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 Policy & Research Division (PRDiv) produces empirically grounded and policy-oriented comparative research on global thematic topics relating to security sector governance. As part of its programming, PRDiv conducts policy and research projects focusing on the nexus between good SSG/R and global security challenges.

For our Policy and Research Division, we are looking for a dedicated and dynamic individual to be our next:

Project Officer – Policy and Research (100%)

• Location: Geneva
• Starting date: 1 August 2023 (start date negotiable)
• Duration: indefinite

The role

Reporting to the Head and Deputy Head of Policy and Research Division (PRDiv), the Project Officer assumes responsibility for leading policy and research projects on the linkages between SSG/R and global security challenges, promoting the implementation of international SSG/R policy agendas, and supporting the Head of Policy and Research Division.
Tasks include (but are not limited to):

• Lead policy and research projects during all phases of the project cycle including design, implementation, evaluation as well as reporting to the donor.
• Lead projects in supporting the OSCE’s approach to SSG/R, especially projects related to the OSCE Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security.
• Lead projects related on SSG/R from an international and national law perspective (e.g., use of armed forces in times of emergency).
• Organize and participate in high-level policy events related to SSG/R and global security challenges (specifically digitalisation and health crises).
• Liaise with external partners to promote good SSG/R and raise DCAF’s profile in international policy contexts; and
• As part of internal and external financial reporting, to undertake finance administration-related tasks, including processing payments, drafting contracts with external partners, and monitoring budgets.

Your experience

• 5-7 years of professional experience on policy and research on global security challenges and SSG/R, with a focus on digitalization/AI and health crises
• Doctoral degree (preferred) in international law, political science, or a related field
• Thorough knowledge of and track-record experience in working with the OSCE, especially Code of Conduct and its implementation
• Demonstrated understanding of security sector governance and reform; familiarity with the work of international organizations and with international security and development policy discourses
• Demonstrated knowledge of innovative research methodologies (e.g., delphi method)
• Experience in results-oriented project management and the development and implementation of policy and research programmes
• Outstanding research, writing and analytical skills, including the ability to process and analyse data
• Strong attention to detail and proven ability to review, edit and layout texts suitable for publication
• English mother tongue or fluency in English is essential; knowledge of French will be considered a strong advantage
• 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; and
• 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 www.flexperso.ch  by 12 July 2023 (midnight) with the subject heading PO-Policy and Research, 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 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.

Due to the high volume of applications, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.