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.

We are looking for a professional and dynamic individual to be our next: Senior Manager– Business & Security (80-100%)

• Location: Geneva, Switzerland, with regular travel
• Starting date:  1st August 2025 or upon mutual agreement
• Duration: permanent

The role

The private sector plays a crucial role in shaping security dynamics, particularly in fragile and complex environments where governance is weak. In response, DCAF's Business and Security team forges powerful partnerships that transform security challenges into opportunities for sustainable development and human rights advancement. At the international level, we promote responsible business conduct, including through the development of norms and good practices. We partner with the UN, OECD and others and support implementation of the Montreux Document, the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers (ICoCA) and the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights. In fragile and conflict-affected contexts, we promote multistakeholder partnerships that strengthen human rights, improve security, and promote responsible business practices. See:  Business and Security | DCAF – Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance

Reporting to the Head of Entity, the successful applicant will provide expertise and leadership on business and security programming across DCAF and be a key driver for the organisation’s thought-and-do leadership in this area. He/she will also support the head of entity for staff oversight and assume representational duties.

Key areas of responsibility

Management

• Support the Head of Entity in horizon scanning and identifying and exploring opportunities for DCAF's activities and growth, as well as mitigating risks within her/his thematic area of responsibility
• Participate in the articulation of DCAF’s strategic planning, including corporate and thematic strategies and annual workplans and budgets
• Support the overall management of the entity's team including recruitment processes, monitoring and mentoring, and compliance with HR policies and procedures. Provide line management to team members in planning and carrying out their activities
• Advise the Head of Entity on the improvement of management practices and procedures, including promoting team coherence and communication, and oversee the implementation of improvement measures where appropriate
• Enable the promotion of a collaborative and learning organizational culture, including working closely with other DCAF teams in the delivery of the organisation’s learning agenda, and an innovative and rigorous approach to MEAL
• Participate in fundraising and grant management efforts to ensure the financial sustainability of the Business and Security programmes within DCAF, including leading on concept and proposal development
• Oversee designated thematic / geographical programmes
• Promote the incorporation of gender perspectives and the equal participation of women and men in all aspects of the work of the entity
• Assume delegated authority regarding reporting, financial management and operational coherence, and substitute for the Head of Entity when and as needed

Technical expertise

• Provide substantive leadership through policy engagement, advisory support or training in some of the following areas: responsible business conduct, human rights due diligence, private security governance, or other security sector governance related themes
• Regularly contribute learning and policy leadership to internal and external platforms, including at conferences, meetings and other fora
• Provide peer review of publications, research products and proposals as requested
• Build and nurture partnerships across public institutions / multilateral actors / civil society organizations / private sector

Your experience

• At least ten years of relevant working experience in areas such as security governance, peacebuilding or international development, encompassing policy and programming
• Familiarity with the private sector, business and human rights and its relationship to security sector reform and governance, as well as issues related to the privatization of war (or role of private operators in conflict contexts)
• A strong professional network that can be leveraged to support DCAF’s work
• Advanced university degree in political science/international relations/economics or related field
• Fluency in English with a relevant second language (e.g. French, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese).
• Practical experience in designing, planning, management and implementation of programmes, and more specifically in grant management
• Good communication (verbal and written), writing capacity, editing skills and attention to details
• Strong people and team management skills, including ability to foster an inclusive, empowering and respectful work environment
• Can promote collaborative approaches across internal and external stakeholder groups
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a multi-cultural team
• Networking ability with a wide range of potential stakeholders at all levels within governments and non-governmental, multinational organisations and the private sector
• A valid work permit for Switzerland (or Swiss/EU citizenship) 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 the position advertised, please apply online by 25^th June 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)

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.