Outer Space Security Advisor
Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue
📍 Remote (Global)
🕔 Full Time
⌛ 17/01/2025
HD is developing a new thematic focus on outer space security dedicated to preventing and mitigating conflict-related risks and threats to the security of outer space through informal dialogue and diplomacy. This will include convening dialogue across and within regions, bilateral outreach, and close engagement with multilateral processes on outer space security.
The Advisor/Senior Advisor will serve as the senior-level subject matter expert on HD’s work in outer space security within HD’s Digital Conflict Directorate, providing strategic and substantive advice on all related operations and activities and guiding the scale up of HD’s work on this important issue.
Through HD’s methods of discreet dialogue and mediation, HD’s Digital Conflict Directorate works at the nexus between technology, conflict and international peace and security. The Directorate currently comprises three core programmes focused on artificial intelligence, cyber mediation, and social media and conflict mediation. The Outer Space Security work will complement these three programmes, which bring governments, non-state actors, experts and individuals together to find ways to prevent and mitigate risks that digital and other technologies pose to international security and conflict dynamics.
The position level (Advisor or Senior Advisor) is flexible and will be determined based on the selected candidate’s skills, experience, and qualifications.
Key responsibilities are:
In consultation with the project team, provide expert guidance in conceptualising and shaping tracks of dialogue on outer space issues;
Chair meetings of government officials and experts convened by HD, contributing valuable insights and analysis;
Serve as the senior interlocutor and subject matter expert for HD’s external stakeholders on outer space issues and attend meetings, panels or events where relevant;
Offer informed recommendations for identifying and engaging relevant technical outside expertise and forging of partnerships where required;
Contribute to fundraising efforts led by the project team by sharing expert insights, and providing in-depth briefings to HD donors.
The successful candidate should meet the following criteria:
Minimum of 10 years’ experience working at the intersection of technology, diplomacy, and conflict;
Demonstrated expertise in outer space security with a track record of practical application;
In-depth knowledge of the political landscape and the policies/ practices relating to outer space security and familiarity with national, regional and multilateral processes and initiatives in this area;
Strong project management and coordination skills;
Masters’ degree in a relevant field;
The ideal candidate will be politically astute with experience navigating complex diplomatic landscapes, have strong organisational and communication skills, and be capable of writing clearly and concisely in English. Other language skills are a plus.
The position is remote, with a location in European Time or a nearby time-zone preferred, and will report to Europe-based colleagues. This position requires travel.
If you are interested in this position and meet the above criteria, please send your CV along with a short cover letter in a single PDF file to hrgeneva@hdcentre.org by 17 January 2025. Please indicate “Advisor – Outer space security ” in the subject line of your e-mail.
HD promotes equal opportunities in employment.
