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 Gender and Security Division (GSD) leads DCAF’s work promoting gender equality in security sector reform and governance by providing policy advice, conducting practical research and implementing operational projects. The Division has 11 full- and part-time staff members and we are looking for an experienced, dynamic, and creative individual to join us to help undertake several new projects:

Project Officer (PO) 100%

• Location: Geneva
• Starting date: September 2022
• Duration: Temporary contract; 12 months

The role

The PO will support the development, implementation, and monitoring of both operational and policy research projects, with a special, but not exclusive, focus on climate, gender and security. This position requires good knowledge of gender and security, experience in applied research, strong interpersonal skills, and familiarity with the international system and security sector governance and reform.

Main responsibilities

• Support the design, organization and implementation of activities with partners, including research and operational projects, training, conferences, workshops, policy initiatives, etc.
• Draft concept notes, implementation/monitoring plans, terms of reference and other project documents
• Monitor execution of budgets for projects and activities
• Represent the Gender and Security Division in internal and external meetings as required

Your experience

• Master’s degree or equivalent professional experience in international affairs, governance, development, security studies, gender studies, or related disciplines.
• At least three years of professional experience in the field of gender equality, and women, peace and security.
• Good knowledge of gender and security; familiarity with international organizations, as well as security sector governance and reform.
• Proven writing and editing skills in English.
• Experience in applied research on gender and security, women, peace and security, and related fields.
• Fluency in English and French is a requirement. Professional command of Spanish or Arabic a plus.
• Swiss or EU citizenship or a valid work permit for Switzerland at the time of application is a pre-requisite

Personal competencies

• Strong commitment to principles of gender equality and the inclusion of diverse perspectives.
• Good organizational skills.
• Strong team spirit.
• Ability to think and act independently and creatively, to work with colleagues at all levels, to multitask, and to meet tight deadlines.

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 peoples 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 send your application to gsd-recruit@dcaf.ch by 13th July 2022 mentioning your name as well as the title “Project Officer“ in the subject heading, enclosing:

• a brief motivational statement in English describing your relevant experience and what you can bring to DCAF and the advertised position
• a CV (no longer than 2 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.