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 sectors 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 governing Foundation Council members represent about 50 countries and the Canton of Geneva. Active in countries all over the world, 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 LinkedIn, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter) @DCAF_Geneva.

The People, Resources and Organization (PRO) department supports the three operational departments (Policy and Research, Operations, International Security Sector Advisory Team / ISSAT) that deliver the DCAF's mandate. The Policy and Research Division (PRDiv) specifically 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.

The PRO department's mission is to transform business expertise into value for colleagues to focus on their respective activities. The PRO department is service and compliance oriented and promotes a culture of collaboration with other departments. It provides advice to make day-to-day processes smooth and predictable, while constantly strengthening the credibility of the organization (risk management, best practices). The PRO department plays an important role in change management to move DCAF even further.

• Location: Geneva
• Starting date: as soon as possible / September 2024
• Duration: until 31 December 2024, extension dependent on funding  

The role

The Finance Officer will be seated within the PRO Team (Corporate Finance) and will report to the Head of Finance while having a reporting line to the Deputy Head of the Policy and Research Division (the entity). This role is pivotal in ensuring the smooth functioning of financial operations within both the Policy and Research Division and Corporate Finance.

Key areas of operation:

• Ensure the prompt review and processing of entity's and project-related financial transactions.
• Provide comprehensive and up-to-date financial information to project teams and support with annual budgeting and forecasts.
• Monitor project budgets on an ongoing basis; alert budget holders of any financial issues requiring management attention.
• Build and nurture relationships with Admin Assistants, and Financial Control Officers within different DCAF entities and field offices.
• Collaborate with project teams on drafting applications for grants and budgets, as well as on all aspects of grant management.
• Ensure compliance with DCAF policies, procedures, rules, and regulations related to the management of financial resources.
• Liaise with field-based colleagues and stakeholders throughout the organization, including senior management.
• Cooperate with colleagues from across DCAF (e.g., Information Systems Coordinator), Executive Assistant, HR) on specific topics.
• Support the consolidation of and strengthen field office accounting processes in Navision.
• Ensure that documentation submitted in our approval workflow system complies with DCAF policies and standards.

Your experience and skills

• Degree in accounting, CFC, or other equivalent qualifications or experience deemed equivalent.
• 3-5 years of experience in accounting and finance, preferably in the field of international development.
• Fluency in English and French.
• Proficiency in MS Excel, including for modeling purposes.
• Strong organizational and planning skills, with the ability to coordinate effectively across entities.
• Experience in grant management, internal control, budgeting, and forecasting within non-profit organizations is an asset
• Proficiency in MS Dynamics Navision is an asset.
• Ability to work with a wide range of profiles and under pressure.
• 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 11 August 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)

Please apply only if you are available to start on 2 September 2024, as we won't be able to consider applications from people who are not available on this date.

DCAF is committed to equality of opportunity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates regardless of sex, age, disability, gender identity, religion, or ethnicity.

DCAF is bound by the legal requirements and regulations regarding the issuance of work permits of the jurisdictions in which we operate.

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.