At DCAF, we envision a world where democratic sector governance advances sustainable peace and development and human dignity for all.

Our mission is to advance the security of all people through nationally owned, inclusive, and participatory security sector reforms based on international norms and good practices.

DCAF contributes 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.

Gender & Security leads DCAF’s work promoting gender equality in security sector governance by providing policy advice, conducting practical research and implementing operational projects. Gender & Security’s entity has 14 full- and part-time staff members and we are looking for an experienced, dynamic, and creative individual to be our next:

SENIOR MANAGER (80-100%) - GENDER & SECURITY

Location:                     Geneva, Switzerland, with travels worldwide

Starting date:              August 2025, or as agreed

Duration:                     Permanent

The role

Under the supervision of the Head of Gender & Security, the Senior Manager will provide substantive expertise and leadership on gender and security issues across DCAF and be a key driver for the organization in this area. He/she will also support the Head of Entity for staff oversight and assume representational duties.

Key areas of operation:

• Oversee designated thematic / geographical programs; design organize and facilitate the implementation of activities with partners; propose and implement research initiatives, and conduct research on gender and security-related issues
• Support the Head of Entity in identifying and exploring opportunities for Gender & Security’s activities and growth, mainstreaming gender into DCAF programmatic work, and developing an intersectional approach to gender and security issues
• Create and nurture partnerships, and support the development of an effective fundraising strategy and the identification of potential donor sources of funding to ensure the financial sustainability of Gender & Security programs within DCAF, including leading on concept and proposal development
• Support the overall management of the entity, provide line management to team members and enable the promotion of a collaborative and learning organizational culture, including working closely with other DCAF teams

Your experience

• Master’s degree or equivalent professional experience in international affairs, governance, development, security studies, gender studies, or related disciplines.
• At least ten years of relevant professional experience in the field of gender equality, and/or women, peace and security.
• A strong professional network that can be leveraged to support DCAF’s work.
• Excellent knowledge of the gender and security normative and policy framework as well as of security sector governance and reform.
• Proven experience supporting gender mainstreaming and intersectional approaches in operational as well as policy development activities.
• Proven experience developing and delivering education and training packages on gender and security, gender and justice, gender-based bias, intersectionality, or related topics, for security and justice personnel.
• Strong people and team management skills, including ability to foster an inclusive, empowering and respectful work environment
• Can promote collaborative approaches across internal and external stakeholder groups
• Proven personal commitment to principles of gender equality and diversity.
• Fluency in English with a second relevant language a plus (e.g. French, Spanish, Arabic).
• 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 you are enthusiastic about joining our team, please apply online by 29^th June 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.