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 unique Swiss nonprofit that mediates conflicts and builds peace agreements, operating with high-level access to warring parties. Working here means contributing to real-world peace processes through innovative technology governance.

About This Role

This role focuses on shaping the governance of military AI and emerging technologies through diplomatic dialogues and stakeholder engagement. You'll help prevent escalation risks by convening governments, tech companies, and experts to establish norms and safeguards.

💡 A Day in the Life

You might start by reviewing the latest AI news or policy papers to update your analysis, then draft a concept note for an upcoming dialogue session. Midday, you could join a call with a government official to discuss their concerns about autonomous weapons, followed by internal team coordination on reporting and donor engagement.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue Is Looking For

  • You have 2-4 years of experience in AI governance or policy, with a strong grasp of military AI applications and safety risks.
  • You possess diplomatic acumen and can design/facilitate high-stakes dialogues with diverse stakeholders, including government officials and corporate leaders.
  • You are analytically sharp, able to monitor AI developments and translate technical insights into policy-relevant recommendations.
  • You have project management skills, including reporting, strategic planning, and fundraising experience in a nonprofit or international organization.

📝 Tips for Applying to Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue

1

Tailor your CV to highlight specific experience in AI governance, arms control, or peacebuilding—not just general tech policy.

2

In your cover letter, reference HD's specific mediation projects (e.g., in Myanmar or Yemen) to show you understand their work.

3

Demonstrate your ability to work remotely across EU time zones by mentioning past remote collaboration experience.

4

Provide concrete examples of how you've facilitated dialogues or built relationships with government or industry stakeholders.

5

If possible, include a writing sample that analyzes a military AI development and its governance implications.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your understanding of the intersection between AI technology and conflict mediation.', 'Highlight your experience in convening diverse stakeholders, especially in sensitive political contexts.', 'Show your ability to translate complex AI concepts for non-technical audiences in diplomatic settings.', "Express genuine interest in HD's mission and how your skills can support their peacebuilding work."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read HD's recent publications on AI governance and their involvement in the REAIM summit.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the key international debates on lethal autonomous weapons (LAWS) and military AI norms.
  • → Understand HD's neutral mediation approach and how they engage with conflict parties.
  • → Look into the EU's AI Act and its implications for military AI to understand the regulatory landscape.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach facilitating a dialogue between a government with advanced AI capabilities and a smaller state concerned about AI arms races?
2 Describe a time you had to build trust with a skeptical stakeholder. How did you handle it?
3 What are the key risks of military AI that you think need urgent governance attention?
4 How would you monitor and report on AI developments to inform HD's strategic decisions?
5 Tell us about a project you managed from conception to reporting. What was your role in fundraising?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't treat this like a standard tech policy role—emphasize peacebuilding and diplomacy over pure technical expertise.
  • Avoid generic statements about 'AI ethics' without connecting them to concrete conflict mediation scenarios.
  • Don't overlook the fundraising aspect—this is a nonprofit, and resource mobilization is critical.

📅 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!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue!

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