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 Foundation Council brings together representatives of over 40 countries. Active all over the world, DCAF is internationally recognized as one of the world's leading centres of excellence for security sector governance (SSG). DCAF is guided by the principles of human rights-based approach with gender equality at its core, democratic governance, impartiality and national ownership.  For more information, visit www.dcaf.ch and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter) @DCAF_Geneva. DCAF’s Business and Security Division works with business, governments and communities to improve security, sustainable development and respect for human rights. We are a strategic implementing partner for both the Montreux Document and the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers (ICoC) and an Observer to the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPs). In partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), our work supports companies operating in complex environments to ensure that human rights are integrated into their business practices. For our Business and Security Division, we are looking for a motivated and dynamic individual to be our next: Junior Project Officer (100%) Location:                     Geneva Starting date:             1^st June 2025 or upon mutual agreement Duration:                     12 month fixed-term contract, with possibility of extension

The role

The Junior Project Officer will form part of our programmatic area working to strengthen private security governance through the organisation of events and initiatives, development of corresponding knowledge products, and national-level implementation of norms and good practices via advisory work.

Key areas of operation:

• Coordination of international events, both online and physical, delivering DCAFs role as secretariat for the Montreux Document Forum
• Providing logistics, event lines and communications, coordination and planning for events and projects that deliver the DCAF mandate on private sector governance
• Provide research support on private security governance. This relates to challenges of and regulatory responses to contemporary issues such as the emergence of private surveillance services and the use of force by private security
• Provide legal advisory support related to private security regulation
• Actively contribute to the planning and implementation of assigned projects that support the implementation of the Montreux Document and the promotion and implementation of the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers (ICoC), including through supporting the development of project proposals, administrative and financial tasks, and organisational support
• Support the development of practical knowledge products (such as handbooks, toolkits, and training modules) events and communication materials.

Your experience

• Master's degree in a relevant field, such as political sciences / international relations, international human rights or humanitarian law, or related field
• Up to three years of experience in assisting with the delivery of high-level events, including coordination, communications, logistics, and project planning
• Experience of engagement with key stakeholders in public institutions, parliaments, civil society, and the private sector
• Strong ability to demonstrate a structured approach to managing projects and tasks
• Proven ability in drafting, reviewing, and editing texts, with a strong ability to communicate effectively in complex environments, both written and spoken, and contribute to the development of narratives and communications strategies
• Fluent in French and English (oral and written), fluency in Arabic, Portuguese or Spanish a plus
• Previous experience with legal reforms is a strong asset
• A valid work permit for Switzerland (or Swiss/EU citizenship) at the time of application is a pre-requisite.

We offer

• a rewarding, dynamic and meaningful work experience
• the chance to be part of a diverse team of collaborative, respectful, hardworking and values-driven people
• the chance to contribute to advance the security of all people through nationally owned, inclusive, and participatory security sector reforms based on international norms and good practices.

If you think you are a good match for DCAF and the position advertised, please apply online by 21/04/2025, 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 (in one pdf document)

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. DCAF participates in The Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures.