At DCAF, we envision a world where democratic sector governance advances sustainable peace and development and human dignity for all.

Our mission is to advance the security of all people through nationally owned, inclusive, and participatory security sector reforms based on international norms and good practices.

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.

We are currently seeking an experienced, dynamic, and creative leader to be our next:

Head of Communications

Location: Geneva

Starting date: As soon as possible

Work rate: 80-100%

Duration: Permanent

Salary level: Level 4

Reporting to: Director

Direct reports: 3 (Communications Manager, Social and Community Engagement Officer, Multimedia Content Producer)

The role

This key communications position plays a strong strategic role in enhancing DCAF’s visibility and influence. The Head of Communications is in charge of the communication strategy of the organisation and collaborates closely with senior colleagues across DCAF in view of its coherent implementation. He/she oversees the daily production of content and management of DCAF’s social and digital platforms as well as op-eds and various media engagements. He/she also plays a strong role in matters related to internal communication and transparency. In addition to extensive expertise in communications, this position requires strong leadership and interpersonal skills.

Key areas of responsibility

• Develop and deliver DCAF’s corporate communications strategy, activities and outputs from concept to execution. This includes both internal and external communication, respectively to drive employee engagement and cohesion, and raise the public profile of DCAF in line with DCAF strategy for 2025-2030.
• Collaborate closely with the heads of Partnerships & Development and Policy Engagement and the Director’s Office on developing and executing DCAF’s external engagement to support donor relations and policy influencing.
• Lead and drive the development and strategic use of DCAF’s social and digital presence and engagement with our online communities in support of strategic objectives and priorities; define and update DCAF’s digital strategy and editorial line in view of maximizing our visibility and reaching our target audiences on priority items and messages.
• Lead and manage the creation, production and dissemination of communications materials (eg. press releases, newsletters, op-eds, annual report, video- and other media); use of analytical tools to monitor performance.
• Build and maintain relationships with journalists and external outlets of relevance for DCAF’s external communications (media relations)
• Define DCAF’s editorial guidelines and ensure their consistent application. Work closely with DCAF’s Director and senior management on proactive and reactive corporate messaging and formulating responses to reputational issues if and when they arise.
• Oversee the consistent application of DCAF’s corporate brand identity, ensure that this is being updated as needed.
• Liaise with DCAF’s sister centres and other close partners in International Geneva on joint communications initiatives.
• Provide guidance, technical support, and work closely with the entities for activities, launches, events and story-telling.
• Oversee the coordination and training of the DCAF Communications Focal Points and the coherence of the overall communication approaches.
• Ensure comprehensive communications support is provided to DCAF-wide external events (including DCAF high level conferences, etc.).
• Play a strong supporting role to the Director’s office regarding internal communication and change management; ensure a dynamic use of DCAF home and other modalities of engagement with the staff.
• Help identify bottlenecks and opportunities for improved internal and external communications, and build the capacity of DCAF’s entities through hands-on coaching and mentoring.
• Foster a positive organizational culture by promoting trust, collaboration, transparency.

Your experience

• 15+ years of experience in journalism, public relations, communications, or related disciplines, and experience or familiarity with nonprofit, humanitarian, and/or development sectors.
• Experience developing and executing communications strategies.
• Excellent verbal and written presentational and drafting skills, with proven experience writing in different styles for diverse audiences and platforms, including digital.
• Experience of working with high-level international actors such as donors, multilateral organizations, and NGOs.
• Ideally well connected with Swiss and international media/communications circles.
• Excellent command of English and French essential.
• Strong commitment to creativity and trying new things, evolving communications tactics and methods along with technology and trends.
• Sound grasp of DCAF’s mandate, vision, and portfolio of work. Interest or knowledge of human rights, democracy promotion or development fields and understanding or interest to learn about the concepts of SSG.
• Honed understanding of the digital landscape.
• Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite or equivalent a definite plus.
• A ‘sleeves-up’, can-do spirit.
• Diplomacy, tact and discretion.
• Ability to quickly get to grips with complexity and be efficient within rapidly changing circumstances, to adapt positively to new tasks, responsibilities and people.
• A valid work permit for Switzerland (or Swiss/EU citizenship) at the time of application.

We offer

• the opportunity to contribute to the successful implementation of DCAF’s Strategy 2025-2030 and to take part in an organisational change that matters.
• 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 Director’s Office please apply online by 11th June 2025 enclosing:

• a one-page motivational statement in English describing your relevant experience and what you can bring to the role of Head of Communications.
• 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 for 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.