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.

For our Policy and Research Division, we are looking for a highly dedicated and dynamic individual to be our next Junior Project Officer (50%).

Location: Geneva

Starting date: as soon as possible

Duration: fixed-term contract until 31 December 2024, with possibility of extension 

The role

Under the supervision of a principal programme manager, the Junior Project Officer will support the day-to-day development, implementation, and monitoring of the entity’s projects, including research, logistical and administrative tasks of the Policy and Research Division.

Key areas of operation:

1. Support the relevant project or team lead in the design, implementation of policy and research projects of the Policy and Research Division, including projects on the security and development nexus.
2. Review and analyse papers on security and development and provide detailed feedback.
3. Prepare literature reviews, background summaries, talking points, concept notes and other documents as requested.
4. Deliver or contribute to delivery of administrative, budget and logistics support, including the hosting of workshops.

Your experience and skills

• Proven excellent research, analytical, and writing skills in English.
• Familiarity with both SSR and sustainable development is considered a strong asset
• Strong understanding of and experience with developing research methodologies (both qualitative and quantitative)
• Well versed in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.), and other IT systems (e.g., SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, etc.).
• Should be a current MA or PhD student in the Geneva region in a relevant field, such as development studies; international relations; political science; security, peace, human rights law or conflict studies; or other relevant tracks.
• 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 21^st January 2024.

• 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.