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 works in the Middle East to foster inclusive dialogue and support nationally led peace efforts. Since 2010, CMI has supported the Palestinian national reconciliation process and engaged with a wide range of Palestinian actors from Gaza, the West Bank, the Palestinian community in Israel, and the diaspora on key national issues. At the regional level, CMI contributes to the Middle East Peace Process (MEPP) by facilitating dialogue and building channels between diverse actors across the region. Inclusion of diverse expertise and perspectives, particularly those of women, has been a central element of this work.

CMI is now seeking a Project Manager to join its Middle East and North Africa Team. 

Your key responsibilities: 

Managing CMI’s programmatic engagement on the Arab-Israeli conflict

Overall management and implementation of the EU funded project on the Middle East Peace Process (MEPP), including operational, administrative, financial and substantive implementation of the project, reporting to the donor, management of CMI project team; and liaising with the donor, CMI experts and stakeholders

Managing project planning, implementation and reporting, including budget management as well as leading the project team

Monitoring and analysing contextual developments in the field and conducting research on the country and the surrounding regions, e.g. conflict analyses and stakeholder mappings and providing substantive documents and briefs as needed

Participating in the development of the overall CMI programme and cross team working

Representing CMI, liaising with partners and developing networks and partnerships

Producing new initiatives/concepts and fundraising for new projects and contribution to programme development in the MENA team

What we are looking for: 

At least 5 years of demonstrated practical experience in a similar role, preferably in the field of international dialogue, mediation and/or peacebuilding. Understanding these dynamics in a specific region is considered an asset.

A university degree in a relevant field.

Solid project management skills (e.g. strategic development, budgeting, RBM).

A good understanding, practical experience and a demonstrated strong interest in issues related to the Middle East region, especially on Palestine and Israel, the dynamics and politics, relevant peace processes and related diplomatic efforts.

Experience in strategic engagement with different EU institutions is considered important.

Excellent networks in Middle East region and the field of mediation, and strong skills in building and managing relationships with local, regional and international organizations.

Strong skills in managing fundraising for the work in Palestine and the Middle East region.

Strong analytical and writing skills (both editing and production of written materials) as well as good IT skills.

Excellent communication and teamworking 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.

Willingness to travel to partner countries with challenging operational contexts, if needed.

Fluent written and spoken skills in English, knowledge of Arabic is considered an asset.

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 mission – “Every conflict can be resolved.” 

The Project Manager reports to the Head, Middle East and North Africa. This position is fixed term until October 2026. The recruitment for this position is contingent on the confirmation of funding. The preferred starting date is November 2025 and will be set upon agreement. The position is located in Helsinki/Brussels and requires a work permit to work in the EU. Please indicate in your application which location you are applying for. 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, 28 September 2025. Please note that we accept applications through our online recruitment system only. Applicants may be contacted already during the application period.   

If you have questions regarding the position, you can contact Maruan El Krekshi, Head of MENA at maruan.elkrekshi(at)cmi.fi.

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

CMI – Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation

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Project Manager, Middle East and North Africa