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, respect for human rights, and gender equality. Since its founding in 2000, DCAF has contributed to making peace and development more sustainable by assisting partner states, and international actors supporting these states, to improve the governance of their security sectors 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 over 40 countries. Active all over the world, DCAF is internationally recognized as one of the world’s leading centres of excellence for security sector governance (SSG). DCAF is guided by the principles of human rights-based approach with gender equality at its core, democratic governance, impartiality and national ownership. For more information, visit www.dcaf.ch and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter) @DCAF_Geneva.

For our Office in Kyiv we are looking for a highly dedicated and dynamic individual to be our next:

Project Officer

Location: Kyiv

Start date: May 2025

Work rate: 100 %

Duration: 8 months

Direct reports: Principal Program Manager

The role

The Project Officer (PO) will be assigned to the DCAF office in Kyiv, under the supervision of the team within DCAF Operations Europe and Asia Division. PO will be responsible for supporting and implementing security sector governance capacity building projects in Ukraine. Under the supervision of the principal program manager, the PO is in charge of ensuring logistical, reporting and administrative tasks and carries out research on request.

Key areas of responsibility include:

• Support the development of DCAF’s programme related to security and justice sector reform in Ukraine, including support forconceptualizing, designing, planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating small scale projects;
• Support to donors’ relations, including budget monitoring and programme and project reporting;
• Support fundraising activities, including the development of country strategy documents, planning sheets, concept notes, etc.;
• Draft project related documents such as contracts and agreements, progress reports, factsheets, project proposals, analytical evaluations, etc.;
• Help to identify project opportunities in Ukraine and develop project ideas and proposals;
• Contribute to the design, organization, management and implementation of activities with partners;
• Organize events and carry out administrative tasks;
• Contribute to the financial management of projects;
• Conduct research on issues relevant to security sector governance and reform in Ukraine;
• Provide any additional support across the ECA division and team as may be necessary and determined by line manager.

Your experience

• University degree in a relevant field, such as law, international relations, conflict resolution, history, development, security, peace studies, public administration or political science;
• Excellent proficiency in English, both written and spoken; fluency in Ukrainian;
• A minimum of 3 years of work experience in the public sector or non-governmental sector, with a focus on legal and institutional reforms aimed at promoting democratic governance.
• Experience in justice and security governance and reform will be considered an asset.
• Prior experience in financial management of projects, editing texts and development of project proposals is an asset;
• Strong communication skills, flexibility, respect for discipline and experience of working as part of an international and multicultural team.

We offer

• The opportunity to contribute to the team’s activities and to take part in reform process in the countries in transition.
• A rewarding, dynamic, and meaningful work experience
• The chance to be part of a diverse team of collaborative, respectful, hardworking and values- driven people.

How to Apply:

If you think you are a good match and are enthusiastic about joining the ECA team, please apply online by 13th April 2025, enclosing:

• a one-page motivational statement in English describing your relevant experience and what you can bring to the team
• an updated 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.