Job Description
DCAF – Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance
Description
DCAF – Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance is dedicated to improving the security of states and their people within a framework of democratic governance, the rule of law, respect for human rights, and gender equality. Since its founding in 2000, DCAF has contributed to making peace and development more sustainable by assisting partner states, and international actors supporting these states, to improve the governance of their security sector through inclusive and participatory reforms. It creates innovative knowledge products, promotes norms and good practices, provides legal and policy advice and supports capacity‐building of both state and non‐state security sector stakeholders.
DCAF’s Foundation Council members represent over 50 countries and the Canton of Geneva. Active in over 60 countries, DCAF is internationally recognized as one of the world's leading centres of excellence for security sector governance (SSG) and security sector reform (SSR). DCAF is guided by the principles of neutrality, impartiality, local ownership, inclusive participation, and gender equality. For more information visit www.dcaf.ch and follow us on Twitter @DCAF_Geneva.
For our Communications and Donor Relations Unit, we are looking for a highly dedicated, experienced and dynamic individual to be our next Head of Communications and Donor Relations Unit (100 %)
- Location: Geneva, Switzerland
- Starting date: January 2024
- Duration: Permanent
The role
This is a unique opportunity for an experienced and dynamic individual to lead the communications effort for a globally reputed, high-impact organization. This key communications position will play a strong role in developing DCAF’s corporate identity and long-term communications strategy. This is a demanding position that, in addition to extensive expertise in communications, requires strong leadership and interpersonal skills, as well as a full understanding of DCAF’s mandate to enhance democratic governance in the interests of security and development.
Key areas of operation
· Develop, deliver and assume final responsibility for DCAF’s public relations and communications strategies, activities and output from concept to execution stage. This includes both internal and external communications, respectively to drive employee engagement and cohesion, and the raise the public profile of DCAF among the right target audiences.
- Manage a team of three staff: a communications officer and a multimedia content producer and an intern.
- Lead, drive and assume final responsibility for developing and maintaining DCAF’s digital presence (web, social, Wikipedia, etc).
- Liaise with DCAF partners and other stakeholders on joint PR and media initiatives.
- Work closely with DCAF Director and senior management on proactive and reactive corporate messaging and formulating responses to reputational issues as they arise.
- Work closely with DCAF Director and senior management to prepare them for external communications engagements (presentations, speaking notes, interviews etc.). Proactively identify and leverage opportunities to increase DCAF’s corporate profile and exposure.
- Lead and manage the creation, production and dissemination of communications materials (press releases, newsletters, annual report, podcast, video- and other media).
- Develop and oversee application of DCAF’s corporate brand identity, ensuring it is consistently understood and applied by all users.
- Lead and manage the delivery of DCAF publications (layout, print, translation, copyediting) to the highest standard.
Your experience
- This is a senior position requiring professional experience at a high level in journalism and/or strategic communications, preferably in the field of governance, security, and/or international development.
- Fluent in English a prerequisite, French an asset
- Familiarity with DCAF’s areas of expertise (SSR/G) and with results-based management (RBM) frameworks is a strong asset.
- Experience in several complex and/or post-conflict environments, as well as working and/or partnering with international organizations, civil society organizations and the private sector is a strong asset.
- Exposure to international contexts such as Middle East, Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Sub-Saharan Africa is a strong asset.
- Strong interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills.
- Experience and skills in budgeting and budget monitoring.
- Strong planning and analytical skills.
- Swiss or EU citizenship or a valid work permit for Switzerland at the time of application is a pre-requisite.
We offer
- a rewarding, dynamic and challenging work experience
- the chance to be part of a multicultural team of supportive, hardworking and values-driven people
- the chance to contribute to improving security of states and their people within a framework of democratic governance, the rule of law, and respect for human rights
- If you think you are a good match for DCAF and the position advertised, please apply online by 22 November 2023, enclosing:
- a one-page motivational statement in English describing your relevant experience and what you can bring to DCAF
- a concise CV (maximum two pages)
- a copy of your diplomas and work certificates (in one pdf document)
DCAF is committed to equality of opportunity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates regardless of sex, age, disability, gender identity, religion, or ethnicity.
Individuals who seek to serve with DCAF in any individual capacity will be required, if short-listed, to complete a self-attestation stating that they have not committed or been convicted of any criminal offence and have not been involved, by act or omission, in the commission of any violation of international human rights law or international humanitarian law.