Project Officer (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 60 member 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 principles of neutrality, impartiality, local ownership, inclusive participation, and gender equality. For more information please visit www.dcaf.ch

For our Policy and Research Division, we are looking for a motivated and flexible individual to serve as:

Project Officer (100 %)

Location: Geneva (with minimal travel as required)

Starting date: 1 April or upon mutual agreement

Duration: Indefinite, with a three months trial period

The role

Under the supervision of the deputy head of division, the Project Officer will support the Policy and Research Division in developing, implementing and monitoring research projects related to the sustaining peace agenda and multilateral organisations, with a focus, among others, on the UN and the OSCE.

Key areas of operation:

· Conduct targeted research for projects related to multilateral organisations and their support to security sector governance and reform

· Prepare contracts, draft high-quality narrative and financial reports for donors, and prepare and monitor project budgets

· Assist in the editing and layout of publications

· Carry out logistical and administrative tasks

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

· Upon request, represent DCAF at conferences, meetings, and other fora, and liaise with partners and other stakeholders

· Perform other tasks as required.

YOUR EXPERIENCE

Education:

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

Experience:

· At least 3 years of policy and research experience in the field of institutional reform, governance, and/or security sector governance and reform

· Preferably one year work experience at a multilateral organisation (e.g. UN, AU, EU, OSCE) as well as familiarity with relevant international policy agendas and discourses, in particular the sustaining peace agenda

· Outstanding writing, analytical and methodological skills

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

· Experience in conducting applied research, ideally within a research institute, and/or in the development of guidance tools.

· Experience in preparing and monitoring project budgets

· Strong diplomatic and interpersonal skills and team-oriented approach

· Excellent administrative and organisational skills.

Language Requirements:

· Excellent command of English is essential; other languages, in particular French, is highly desirable

Other:

· Swiss or EU citizenship or a valid work permit for Switzerland at the time of application is a pre-requisite

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