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 Europe and Asia entity, we are looking for an agile individual to be our next:

Junior Project Officer (50-70%)

Location: Geneva

Starting date: 15 May 2025

Duration: 7 month fixed-term contract

The role

The Junior Project Officer (JPO) will be assigned to the team within DCAF Europe and Asia Division. JPO will be responsible for supporting and implementing security sector governance capacity building projects in Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus and Central Asia in general and in Ukraine in particular. Under the supervision of the principal program manager, the JPO is in charge of ensuring logistical, reporting and administrative tasks and carries out research on request.

Key areas of operation:

• Support the development of DCAF’s programme related to security and justice sector reform in Eastern Europe, South Caucasus and Central Asia (particularly in Ukraine), including support for conceptualizing, designing, planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating small scale projects;
• Support to donors’ relations, including budget monitoring and programme and project reporting;
• Organize events and carry out administrative tasks and contribute to the financial management of projects;
• Conduct research on issues relevant to security sector governance and reform in Eastern Europe, South Caucasus and Central Asia;
• Provide any additional support across the ECA division and team as may be necessary and determined by line manager.

Your experience

• University degree (BA) 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 and Ukrainian, both written and spoken; knowledge of Russian language is 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.
• A valid work permit for Switzerland (or Swiss/EU citizenship) 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 01/05/2025, 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.