Project Associate for the Oslo Forum team

Since 2003, the Oslo Forum has grown to become the pre-eminent, agenda-setting retreat in the field of international peacemaking. Co-hosted by the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD) and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Oslo Forum regularly convenes conflict mediators, peacemakers, high-level decision-makers and key peace process actors in a series of informal and discreet retreats. Past participants have included António Guterres, Retno L.P. Marsudi, Álvaro Leyva Durán, John F. Kerry, Federica Mogherini, Kofi Annan, Juan Manuel Santos, Gerry Adams and Fatou Bensouda. Oslo Forum events are complemented by Oslo Forum publications and podcasts that provide insights, guidance and thought leadership across a range of issues in conflict mediation and peacemaking.

The Project Associate for the Oslo Forum team will provide administrative, policy and logistical support, including:

• Supporting the Oslo Forum and regional retreat on event management, including in particular the invitation process (preparation of invitations, Excel data management and communication with participants);
• Assisting with logistical support in the organisation of the Oslo Forum and regional retreats including liaisons for bookings, suppliers, interpretation, and practical information for participants;
• Helping to prepare and coordinate sessions for the Oslo Forum and regional retreats, including contributing to the design of sessions, background research, and preparing briefing material;
• Manage procurement tasks, liaise with project stakeholders, suppliers, and vendors; maintain accurate and up-to-date project documentation;
• Attending the Oslo Forums in Norway in June as well as potential regional retreats and supporting the team during the events;
• Assisting with the preparation and dissemination of reports and publications after the Oslo Forum and regional retreats;
• Supporting the wider HD Mediation Support and Policy team, as needed.

The ideal candidate should:

• Have strong administrative and co-ordination skills, a keen attention to detail, and the ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks and large amounts of information. Prior experience in planning and organising complex and fast-paced events with multiple stakeholders is a clear asset;
• Hold a university degree in peace studies, international relations, political science, law, or a related field with a minimum of two years’ experience in a related field;
• Have excellent oral and written English communication skills;
• Have excellent interpersonal skills. Prior experience interacting with a variety of actors, including at a high level, is an asset;
• Have strong analytical and research skills and a genuine interest in the field of international relations and armed conflict;
• Have skills in Excel and web-based communications, including website management;
• Have good judgment and discretion in the handling of sensitive information; and
• Be enthusiastic, flexible, resourceful, results-oriented; able to operate calmly in stressful and pressured situations; and have a positive attitude and strong sense of team spirit.

Working environment:

The Oslo Forum is a small team working in a stimulating international environment with frequent interaction with other in-house project teams and external partners. As part of the team, the Project Associate will be able to develop their personal and professional expertise, management skills and contacts in the field of armed conflict mediation. The Project Associate will gain direct exposure to all aspects of project work and to peace process actors from a variety of backgrounds.

If you are interested in this position and meet the above described qualifications, please send your resume (maximum 2 pages) and a cover letter (maximum one page) with both documents in ONE PDF file byto hrgeneva@hdcentre.org by 5 November 2023.