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 and Research Division (PRDiv) produces empirically grounded and policy-oriented comparative research on global topics relating to security sector governance and reform (SSG/R). This cutting-edge research bridges the gap between policy and practice and is driven by the demand of our national and international partners. For more information, please visit PRDiv’s website.

The Division has 19 full- and part-time staff members and we are looking for a highly motivated and dynamic individual to join us as Administrative Officer (30%-50%)

• Location: Geneva
• Starting date: as soon as possible / 1 March 2024
• Duration: until 31 December 2024, extension pending on funding  

The role

Under the supervision of the Head and/or Deputy Head of the Policy and Research Department, the Administrative Officer plays a key role in ensuring the smooth functioning of the Policy and Research Division by providing administrative, financial, and human resources support to divisional colleagues. While mainly interacting with own entity colleagues, the Administrative Officer will also routinely liaise with a wide range of Resources Department colleagues across DCAF.

Key areas of operation:

1. Day-to-day administrative tasks, centred on the management and distribution of information within the Entity and logistical arrangements, including supporting travel arrangements and providing support to the organisation of events and conferences
2. Periodical administrative tasks, related to recruitment, onboarding and exit processes in close collaboration with DCAF’s HR Unit, as well as DCAF’s corporate processes such as maintaining the divisional contract database, tracking agreements and invoices, and participating in DCAF-level working groups.
3. Finance administration-related tasks, including processing cash requests and payments, supporting the drafting of invoices and contracts with external partners, monitoring divisional and project budgets, following up on travel-related expenditures, and coordinating quarterly budgetary planning and review processes.

Your experience and skills

• Federal Certificate of Competence (CFC), apprenticeship, or equivalent working experience in a similar function.
• Working proficiency level of English and French.
• Proficiency in accounting and financial management of budgets (primarily using excel and Therefore), with experience in previous roles with financial duties considered a strong asset.
• Well versed in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.), familiarity with IT systems (e.g., SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, etc.) is considered a strong asset.
• Strong organisational and planning skills with the ability to coordinate effectively across entities.
• 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.
• 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 by 25^th February 2024, 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.