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 Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Entity, we are seeking a highly dedicated and dynamic professional to be our next:

           Senior Adviser – Middle East and North Africa

Location:                     Geneva, Switzerland, with possibility to be located in Amman, Jordan

Starting date:               June 2026, or as soon as possible

Work rate:                    80 - 100 %

Contract type:              Permanent

The role

Reporting to the Head and Deputy Head of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Entity, the Senior Adviser supports the development and strengthening of DCAF's engagements and programs in the MENA region.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Identification and development of new entry points for process-related engagements in the MENA region;
• Support MENA management in the organization and conduct of high level meetings and missions;
• Help in quality assurance of proposals, reports, analyses, papers and other documents produced by the MENA team;
• Provide strategic advice and guidance to the MENA team on developing and consolidating process-related engagements in existing programs;
• Provide support to MENA teams on facilitation of high-level dialogues and stakeholder engagement;
• Identify and propose knowledge development opportunities and needs as well as to lead, contribute to and coordinate research and knowledge development efforts;
• Conduct regular analyses on political developments and conflict dynamics in the MENA region and provide strategic policy advice to senior management;
• Support donor relations in coordination with senior management and DCAF’s Partnerships and Development;
• Advise country-level teams on the development of proposals and program reporting;
• In coordination with country-level teams, identify, develop and lead the articulation of proposals for region-wide and sub-regional initiatives;
• Support country-level teams in establishing and maintaining networks and strategic engagement with both national and international stakeholders and partners;
• Lead on lessons learned, both thematically and in terms of cross-learning between country programs, and develop and monitor expertise sharing within MENA and with other DCAF entities;
• Prepare background summaries, talking points, presentations and other documents as requested;
• Prepare the ground for highest-level contacts and cooperation between DCAF and stakeholders;
• In complementarity and coordination with country-level teams, represent DCAF at external events as appropriate.

Your experience

• An advanced university degree in law, political science, international relations, development, security studies or related field;
• A minimum of 15 years of experience with a track record of achievements in the fields of peace, security or related field, of which at least 8 years working directly in/on the MENA region;
• Excellent political analysis and understanding of the MENA region;
• Strong knowledge of current thinking on peacebuilding issues and methods with demonstrated ability to anticipate emerging needs and integrate them swiftly into priority program settings;
• Expert-level knowledge of DCAF’s area of expertise (SSG/R) and mandate;
• Proven ability to lead thematic work within DCAF with documented achievements related to DCAF’s areas of work;
• Proven ability to communicate, negotiate and work with high level executives, government officials, and multilateral and non-governmental organizations;
• Ability to successfully work and collaborate across a multicultural environment, with demonstrated gender-responsive and non-discriminatory values, attitudes and behaviour;
• Excellent English and French (written and spoken) with written and spoken Arabic considered a distinct asset;
• Excellent planning, organizational and analytical skills;
• Proven experience in fundraising and donor relations;
• Flexibility, including availability for frequent missions abroad;

Swiss or EU citizenship or valid work permit for Switzerland at the time of application is required to work in Geneva.

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 and are enthusiastic about joining the DCAF MENA team, please apply online by 6 April 2026, enclosing:

• A one-page motivational statement in English describing your relevant professional experience and what you can bring to DCAF and its MENA team.
• An updated CV (maximum four pages).

DCAF is committed to equal 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.