CMI – Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation is an independent organisation that works to prevent and resolve conflicts through dialogue and mediation. Founded in 2000 by Nobel Peace Laureate and former President of Finland Martti Ahtisaari, we have since grown to be a leader in the field of international peacemaking. 

CMI is now seeking a Project/Programme Officer, Horn of Africa to join its Sub-Saharan Africa team. You can be hired either as a Project Officer or Programme Officer, depending on your experience and professional competence.

CMI’s EU-funded project “Enhancing Constructive Dialogue and Cooperation on Peace and Security in the Horn of Africa” facilitates high-level dialogue platforms to inform policy decisions and foster long-term stability and peace in the region. The project aims to enhance connectivity, engagement and trust between key regional and international stakeholders, and to enhance their understanding of conflict dynamics, scenarios and policy options for conflict prevention and resolution in the Horn.

Are you an independent professional, with solid project management skills, who enjoys working with a diverse range of stakeholders? Do you have an eye for detail, as well as for the big picture? Are you creative, organized, strategic, and good at translating complex issues into concrete and actionable ideas? If you just answered these questions with a yes, then we encourage you to apply.

Your key responsibilities: 

• Support overall project management, including process design, implementation, monitoring and reporting, as well as budget management, ensuring compliance with EU grant conditions
• Partnership management; support the project partner organization in planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting, and ensure donor compliance. 
• Organizing dialogue meetings and events, including drafting concept notes and agendas, reporting, and logistical support.
• Liaising with external stakeholders on substantive, organizational and operational questions, and participating in regular meetings. 
• Supporting fundraising and drafting fundraising applications;
• Other tasks as needed.

What we are looking for: 

• At least 3-5 years of demonstrated practical experience in project management, preferably in international dialogue, mediation and/or peacebuilding. Knowledge and experience from the Horn of Africa or the broader Red Sea region are considered assets. 
• Good understanding and practical experience of planning, monitoring, and reporting, as well as budgeting and financial oversight. Experience working on EU-funded projects.
• Strong analytical and writing skills (both editing and production of written materials), as well as good IT skills. 
• A good understanding and practical experience of process design or facilitation are considered strong assets.
• Excellent interpersonal and intercultural communication, teamworking, and networking skills.  
• Excellent organisational and planning skills, creativity, conflict sensitivity, and good political judgement. 
• Flexible attitude and ability to work under pressure in challenging circumstances and to tight timelines. 
• Fluent written and spoken skills in English. Other relevant language skills are considered as an advantage. 
• A university degree in a relevant field. 
• Commitment to CMI values and principles of neutrality. 

We offer you an opportunity to work in a unique organization in the peacemaking field, with benefits that support your wellbeing such as flexible working hours, hybrid work, occupational health care, lunch benefit and commuter/recreational benefits, as well as travel insurance that includes private travel. CMI’s over 100 experts work in an international environment with our offices in central Helsinki, Brussels and with a global outreach. As a part of the CMI team you will have the opportunity to contribute to CMI’s global vision – “Every conflict can be resolved.” 

The Project/Programme Officer reports to the Project Manager, Horn of Africa. This position is fixed term until June 2027. The preferred starting date is January 2026 and will be set upon agreement. The position is based in Helsinki and requires a valid pre-existing EU work permit. CMI’s main working language is English.

To apply for this position, please submit your application including a CV and a motivation letter to our online recruitment system through the link, latest on Sunday, 9 November 2025. Please note that we accept applications through our online recruitment system only. Applicants may be contacted for an interview already during the application period.   

If you have questions regarding the position, you can contact Lisa Boström, Project Manager (lisa.bostrom (at) cmi.fi).

For questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact CMI Recruitment (recruitment (at) cmi.fi).