Programme Manager – Lessons Learning (80-100 %)

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 brings together representatives of around 60 states. 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

DCAF’s Policy and Research Division is looking for an experienced, motivated and flexible individual to serve as Programme Manager (80-100%). The Programme Manager will be part of a professional team in Geneva and will report to the Head and/or Deputy Head of the Division.

Programme Manager – Lessons Learning (80-100 %)

Location: Geneva (availability for travel if required)

Starting date: 1 October 2021 or upon mutual agreement

Duration: unlimited

THE ROLE

The Programme Manager will support the Policy and Research Division in implementing projects within the Division’s portfolio as well as strengthening its applied policy research function.

Specifically, this position is intended to support DCAF’s approach to lessons learning. It will entail working with other entities within DCAF to identify lessons from operational support for security sector reform (SSR) which can feed into ongoing policy and research projects. Vice versa, it will seek to mine lessons from policy and research to help translate key findings into practical and applicable insights for practitioners in line with an overarching policy and research strategy. As such, this position will seek to support DCAF in bridging policy and research with practice.

This includes:

· Managing several policy and research projects aimed at bridging policy, research and practice, by identifying lessons from operational support for SSR, in collaboration with all relevant entities within DCAF, and vice versa by translating key findings from policy and research into insights for practitioners.

· Supporting the division’s efforts to further develop and actualise DCAF knowledge products on SSG/R in line with DCAF’s policy and research strategy

· Identifying new opportunities for research and policy, contributing to fundraising as necessary, and building partnerships with donors and partner institutions

· Taking responsibility for financial management and reporting to donors for assigned projects

· Taking the lead on internal coordination in his/her area of responsibility, and contributing to the coaching, guiding and professional development of junior staff as appropriate

· Representing DCAF externally as requested and providing policy advice and expert inputs in the context of outreach activities of DCAF senior management

· Contributing to both corporate and divisional processes, products and activities

YOUR EXPERIENCE

Education:

· Advanced university degree (Masters or PhD) in international relations, political science, peace, or security studies

Experience:

• At least 8-10 years of policy and research experience in the field of institutional reform, governance, and/or security sector governance and reform

· Outstanding writing, analytical and methodological skills

· Demonstrated ability to draft, review and edit texts suitable for publication and for different target audiences

· Strong background in social sciences research methodology and experience in conducting applied research, and in developing guidance tools

· Policy related experience, ideally with think tanks/research institutes, multilateral organisations or donors

· Track record of policy focused publications based on in-depth research

· Operational/field experience and/or field research experience in fragile and conflict affected contexts.

· Strong diplomatic and interpersonal skills and team-oriented approach;

· Excellent administrative and organisational skills.

Language Requirements:

· English mother tongue or equivalent, and other languages highly desirable

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