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.

The Gender and Security Division (GSD) leads DCAF’s work promoting gender equality in security sector reform and governance by providing policy advice, conducting practical research and implementing operational projects. The Division has 12 full- and part-time staff members and we are looking for an experienced, dynamic, and creative individual to be our next:

Principal Programme Manager, Elsie Initiative, Gender and Security Division (80-100%)

• Location: Geneva, with frequent travel to different regions of the world
• Starting date: 1^st July 2023 or upon mutual agreement
• Duration: Until March 31, 2026, subject to further funding

The role:           

Under the supervision of the Head or Deputy Head of Division, the Principal Programme Manager (PPM) for the Elsie Initiative for Women’s Meaningful Participation in Peace Operations will develop, lead, implement and coordinate the programme for the Gender and Security Division, managing the Elsie Initiative staff and working collaboratively with other DCAF Entities, donors and external partners. The role may also involve coordinating developing project proposals, policy and methodology analysis, and leading training and capacity building activities. This position requires deep knowledge and expertise in gender and security, gender mainstreaming as well as strong project and people management, and relation-building skills.

Key areas of responsibility:

• Develop, lead, coordinate and implement the Elsie Initiative programme on Women’s Meaningful Participation in Peace Operations
• Take the lead in all phases of the project cycle including design, implementation, evaluation as well as regular reporting to the donor.
• Managing the finances of the programme, including budgeting, financial forecasts, and financial reporting to donors
• Managing staff to implement the Elsie Initiative programme.
• Contribute to divisional and corporate processes, including Results Based Management (RBM) processes, annual work plan and annual reporting.
• Develop stakeholder engagement with national and institutional partners, including donors, as well as strong collaboration relationships within DCAF related to the Elsie Initiative programme.
• Represent DCAF at conferences, meetings, and other fora related to the Elsie Initiative
• Provide input to strategic plans, project proposals, concept notes, reports, and other GSD or DCAF documents in area of responsibility
• Draft, review and approve background briefs and talking points
• Provide expert advice on gender and security to other DCAF divisions and external partners

Your experience

• Advanced university degree, or equivalent professional experience, in international affairs, governance, development, security studies, gender studies, human rights or related disciplines.
• At least ten years of professional experience in the field of gender equality, human rights and/or women, peace and security.
• In-depth knowledge of, and professional experience with, the gender and security normative and policy framework as well as of security sector governance and reform.
• Experience in developing and leading policy development, applied research and/or operational projects, including budget and financial management, on gender equality and security, women, peace and security, peace keeping and/or closely related fields.
• Experience developing and delivering education and training packages on gender and security, gender and justice, gender-based bias, or related topics, for security and/or justice personnel.
• Experience in managing and coaching staff.
• Proven versatile team player, with excellent interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in politically diverse and sensitive environments.
• Proven personal commitment to principles of gender equality and diversity.
• Excellent writing and editing skills in English.
• Fluency in English required, professional command of French highly desirable. Other languages particularly Spanish and Arabic, a plus.

 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 gender equality in the security sector and security provision 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 26 April 2023 midnight enclosing:

• a motivational statement in English describing your relevant experience and what you can bring to DCAF
• a CV

DCAF is committed to equality of opportunity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates regardless of sex, age, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, religion, nationality, 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.