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.

DCAF’s Cybersecurity programme, implemented by the Europe and Central Asia Division, aims to support good governance in cybersecurity. The programme contributes to making cybersecurity responsive and effective by working with cybersecurity actors from the public and private sector on improving law and policies, stakeholder cooperation and the effective provision and oversight of cybersecurity. To this end, the programme provides advice and research, organises technical trainings and workshops and organises stakeholder exchanges.

The Cybersecurity programme is currently looking for a highly qualified and motivated individual for its team to be our next:

Programme Manager – Cybersecurity Albania / North Macedonia (work rate 80 – 100 %)

Location: Albania / North Macedonia (with frequent travel in the Western Balkan region)

Starting date: as soon as possible

Duration: fixed-term contract until 31 March 2026, with possibility of extension

The role

The incumbent will work with the DCAF project team, based in either Tirana, Albania OR Skopje, North Macedonia and report directly to the head of the Principle Programme Manager in Geneva.

Key areas of operation:

• Participate in discussing and shaping country or thematic-level strategies on cybersecurity governance;
• Implement cybersecurity capacity building projects, including budget preparation, commitment proposal, and follow-up; financial reporting; and monitoring and evaluation;
• Manage events and training logistics, activities, monitoring and results evaluation;
• Support the conceptual development of DCAF’s engagement in cybersecurity governance in the Western Balkans; contribute to scoping missions, training needs analyses, or outreach to identify entry points and new opportunities;
• Continuously upgrade their knowledge in view of providing sound expertise; contribute to initiatives outside of their own portfolio;
• Support fundraising initiatives and contribute to donor and multilateral organisations engagement.

Your experience

• At least 5 years of experience in project and programme management;
• Substantive knowledge of and experience working in cybersecurity governance in the Western Balkans;
• Fluent in English and at least one Western Balkan language; excellent drafting skills in English.

Additional skills or experience:

• Multi-tasking and pragmatic
• Building relationships and trust
• A valid work permit for Albania or North Macedonia at the time of application is a pre-requisite.

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.

How to Apply:

If you think you are a good match for DCAF and the position advertised, please apply online by 30 April, 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)
• a copy of your diplomas and work certificates (in one pdf document).

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.