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 60 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.

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 currently implements a project which aims to position security sector reform/governance (SSG/R) as an important policy tool for achieving SDG 16. The project, now in its fourth year, targets three oversight actors: parliaments, civil society, and independent oversight bodies. It is implemented through three pillars: research, high-level policy events, and national and regional workshops.

For our SDG 16 Project, we are looking for a dedicated and dynamic individual to be our next:

Project Officer – SDG16 Project (100%)

• Location: Geneva
• Starting date: 2 October 2023 (start date negotiable) 
• Duration: until 31 May 2024 (with the possibility of extension)

The role

Reporting to the SDG 16 Programme Manager, Policy and Research Division (PRDiv), and working closely with colleagues in DCAF’s Operations Department, the Project Officer assumes responsibility for supporting the development and implementation of workshops, digital databases, and research products developed under the SDG 16 Project.

Tasks include (but are not limited to):

• Reporting to the Programme Manager, supporting activities during all phases of the project cycle including design, implementation, evaluation as well as reporting to the donor;
• Leading the organization and facilitation of national and regional implementation workshops with the purpose to validate and implement the research and policy findings for security sector governance actors;
• Supporting the design, oversight and review of the (commissioned) research related to this project;
• Supporting the development and updating of the SDG 16 Toolbox, including but not limited to identify good practices within commissioned research, inputting entries into Airtable, and liaising with web designers;
• Assisting in the preparation and organisation of the high-level policy events related to this project at the UN, and other fora as appropriate;
• Undertaking finance administration-related tasks, including processing payments, drafting contracts with external partners, and monitoring budgets.

 Your experience

• 3-5 years professional experience on organising high level events and capacity building activities in the area of democratization and good governance of the security sector, with a focus on oversight and accountability;
• Master’s degree in political science, international relations/security, development, law or a related field;
• Thorough knowledge of and track-record experience with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, especially SDG16;
• Experience in results-oriented project management and the development and implementation of policy and research programmes;
• Fluency in English; 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 this position advertised, please apply on www.flexperso.ch by 11^th August midnight 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.