Switzerland Project Manager, Oslo Forum

The Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (the HD Centre) is an independent mediation organisation based in Geneva dedicated to improving the global response to armed conflict.

Together with the Royal Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the HD Centre has, since 2004, been organising a series of retreats for senior conflict mediators active in mediation efforts as well as other stakeholders of peace processes. The purpose of these gatherings is to contribute to efforts to create a more effective and professional network of mediators, through knowledge-sharing and learning from peers. Centred on an annual “Oslo forum” held in June each year, the project includes additional regional or thematic meetings as required. Together with its partners, HD Centre intends to strengthen the reputation of the Oslo forum as the pre-eminent meeting for conflict mediation actors, through continuous innovation in the design and delivery of the meeting; careful attention to identifying appropriate guests and participants – including new and emerging mediation actors, especially women; and the further development of regional and thematic events.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Oslo forum Project Manager takes the lead role in pursuing the above objectives and in particular:

(i) Design, implement and monitor the project strategy and annual work plans; (ii) Develop and maintain contact with key resource persons and networks, which help to support and sustain the Oslo forum, particularly in relation to identifying appropriate speakers, participants and issues to be addressed; (iii) Keep abreast of ongoing and emerging issues and debates relevant to conflict mediation and contribute to in-house policy discussions; (iv) Carry out communication and representation tasks arising from the work, to ensure the appropriate publicity for the Oslo forum, and oversee development and maintenance of Oslo forum web site; (v) Prepare project proposals, including budgets, and identify and pursue fundraising opportunities; (vi) Coordinate and conduct targeted research to inform the substance of Oslo forum meetings, including identifying and supervising consultants; (vii) Write briefings, reports and documents for public distribution, to highlight activities of the Oslo forum, and for donors; (viii) Collaborate closely with relevant HD staff and teams engaged on other projects, in particular the Mediation Support Team, and staff engaged in operational mediation projects; (ix) Manage staff engaged in Oslo forum project work, in Geneva as well as in the regional offices as appropriate;

The suitable candidate should have: an advanced university degree, including studies in international relations, knowledge and/or experience of international peace and security issues, the United Nations, and conflict mediation; a minimum of 7 years of work experience , preferably in an international environment and including: initiating and organising networks or gatherings of senior executives and/or diplomats, field experience in peace building, political affairs or mediation, research and writing in English as well as managing small teams under tight deadlines and in a high pressure environment.

The successful applicant should possess excellent communication skills, written and spoken, be fluent in English (knowledge of other UN languages desirable) and demonstrate track record of public speaking and representation. S/he must be a highly motivated individual, able to demonstrate a record of initiative and creativity, confidence in dealing with VIPs and experience of team work.

If you meet at least four of our qualifications criteria, hold a valid work permit for Switzerland or are a Swiss or an EU citizen, please send your resume with a cover letter before October 18, 2011 to "hrmanager@hdcentre.org". Only selected applicants will be contacted.

HD is an equal opportunity employer.