Media and Civil Society of the Security Sector in LAC

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 70 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.

DCAF’s Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) Unit supports governments, parliaments, security providers and civil society in the LAC region by developing capacities and promoting norms and good practices to contribute to a more effective, efficient and transparent security sector that is properly overseen by the relevant authorities, responsive and accountable to the people they serve.

• Location: Geneva, with occasional travel to the LAC region
• Starting date: As soon as possible
• Duration: until 15 October 2022, with possibility of extension

THE ROLE

Under the supervision of the Programme Manager, the Project Officer will manage day-to-day development, implementation and monitoring of the Entity’s projects in Latin America and the Caribbean, with a focus on the Programme on Media and Civil Society Oversight of the Security Sector in Colombia. Likewise, the PO will be in charge of ensuring logistical and administrative tasks, and carry out research, on request of the Line Manager.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the development of DCAF’s programme on media and civil society oversight of the security sector in Colombia and in other countries in the region as part of an expansion strategy, including support for conceptualizing, designing, planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating projects;
• Ensure monitoring, evaluation and learning of assigned projects by maintaining close interaction with local partners ;
• Produce progress reports of assigned projects while ensuring that deadlines are respected;
• Produce other project related documents as required, such as contracts, agreements, MoU’s, among others;
• Support fundraising and identify project opportunities, including through research, conceptualizing ideas, preparing concept notes and proposals;
• Support the financial management of assigned projects;
• Organize events and carry out administrative and communication tasks on request.
• Ensure communication of the specific results achieved of the project

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

• University degree in a relevant field, such as development studies; international relations; political science; security, peace, human rights law or conflict studies; or other relevant tracks.
• A minimum of 3-years work experience in international cooperation or project management; field experience is a plus.
• Specific experience working with media and/or civil society is desirable.
• Strong project management skills, including in monitoring and evaluation; financial management and administrative support as well as excellent organization and planning competencies.
• Proven excellent analytical, communication and writing skills, both in Spanish and English
• Knowledge related to SSG/R in the LAC region and to human rights is desirable
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office suite of applications; experience in using “Sharepoint” is an advantage.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relationships in a dynamic, multi-cultural environment.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

• Fluency in English and Spanish, both written and spoken, is a prerequisite
• Swiss or EU citizenship, or a valid work permit for Switzerland at the time of application, is a prerequisite

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 send your application to dcaf.lac@dcaf.ch by April 17th with the subject heading “Project Officer 2 – LAC”, 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)

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, 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.