Previously, she was associated with the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva, where she led research on peace and conflict resolution.

Paffenholz has worked on comparative studies of peace processes in various regions, including Mozambique, Angola, Somalia, Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, Mali, Afghanistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Yemen, Egypt, El Salvador, Syria, and Colombia.

Paffenholz is also a Senior Fellow at the Graduate Institute in Geneva, and serves as the Chief Field Editor of Frontiers in Political Science.

Her research focuses on inclusive peace negotiations, the role of civil society in peacebuilding, and political transitions.

[1] Between 2011 and 2015, she conducted a comparative analysis of over 40 peace processes, examining the participation and influence of civil society, political groups, and armed actors.