Project Officer (100%)

Advisory Field Support service line (AFS) of the International Security Sector Advisory Team (ISSAT)

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 International Security Sector Advisory Team (ISSAT) provides practical support to the international community in improving security and justice in conflict-affected and fragile states. ISSAT works with a group of member states and institutions to develop and promote good security and justice reform practices and principles, helping members to build their capacity, to enhance the effectiveness and quality of Security Sector Reform programming, and to facilitate the coordination and coherence of international assistance for nationally driven Security Sector Reform processes.

Through Advisory Field Support (AFS) services, ISSAT informs better decision-making on Security and Justice (S&J) programming, by offering its International Partner Group (IPG) members tailor-made, targeted, and usually project/programme-specific support at both headquarters and field level. Thematic, contextual and stakeholder analyses - adopting institutional, sectoral, problem-based, or change management approaches as fit – are usually complemented with provision of technical expertise and imparting of good practice, lessons identified and comparative experience. Another key strand of work relates to strengthening the development and enabling implementation of IPGs strategic approaches for supporting S&J.

For our Advisory Field Support service line, we are looking for a committed and dynamic individual to be our next:

Advisory Field Support Project Officer - (100 %)

Location: Geneva HQ (with some travel)

Starting date: 01 May 2023 or upon mutual agreement

Duration: 12 month fixed-term contract, with possibility of extension.

The role

Reporting to the Head of the Advisory Field Support service line, the Project officer will work in relation to ISSAT’s AFS mandates and activities. He/she may be called to support also other ISSAT service lines (professional development and training; outreach and knowledge). He/she might also be involved in ISSAT corporate activities, especially during the preparation of meetings with international partners.

The work will mostly include the following key areas of operation:

• As directed, engage proactively in supporting any AFS activities and mandates.
• In the context of specific mandates, contribute to the substantial work on SSG/R through contributing to methodology formulation, research, analysis, and report drafting.
• Support the overall management of mandates, including on mandate planning, finance, and human resources.
• Provide additional administrative support when required.
• May supervise the work of a couple of interns and/or junior staff

Your experience

Are required:

• MA/MSc in International relations, security studies, political sciences, conflict studies, development, or related field;
• 5 years of relevant work experience in these related areas, including research and high-level document drafting;
• Understanding of and interest in working on security sector governance and reform (SSG/R);
• Experience in working in an international environment, including with international bilateral partners and multilateral organisations;
• Excellent command of English and French is required. Working knowledge on Russian or Arabic are an asset.

Additional favourable skills or experience:

• Creative-minded and dynamic with attention to detail;
• Strong analytical and proven research skills;
• Flexibility and willingness to carry out administrative tasks;
• Outstanding organisational and project management skills, ability to deliver tasks independently and on time;
• Swiss 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  at https://dcaf-flexperso.ch by 15 April 2023, 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.