceful political participation of all sectors of society, including those with a religious reference. The activities of CPI cover West Asia, North Africa, the Sahel and the Lake Chad Basin.
Within the current context of conflict and related issues, particularly in Muslim majority countries, the interplay of religion and politics and the role of religiously inspired actors are more critical than ever. In many countries where CPI works, disputes around religious and secular worldviews in politics are pervasive. In addition, the emergence in recent years of new political actors has had a significant impact on opportunities for peaceful transitions towards pluralistic societies, together with the risk of increased tensions.
In this context, the main programs of CPI are currently aimed at 1) Addressing the challenges to peaceful transition, including sectarian tensions, in the Middle East; 2) Encouraging peaceful interaction between communities in the Sahel and in the Middle East; and 3) Preventing Violent Extremism in the Lack Chad Basin.
By reinforcing mechanisms for the transformation of violent or potentially violent conflicts, including those with a religious dimension, the overall objective of these programs is to contribute to peaceful coexistence between groups with different worldviews. They aim to enhance the capacity and networks of conflict transformation actors, develop a common and collective understanding of conflicts and support local transformation initiatives.
Role and Responsibilities
The program Assistant duties will include:
Project Management: Provide support to senior staff in the management of projects; assist in narrative and finance reporting, monitoring and evaluation; assist in building monitoring and evaluation systems for program activities where necessary; other tasks as appropriate within a small office requiring willingness and flexibility
• Administration & Logistics: Provide general administrative support to senior staff; organize or support arrangements for missions, events and workshops; develop and maintain information databases (such as hotel lists, consultant lists, conference centres, key contacts etc.); create and prepare documents, standard letters, templates, correspondence, memoranda and meeting minutes or reports.
• Research and Monitoring: Research and draft background materials on conflict issues; monitor news, developments and events in the North Africa, Middle East and Sahel regions; assist in proofreading and preparing reports for publication
• Fundraising and Communication: Assist the senior staff and other team members in fundraising activities preparing relevant documents and brochures, supporting publication of online posts.
Skills and Experience Sought
Requirements:
- A degree in international relations, conflict studies, political science or similar
- Demonstrated interest in and knowledge of conflict/peace and security issues
- 2 years experiences in project assistance /project management
- Languages: Proficiency in English and French; knowledge of Arabic is preferred
- Excellent organizational skills, and close attention to detail
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office
- Authorization to work in Switzerland.
How to apply
If you wish to apply, please send your CV (maximum 2 pages), and a cover letter to recruitment@cpi-geneva.org clearly stating “CPI Program Assistant”.
The deadline for applications is the 15th of April 2025