INTERNSHIP - Cordoba Foundation of Geneva

INTERNSHIP - Cordoba Foundation of Geneva

Location: Geneva, Switzerland

Application Deadline: September 21, 2015
Type of Contract: Internship (2 positions)
Post Level: Intern
Languages Required: English, French (and Arabic preferred)
Starting Date: October 6, 2015
Duration: 3 to 6 months

Cordoba Foundation of Geneva (CFG):

The Cordoba Foundation of Geneva (CFG) is a Swiss non-governmental non-profit organization working on peace promotion.

The CFG was established in Geneva in 2002 to foster research and dialogue on peace issues, and to promote exchange between cultures and civilizations. It focuses on tensions and polarisations in all societies where Muslims live, and aims to enhance theoretical and practical conflict transformation resources in Muslim majority countries.

The CFG works with an extensive network of partners including think thanks, civil society organizations, research centers, foundations, governments, and individuals to initiate and support activities that build trust and favor mutual respect and reconciliation. The CFG provides a distinctive expertise, and a culturally sensitive approach in dealing with conflicts.

The main programs of the CFG

The CFG has a track record of programs, mediation initiatives and training interventions focused on the promotion of peaceful political participation of all sectors of society, including those with a religious reference. Many of these programs are jointly implemented by the CFG and the “Religion-Politics-Conflict” desk of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

Within the current context of conflict and related issues, particularly in Muslim majority countries, the interplay of religion and politics and the role of religiously inspired actors are more critical than ever. In many countries where the CFG works, disputes around religious and secular worldviews in politics are pervasive. In addition, the emergence in recent years of new political actors has had a significant impact on opportunities for peaceful transitions towards pluralistic societies, together with the risk of increased tensions.

In this context, the main programs of the CFG are currently aimed at 1) Addressing the challenges to peaceful transition, including sectarian tensions, in North Africa and West Asia; 2) Encouraging peaceful interaction between communities in the Sahel; and 3) Preventing Violent Extremism in North Africa, West Asia and the Sahel region.

By reinforcing mechanisms for the transformation of violent or potentially violent conflicts, especially those with a religious dimension, the overall objective of these programs is to contribute to peaceful coexistence between groups with different worldviews. They aim to enhance the capacity and networks of conflict transformation actors, develop a common and collective understanding of conflicts and support local transformation initiatives.

Responsibilities:

The intern’s duties will include:

• Administration: Provide general administrative support to senior staff; organize or support arrangements for missions, events and workshops; develop and maintain information databases (such as hotel lists, consultant lists, conference centers, key contacts etc.); create and prepare documents, standard letters, templates, correspondence, memoranda and meeting minutes or reports

• Research and Monitoring: Research and draft background materials on conflict issues; monitor news, developments and events in the North Africa, West Asia and Sahel regions; assist in proofreading and preparing reports for publication

• Project Management: Provide support to senior staff in the management of projects; assist in monitoring and evaluation; assist in building monitoring and evaluation systems for program activities where necessary; other tasks as appropriate within a small office requiring willingness and flexibility

• Fundraising and Communication: Assist the senior staff and other team members in fundraising activities, identifying potential donors and partners and preparing relevant documents and brochures

Requirements:

• A degree in international relations, conflict studies, political science or similar;
• Demonstrated interest in and knowledge of conflict/peace and security issues;
• Languages: Proficiency in English and French; knowledge of Arabic a requirement for at least one of the internship positions;
• Fundraising experience, for at least one of the internship positions;
• Excellent organizational skills, and close attention to detail;
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office and social media;
• Authorization to work in Switzerland.

Availability:

• Must be available four days a week, preferably full-time.

Conditions:

• Please be aware that internships with the CFG are not paid**, though a small stipend for lunch and transport is provided.**

HOW TO APPLY:

If you wish to apply please send your CV (maximum 2 pages), and a cover letter torecruitment@corodue.chclearly stating “CFG Intern”.