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 the Director’s Office, we are looking for a young professional to fill a versatile, cross-functional support role within the Office of DCAF’s Executive Director. The position combines administrative responsibilities with substantive contributions to projects and strategic processes. It offers a unique opportunity to participate in the work of an executive team within a dynamic and international environment.

           Junior Project Officer

Location:                     DCAF HQ, Geneva, Switzerland

Starting date:              As soon as possible

Duration:                      Permanent

Work rate:                    80-100%

Reports to:                   Deputy Director  

The role

The Junior Project Officer (JPO) provides support to the Director’s Office (DO) in a range of substantive, administrative, organizational, and logistical tasks.

The role ensures effective day-to-day support for the Director, Deputy Director, and Chief of Staff, contributing to the smooth operation of the Office and coordination with internal teams and external stakeholders.

Key areas of operation:

Administrative and logistics support

• Provide general administrative and clerical assistance to the Director’s Office.
• Manage and process expense claims and travel expenses, bookings, and related administrative work (including in relation to DCAF’s legal status).
• Draft correspondence and format documents.

Workshops, meetings and events

• Provide note-taking / minute taking for selected meetings.
• Support the organization, logistics, and hospitality for internal and/or external meetings, workshops, visits, and events.
• Manage scheduling, invitations, and associated documentation.

Other support to the DO

• Production of short analytical notes, drafting memos, review of documents
• Draft and format presentations (PowerPoint/Canva).
• Maintain organized physical and electronic filing and contact systems for the Director’s Office.
• Updating calendars, to-do lists, decision logs, minutes of the leadership meetings, and other management tools.

Qualifications: 

Your experience

• Master's degree in a relevant field, such as political sciences / international relations, international human rights, or related field
• Up to three years of professional experience in assisting leadership teams, including coordination, communications, logistics, and project planning
• Experience in drafting notes, memos, briefings is a strong asset
• Experience working in an international, multi-cultural environment desirable

Skills and Competencies

• Strong organizational and coordination skills.
• Clear and concise drafting skills and ability to prepare minutes, briefing notes and reports
• Attention to detail and ability to prioritize tasks.
• Fluency in English and professional knowledge of French.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
• Proficient in formatting presentation (PowerPoint/Canva).

Personal Competencies

• Positive, proactive, resourceful, and reliable.
• Service-oriented with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Intellectual curiosity and ability to learn quickly
• Discreet and professional when handling sensitive information.
• Flexible and willing to take on varied tasks.
• Resilience in high-pressure and last-minute situations, ability to perform effectively and deliver under tight deadlines.

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.
• a unique opportunity to participate in the work of the executive office of a well renowned Swiss organization within a dynamic and international environment.
• 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 the Director’s Office, please apply online by 8 March 2026, 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.