Application Guide

How to Apply for Project Officer – AI and Emerging Technologies

at Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue

🏢 About Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue

The Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD) is a Swiss nonprofit uniquely dedicated to mediating conflicts and building comprehensive peace agreements worldwide. Working at HD means contributing to high-impact peace processes, often in sensitive and complex environments, where your work directly supports conflict resolution and humanitarian goals.

About This Role

This role focuses on the intersection of AI and conflict mediation, designing dialogues and activities around military AI and advanced AI safety. As Project Officer, you will translate complex technical and policy developments into actionable programme materials, build relationships with key stakeholders, and help shape HD's strategic approach to emerging technologies in peacebuilding.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reviewing a new policy paper on autonomous weapons, then joining a video call with experts from a government and an AI company to plan a dialogue. You could spend the afternoon drafting a briefing note for HD's regional team in Africa on how AI developments affect a current mediation process, and later update a donor report on project milestones.

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🎯 Who Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue Is Looking For

  • Has 4-5 years of experience at the nexus of AI policy, peace/conflict studies, disarmament, or technology policy, with a clear understanding of how AI impacts international security.
  • Possesses deep subject matter expertise on military applications of AI and/or advanced AI safety, including familiarity with government positions (e.g., CCW, UN discussions) and international governance initiatives.
  • Maintains an existing network in the AI governance space, including contacts in governments, AI companies, expert communities, or multilateral bodies.
  • Holds a Master's degree in peace and conflict studies, international relations, or a related field, and can demonstrate strong analytical and communication skills.

📝 Tips for Applying to Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue

1

Tailor your CV to highlight direct experience with AI governance, military AI, or disarmament dialogues—use specific examples of projects, reports, or negotiations you've contributed to.

2

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your network to HD's work: name specific experts, organizations, or forums you engage with that are relevant to AIET.

3

Showcase any experience organizing multi-stakeholder dialogues or workshops, especially in conflict-affected or sensitive contexts.

4

Demonstrate familiarity with HD's current AIET programme by referencing their published reports or public statements on AI and mediation.

5

Avoid generic technology policy language; instead, use precise terminology like 'autonomous weapons systems,' 'AI safety,' and 'confidence-building measures' to show subject matter expertise.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your specific subject matter expertise on military AI and/or advanced AI safety, and how it applies to conflict mediation.', 'Highlight your existing network in AI governance and how you can leverage it to build relationships for HD.', "Describe your experience designing and running project activities (dialogues, workshops, or policy engagements) that align with HD's mission.", "Express genuine interest in HD's unique role as a mediator and how AIET contributes to peace processes."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review HD's published reports and articles on AI and mediation, especially their 'AI and Peacemaking' series or similar outputs.
  • → Understand HD's organizational structure, particularly how the AIET team collaborates with regional offices and other programme areas.
  • → Familiarize yourself with key international debates on military AI (e.g., LAWS at the CCW, UN Secretary-General's agenda on AI).
  • → Research HD's donors and funding sources for the AIET programme to align your application with their priorities.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you design a dialogue between military AI experts and conflict mediators? What topics would you prioritize?
2 Describe a current international initiative on AI governance (e.g., CCW, UN processes) and its implications for peacebuilding.
3 How do you stay updated on rapidly evolving AI technologies and their military applications?
4 Give an example of a relationship you've built with a government or multilateral stakeholder in the AI space.
5 How would you handle sensitive information or divergent views in a multi-stakeholder dialogue on AI?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't focus solely on AI technology without linking it to conflict resolution or peacebuilding—HD is a mediation organization.
  • Avoid vague statements about 'passion for peace' without concrete examples of your work in AI policy or governance.
  • Don't ignore the remote nature of the role; demonstrate your ability to work independently and across time zones.

📅 Application Timeline

⏰ Deadline: May 8, 2026

We recommend applying at least a few days early to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

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Good luck with your application to Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue!

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