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.

For our Partnerships and Development team we are looking for a highly dedicated and dynamic individual to be our next:

Development and Fundraising Manager

Location:         Geneva 

• Start date:       As soon as possible
• Work rate:       80-100 % 
• Duration:         Permanent  

The role

Join DCAF as our inaugural Development and Fundraising Manager, a pivotal new role within our Partnerships and Development team. Reporting directly to the Head of Entity, you will play a crucial part in expanding DCAF's global impact by proactively identifying and securing vital funding from international donors. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape our fundraising strategies, cultivate key partnerships, raise DCAF’s visibility in international Geneva and ensure the consistent, high-quality management of our existing grants, driving DCAF's mission forward.

More specifically, the role will include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following:

• Proactively research, identify, and cultivate new funding opportunities and partnerships with international donors, particularly those aligning with DCAF's governance, security, and international development mandate.
• Analyze donor landscapes, trends, and giving potential in order to develop targeted engagement strategies and tailored proposals.
• Lead the identification, review, and work with other entities in the strategic assessment of calls for proposals, consortium bids, and other fundraising opportunities, recommending actionable next steps.
• In partnership with the Finance and Stratex teams, lead in the coordination and management of cross-DCAF grants from inception to completion, ensuring adherence to donor requirements and internal standards.
• Coordinate and prepare information, analysis and background materials to inform DCAF’s Partnerships and Development donor outreach efforts and capital visits.
• Coordinate and assist in preparation of cross-DCAF meetings of DCAF’s International Partners Group and Foundation Council.
• Coordinate and assist in outreach efforts in International Geneva through arranging briefings, bilateral meetings and identifying outreach opportunities.
• Assist mandate implementing teams in their grant and proposal submission to ensure a harmonized and quality approach across teams.
• Contribute to DCAF’s fundraising strategies, especially in the development of foundation fundraising strategy and tools.
• Develop and maintain communication channels between the donors and the implementing entities through continuous grant donor stewardship
• Ensure transparent and continuous annual monitoring and reporting for cross-DCAF grants as per the grant’s prerequisites, proactively communicating deadlines to implementing entities, developing narrative and quantitative reports and ensure donor validation of these key products.
• Any other related tasks as may be required by the Head of Entity.

Your experience

• Professional experience (minimum 10 years) in fundraising and management of donor relations and grant management, preferably in the field of governance, security and international development assistance.
• Exceptional project management, organizational and time management skills, with an ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously, seeing projects to completion on deadline.
• Experience and skills in project conceptualization, design and formulation, as well as in report writing and coordination.
• Experience and skills in outreach and communication, especially with donors.
• Excellent English (both written and spoken) is a must – knowledge of French would be a significant asset.
• Experience and skills in budgeting and budget monitoring.
• Strong planning and analytical skills.
• Interpersonal, staff management and communication skills.
• A valid work permit for Switzerland (or Swiss/EU citizenship) at the time of application is a pre-requisite

We offer

• The opportunity to contribute to the successful implementation of DCAF’s Strategy 2025-2030 and to take part in an organisational change that matters
• A rewarding, dynamic, and meaningful work experience
• The chance to be part of a diverse team of collaborative, respectful, hardworking and values-driven people

If you think you are a good match and are enthusiastic about joining the Partnership and Development team, please apply online by 7 June 2026, enclosing:

• a one-page motivational statement in English describing your relevant experience and what you can bring to the team
• an updated CV

DCAF is committed to equality of opportunity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates regardless of sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, 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.