Stop Killer Robots is looking for a Head of Government Relations and Advocacy

ABOUT US:

The Stop Killer Robots campaign is a global international coalition of over 300 non-governmental organisations that seeks to counter threats to humanity and human dignity through the adoption of a new international treaty to prohibit and regulate autonomous weapons systems (AWS). We support the development of legal and other norms that ensure meaningful human control over the use of force, counter digital dehumanisation, and reduce automated harm.

Job Title: Head of Government Relations and Advocacy

Job location: Geneva, Switzerland

Reports to: Executive Director

Job Purpose: Stop Killer Robots (SKR) Head of Government Relations and Advocacy is responsible for Stop Killer Robots' diplomatic and advocacy efforts at the national and international level. This includes liaising with governments, UN agencies, and other stakeholders to advance Stop Killer Robots' goals towards a legally binding instrument on autonomous weapons and new regulations on the use of AI in the use of force. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Head of Government Relations and Advocacy works closely with the other staff team members and ensures regular communication and updates to campaign members and the Steering Committee.

FTE: 80%

Staff managed: Campaign Programs & Engagement Officer, consultants and volunteers as required

Salary and Benefits: We offer a competitive salary commensurate with the candidate's experience.

Contract period: One year fixed term with the possibility of extension.

Starting date: As soon as possible

Additional details: Some international travel will be required

Head of Government Relations and Advocacy

The purpose of this role is to lead our government relations and advocacy efforts to reach a legally binding instrument on autonomous weapons systems, and the development of other norms on the use of AI in the application of force.

We're looking for someone who can build strong and credible relationships with diplomatic representatives in Geneva and New York, as well as other relevant stakeholders. You will drive the development of our government relations and advocacy strategy, identifying key stakeholders, tactics and milestones. You enjoy networking and talking to people, crafting and clearly conveying advocacy messages based on our policies, and analysing the political landscape. You are someone who can organise people and organisations to advocate with a shared strategy and consistent messages for greater impact.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic direction and management

• Work with global campaign members and staff team to develop advocacy strategies and execution plans, employing strong project management skills to deliver;
• Ensure alignment on advocacy messages within the coalition and with key partner organisations;
• Contribute to organisational strategy, planning, and decision-making;
• Contribute to the fundraising efforts with governments;
• Contribute to development of budgets, planning, and monitoring of expenditure in line with resources and programmatic priorities, with particular responsibility for funds related to international outreach;
• Line-manage designated staff members, with additional oversight of consultants and volunteers as needed.

Government outreach and advocacy

• Develop and maintain key relations on behalf of SKR with government officials including diplomats from Permanent Missions to the UN in Geneva, New York, and other major UN hubs, and government representatives in capitals;
• Lead strategic planning related to advocacy efforts of SKR in relation to multilateral and intergovernmental processes, meetings, and events on autonomous weapons systems and artificial intelligence in the military domain;
• Coordinate systematic and sustained international advocacy efforts of the coalition, in relation to multilateral and intergovernmental processes, meetings, and events on autonomous weapons systems and artificial intelligence in the military domain;
• Organise and execute advocacy meetings with relevant stakeholders (UN agencies, ICRC, NGOs … ) in relation to multilateral and intergovernmental processes on autonomous weapons systems and artificial intelligence in the military domain;
• Support national partners' advocacy efforts in capitals around the world;
• In collaboration with the Head of Policy, support the development of materials including web articles, briefing papers, advocacy sheets, statements and other products to support international advocacy as relevant;
• In collaboration with Campaign Programs & Engagement Officer, disseminate frequent updates on international advocacy efforts to Stop Killer Robots coalition members, to support advocacy efforts at the national, regional, and international level.

States position monitor

• Lead on the maintenance and updating of the Automated Decision Research state positions monitor, tracking state positions on autonomous weapons systems, applying a consistent methodology, maintaining internal databases, and updating the ADR website;
• Develop a methodology and implementation plan to begin tracking state positions on AI in the military domain;
• Undertake monitoring and analysis of state positions on relevant policy positions, including monitoring statements to relevant multilateral meetings, national policies and relevant legislation, and tracking other developments in states' positions;
• Monitor geopolitical, technological, and regulatory developments related to autonomous weapons systems and artificial intelligence in the military domain through relationship building and partnerships.

Qualifications

We are eager to hear from candidates who can perform the essential functions of this role, even if they do not meet all of our desired criteria - particularly if they are from backgrounds currently underrepresented in the NGO or disarmament sectors. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply regardless of race, colour, creed, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, age, height, weight, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, marital or domestic partner status, or religious affiliation.

Personal specification

You have:

• A university degree or equivalent related to international relations, political science, international law, sustainable development, humanitarian aid, or another relevant subject;
• A minimum of seven (7) years of experience in influencing policy (advocacy), ideally at the international level and/or in partnership with projects or actors in developing countries;
• A proven experience and understanding of the global issues related to disarmament, international humanitarian and human rights law, protection of civilians in armed conflict or AI/emerging technology;
• Ability to work at both strategic and operational levels, with excellent project management skills
• Excellent presentation skills
• Understanding of multilateral discussions within the UN is preferred;
• Fundraising and donor relations experience is preferred ;
• Excellent interpersonal, networking, and representation skills;
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment successfully and to demonstrate gender-responsive, anti-racist, and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes;
• A strong commitment to the team and collaborative work;
• An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential.

You are:

• Committed to Stop Killer Robots' values and the cause;
• Appreciated for your strong commitment to the team and collaborative work;
• A skilled communicator with excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Spanish, French or Arabic;
• Positive, enthusiastic, and forward looking with an ability to adapt and manage stressful situations;
• Highly motivated by humanitarian/disarmament work;
• Interested in the intersection between peace, security and technology;
• Willing to travel to different locations and cooperate with a wide network around the world.

Additional requirements:

Candidates must be eligible to work in Switzerland. Stop Killer Robots does not have the ability to sponsor visas for selected candidates.

How to apply

Email a cover letter (CL_Govt outreach_date) and your CV (CV, including two (2) references) to: [email protected] by 3 August 2026.

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