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 Europe and Central Asia Division is implementing projects to strengthen security sector governance and oversight in Europe and Central Asia and to assist in national security sector reform processes; This includes support to parliaments to empower them to play a more effective role in the oversight of national security sectors and to develop, review and adopt security sector related legislation in line with international norms, standards and good practices. To strengthen the team implementing respective assistance projects, DCAF is currently looking for a qualified, dynamic and motivated junior project officer:

• Junior Project Officer (JPO) 50%
• Location: Geneva, Switzerland
• Starting date: January 2023
• Duration: Up to two years with possible extension

YOUR ROLE

Under the supervision of the Deputy Head of the DCAF Europe and Central Asia division, the incumbent will support the conceptualization, planning and implementation of activities to foster security sector governance and oversight with a particular focus on strengthening parliamentary security sector oversight - primarily in countries of Eastern and Southeast Europe, including the South Caucasus.

• Assist in implementing projects, including drafting of project proposals, implementation of and reporting on project activities and preparation of information dissemination on project results;
• Assist in organizing capacity building activities, including the set-up of workshops, seminars and other training activities, including the logistical set-up of events and the preparation of training materials;
• Assist in drafting funding proposals and correspondence with donors;
• Facilitate research on project-related topics;
• Provide assistance in preparation and submission of necessary financial and narrative documentation according to relevant DCAF and donor procedures;
• Draft and follow up contracts, keep track of reporting requirements and relevant payments;
• Facilitate data collection to monitor project activities;
• Maintain records, documents and other information on project activities;
• Prepare material for webpage and IT based project management tools;
• Any other assigned substantive and administrative tasks

YOUR EXPERIENCE

• University degree in political science / international relations and/or law. A specialization in security policy / security and conflict management / security sector governance is considered an asset.
• Prior experience in assisting the management of projects, in particular assisting in the organization of conferences, workshops and training activities is preferred.
• Knowledge of / academic focus on the Western Balkan region, Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus with a focus on security sector reform, particularly parliamentary oversight of the security sector is considered an asset.
• Prior experience in drafting narrative and financial donor reports is considered an asset.
• Prior experience in managing, monitoring and reporting on project finances is considered an asset.
• Experience in results-based project management will be considered an asset.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Swiss or EU citizenship or a valid work permit for Switzerland at the time of application is a pre-requisite
• Excellent command of written and spoken English.
• Excellent drafting and editing capacities.
• Knowledge of Albanian, Serbian/Croatian/Bosnian or Russian language is considered an asset for this position.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural environment.
• Strong organizational skills with effective time management and ability to prioritize and plan own work to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work with colleagues at all levels, to multitask, and to handle tight deadlines and stressful situations.
• Precision and accuracy in executing tasks.
• Diplomacy, tact, discretion, and an impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards.

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 at https://dcaf-flexperso.ch by 10 December 2022 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

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.