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.

The work of DCAF’s Africa Americas entity in the Latin America and the Caribbean region aims to support governments, parliaments, security providers and civil society by developing capacities and promoting norms and good practices to contribute to a more effective, efficient and transparent security sector that is properly overseen by the relevant authorities, responsive and accountable to the people they serve.

To advance our LAC work, we are looking for a highly dedicated and dynamic professional to be our next Project Officer – Latin America and the Caribbean (80-100%)

 Location:                     Geneva, Switzerland, with occasional travel to the LAC region

Starting date:              June 2026, or as soon as possible

Duration:                     12 month fixed-term contract, with possibility of extension

The role

The Project Officer (PO) supports the day-to-day development, implementation and monitoring of DCAF’s projects in Latin America and the Caribbean, with a specific focus on a regional programme to enhance public oversight, accountability and responsiveness of the security sector in LAC. Likewise, the PO will oversee logistical and administrative tasks and will carry out research as required.

Key areas of operation:

• Support the implementation of DCAF’s regional programme to enhance public oversight, accountability and responsiveness of the security sector in Latin America in 3 LAC countries (Colombia, Peru & Honduras), including designing, planning, implementing and MEAL;
• Draft progress reports of assigned projects while ensuring that deadlines are respected;
• Support DCAF’s work in LAC fundraising and identifying project opportunities, including through research, conceptualizing ideas, preparing concept notes and proposals;
• Liaise with subject matter experts/consultants; manage and oversee deliverables;
• Assist in the preparation and coordination of missions to the LAC region;
• Produce other project related documents as required, such as contracts, agreements, background summaries, presentations, MoUs, among others;
• Provide administrative, logistical and communication support, such as note-taking for project management and support to the organisation of trainings, workshops, and other events;
• May support the financial management
• Offer additional support as required.

Key qualifications

• Advanced university degree in a relevant field, such as development studies; international relations; political science; security, peace, human rights law or conflict studies; or other relevant fields;
• 3 to 5 years of relevant work experience in international cooperation or project management; field experience is an asset;
• Project management and research skills as well as excellent organization and planning;
• Familiarity with SSG and human rights issues in the LAC region is an asset;
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office suite of applications; experience in using “Sharepoint” is an asset;
• Competent in administrative support;
• Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relationships in a dynamic, multi-cultural environment;
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Fluency in English and Spanish, both written and spoken, is a prerequisite; French is an asset
• Swiss or EU citizenship, or a valid work permit for Switzerland at the time of application, is a prerequisite;

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 21^st May 2026, enclosing:

• a one-page motivational statement in English describing your relevant professional experience and what you can bring to DCAF and its work in LAC
• 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.