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.

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) and technical advisor to numerous VPs multistakeholder In-Country Working Groups. 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. A significant part of the Division’s operational programming is managed through its Security and Human Rights Implementation Mechanism (SHRIM), a multi-donor fund committed to improving security and human rights on the ground through multistakeholder engagement.

We are looking for a motivated and experienced individual to be our next:

Project Officer – Security and Human Rights Implementation Mechanism (SHRIM) (80-100%)

Location:                                 Geneva

Starting date:                         1 September 2025 or upon mutual agreement

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

The role

The Project Officer will be part of DCAF’s Business and Security Division, working within the DCAF Security and Human Rights Implementation Mechanism (SHRIM) to support the national-level implementation of security and human rights good practice in fragile settings. The role will focus on project development, management, and implementation, working both with donors and national partners. Ability to engage with both business and human rights and security sector reform and governance disciplines will be a key element of this role.

Key areas of operation:

• Direct support to projects in fragile contexts that promote security and human rights in partnership with government, civil society and private sector actors.
• General support to the effective running of DCAF’s SHRIM. This includes the development of project proposals, logistical and administrative support, monitoring and evaluation, communication and financial management of projects.
• Ability to produce policy and research documents (including case studies, policy statements, tools, etc.)
• Engagement with international organisations and initiatives (e.g. UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights, OECD Responsible Business Conduct workstream, the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Providers) and in relation to legislation around responsible business conduct (like the US Dodd Franck, the EU Corporate Social Due Diligence Directive, etc.).
• Stakeholder engagement and relationship building with national partners (Civil society organizations, private sector and government actors) and donors.

Your experience

• Advanced degree in political sciences/ international relations, economics, business, international human rights or humanitarian law, or related field
• Detailed knowledge of security, development and/or business and human rights fields. Familiarity with multi-stakeholder and international initiatives, including UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights, OECD Responsible Business Conduct workstream and the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Providers.
• At least 2-5 years’ work experience in project development and management in the security, development and human rights field.
• Experience of engagement with key stakeholders in public institutions, parliaments, civil society, and the private sector
• Demonstrated ability to draft, review and edit texts
• Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relationships in a dynamic, multi-cultural environment
• Ability to proactively plan and implement projects, including managing multiple priorities
• Availability to travel
• Fluent in French and English (oral and written), fluency in Portuguese, and/or Spanish a plus
• 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 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 10 August 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.