Policy & Stakeholder Engagement Lead (80 – 100 %)

Starting date: 01 September 2026 (or by agreement)

swisspeace is a practice and research institute dedicated to advancing effective peacebuilding. Partnerships with local and international actors are at the core of our work. Together, we combine expertise and creativity to reduce violence and promote peace in conflict-affected contexts. Thereby, we contribute to more impactful peacebuilding processes, a stronger knowledge-driven environment, and enhanced capacities of the peacebuilding community. swisspeace is an associated institute of the University of Basel.

To shape our strategic policy engagement and multi-stakeholder dialogue processes and influence peacebuilding policy, the swisspeace Communication Program is looking for a: Policy & Stakeholder Engagement Lead (80 – 100 %)

The swisspeace Communication Program examines and advises on the role of peacebuilding communication in research and practice and shapes peacebuilding policy in Switzerland and beyond. Our research explores how visual representations of peace and related concepts shape public perceptions and 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, the 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 in Switzerland and internationally.

Among other activities, we coordinate the Swiss Platform for Peacebuilding (KOFF), an exchange and dialogue platform with around 40 civil society and two governmental member organizations working in the fields of 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 - both governmental and civil society - on peaceful and inclusive societies in times of global and national challenges. By facilitating exchange and dialogue, the platform connects key stakeholders, contributes to more coherent approaches, and supports informed policy discussions.

Your position

• Shaping swisspeace's strategic policy engagement, in particular by cultivating and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders across the federal administration, parliament, and civil society, and by positioning the different platforms as relevant spaces for dialogue on peacebuilding policy
• Playing a key role in attaining the objectives of the team; representing swisspeace vis-à-vis partners and clients, among others, the European Peacebuilding Liaison Office (EPLO), and leading in project development and the acquisition of new mandates and funding, thus contributing to the financial sustainability of the Program and creating opportunities for more junior colleagues
• Leading and shaping the KOFF platform in close collaboration with its members from Swiss civil society and politics - with a clear mandate to develop the platform further - including fostering exchange and joint learning through roundtables, working groups, events, and digital channels
• Supporting and further developing the interparliamentary group on peacebuilding
• Contributing to swisspeace's broader communication activities and to strategic reflections on the communication of peacebuilding

Your profile

• You are passionate about networking and stakeholder engagement, and motivated to shape and develop platforms that contribute to informed policy dialogue in peacebuilding
• You have a proven track record in acquiring mandates and funding from institutional donors or public administration
• You have a sound political understanding of peacebuilding and of the Swiss peace policy landscape, and you act professionally in politically sensitive contexts
• You are well-connected with civil society and governmental actors in Switzerland in the fields of peace, human rights, gender equality, and development cooperation
• You bring experience in strategic communication, public affairs, or editorial work and an interest in how peacebuilding is communicated to policy and public audiences
• You have excellent written and spoken command of German, French, and English
• You enjoy working in a team, represent the organization with confidence vis-à-vis diverse stakeholders, and deliver high-quality results independently and under time pressure

We offer you

• The possibility to shape an interesting position in an attractive field of work with political relevance.
• A positive working atmosphere, collaborating with highly motivated young and international practitioners and researchers who are passionate about their work.
• Excellent working conditions, flexible office hours, and an attractive workplace in the city of Basel.