Head of Office, Lebanon (100%)

DCAF – Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance is dedicated to improving the security of states and their people within a framework of democratic governance, the rule of law, and respect for human rights. 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 Foundation Council comprises 63 member states, the Canton of Geneva and six permanent observers. Active in over 70 countries, DCAF is internationally recognized as one of the world’s leading centres of excellence for security sector governance (SSG) and security sector reform (SSR). DCAF is guided by the operational principles of impartiality, local ownership, inclusive participation, and gender equality. DCAF embraces and promotes values of accountability, excellence, inclusivity, integrity and respect. For more information please visit www.dcaf.ch.

For our Office in Beirut, we are looking for an experienced and motivated individual to be our next:

Head of Office – Lebanon (100 %)

Location: Beirut, Lebanon

Starting date: November 2020

Duration: 12 months, with possibility of extension

The role **

Reporting directly to the Head of the Middle East Desk of DCAF’s MENA Division at its Geneva based headquarters, the Head of Office is responsible for overseeing the Lebanon country portfolio and staff in DCAF’s office in Beirut. His/her duties and responsibilities shall include the following:

• Represent DCAF in Lebanon; liaise, coordinate and negotiate with all relevant stakeholders, including executive and legislative authorities, police and security forces, community leaders, civil society, media and donors;
• Manage and grow DCAF’s programme related to Lebanese Security Sector Reform and Governance (SSR/G), including overseeing the design, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of projects;
• Oversee all organisational, administrative and financial aspects of portfolio and office management;
• Develop donor relations and identify new opportunities for funding;
• Contribute to the definition of the regional/divisional strategy;
• Contribute to substantial knowledge production and/or sharing on SSG substantial aspects of DCAF’s programme in Lebanon;
• Closely monitor on ongoing basis the political and social environment in the area of responsibility;
• Draft political analyses and other content papers as required;
• Line management of local staff and management of visiting experts.

YOUR EXPERIENCE

Education, knowledge and experience

• An advanced degree in political or social sciences, business administration, public administration, law, development, or related fields;
• Proven conceptual knowledge and technical expertise in areas such as security sector reform, good governance, media, civil society, rule of law, public administration;
• A minimum of 10 years relevant work experience, preferably in the MENA region and/or in Lebanon;
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in leadership and project management, including experience managing multiple grants/budgets, staff (both operations and support staff) and programmes;
• Good understanding of SSG and familiarity with SSG substantive issues, preferably in the MENA and/or Lebanese context;
• Excellent command of both oral and written English; working knowledge of Arabic is preferred; knowledge of French is considered an asset.

Skills

• Leadership – ability to work alone under pressure, without day to day guidance
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills;
• Demonstrable ability to solve problems;
• Strength in initiative;
• Excellent management skills incl. planning and budgets;
• Strong analytical skills;
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and tight deadlines;
• Cultural sensitivity and familiarity with the MENA region.

We offer:

· a rewarding, dynamic and challenging work experience

· the chance to be part of a multicultural team of supportive, hardworking and values-driven people

· the chance to contribute to improving security of states and their people within a framework of democratic governance, the rule of law, and respect for human rights