The Youth and Peace programme seeks to prevent the recurrence of conflict and make peace last through initiatives that promote dialogue and reconciliation and by exploring the nexus of violence with climate and gender equality. It is currently managing projects in the Sahel region, Southeast Asia, as well as a range of countries affected by the combined threats of violence, environmental degradation and climate change. The Foundation promotes youth leadership and advocates for the participation of young people at the highest levels of decision-making, notably through its Kofi Annan Changemakers and Extremely Together initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Deputy Executive Director and Head of Programmes, the Programme Officer, Youth and Peace will perform the following duties:

Project Management

• Manage assigned projects, including by:
  • Managing the development and delivery of activities to ensure progress is being made in line with project design and expectations;
  • Liaising with local partners and coordinating their activities on the ground;
  • Coordinating and preparing meetings and events (content and logistics) related to assigned projects;
  • Engaging and managing the relations with donors, including through monthly updates, quarterly coordination calls, and comprehensive narrative and financial reporting.
• Contribute to the mobilisation of resources and the development of the project pipeline of the Youth and Peace areas of work, including preparation of various written outputs, e.g., funding proposals, project briefs, and background papers.
• Oversee the work of Programme Interns, Consultants and Associates.

Representation and Outreach

• Present the work and represent the Kofi Annan Foundation at relevant events.
• In close collaboration with the Head of Communications, coordinate the Youth and Peace Programme’s communications and outreach activities aimed at making the programmes’ achievements, impact, and activities visible.
• Prepare and provide advice for policy research.
• Draft speeches and other written inputs about the Youth & Peace programme’s work area for the Deputy Executive Director and the Executive Director.

Other

• Perform other related duties as required by the Deputy Executive Director or the Executive Director.

Skills and competencies required

• Post-graduate university degree in peace studies, international relations, political science, international law or a related field.
• Four to seven years of relevant professional experience with a national, regional, or international governmental or non-governmental organization working in youth inclusion and/or peace and security.
• Previous lived/professional field experience and previous experience of working in partnership with local civil society organizations are desirable.
• Project management experience is a requirement, experience in the management (financial and operational management and reporting) of grants from government/multilateral organizations is a strong asset.
• Strong writing and analytical skills, and the ability to synthesize complex global issues into effective statements and compelling written products.
• Excellent written and spoken English. Ability to work in French a strong advantage. Ability to work in Spanish or Arabic will also be considered an advantage.
• Good research and organizational skills.
• Sound judgment, discretion, resourcefulness, and good interpersonal and intercultural skills are prized attributes.
• Ability to take initiative, work with minimal supervision and meet deadlines.

Contractual arrangements

• The selected candidate would be expected to take up the position on 1st October 2024 for a period of 6 months, with possibility of extension.
• Applicants must hold a valid work permit for Switzerland or be EU/EFTA citizens (you are required to include this information in your application). Candidates who do not hold a valid work permit for Switzerland or are not EU/EFTA citizens will NOT be considered.
• Compensation is competitive and commensurate with skills and experience. Remuneration is subject to Swiss social charges and is taxable under Swiss/Geneva law.
• The Kofi Annan Foundation is an inclusive employer and depending on personal circumstances and work exigencies, the staff is offered flexible working arrangements.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit the following in English with “Programme Officer – Youth and Peace” in the subject line, via email to hr@kofiannanfoundation.org. before 11:59 pm CEST, 25 August 2024. Early applications will be prioritised. We reserve the right to close applications earlier if necessary. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

1. Your CV (2 pages maximum) stating clearly at the top of the page your nationality(ies) and type of valid Swiss working permit, if non-EU/EFTA citizen.
2. Your answers (in no more than 250 words per answer) to the questions below (in lieu of the letter of motivation). Questions to be answered as part of the application, together with the CV:

Question 1: What is your peacebuilding experience, including which peace and conflict issues you have worked on and in which countries?

Question 2: Please describe a time when you worked with youth or youth organisations and what your exact role was.

Question 3: What project(s) have you managed? Please give concrete examples, including the focus of the project(s), their budget, donors and your exact role.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The use of AI enabled tools such as Chat GPT or Google Translate to draft your CV or respond to the questions is discouraged. In line with the Foundation's policy on the use of AI, please indicate clearly if you have in fact used AI enabled tools and for what purpose.