Junior Project Officer – Operations Department

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 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 members represent over 50 countries and the Canton of Geneva. 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 visit www.dcaf.ch and follow us on Twitter @DCAF_Geneva.

For our Operations Department, we are looking for a motivated and committed individual to be our next:

(Junior) Project Officer – to support DCAF’s Operations Department and Enhancing Policy & Practice in SSG/R project (80-100 %)

Location: Geneva

Starting date: As soon as possible

Duration: 12-month contract, with potential for extension (subject to performance and funding)

The role

Reporting directly to the Programme Manager, the successful candidate will assist in the effective and efficient implementation of the project Enhancing Policy & Practice in SSG/R, as well as support the work of the Operations Department and its partnerships more broadly.

The incumbent is expected to exercise full compliance with DCAF programming, financial, procurement and administrative rules, regulations, policies, and strategies, as well as implementation of the effective internal control systems.

Key areas of operations:

• Pro-actively contribute and support day-to-day project implementation, and support tasks at Ops departmental level;
• Support the organisation and coordination of DCAF`s annual Heads of country office meeting;
• Provide support in payments, budgeting, and financial forecasting; prepare TORs and consultancy contracts;
• Conduct research on issues related to SSG/R, support preparation of briefing materials and draft minutes;
• Support preparation of project-related reports and official communication, including regular financial progress reports;
• Provide support to logistical, administrative, and financial arrangements for the organisation of meetings, trainings, events, travel, at project- and departmental level;
• Support project- and departmental level MEAL.

Experience and skills:

• University degree(s) in a relevant field (e.g. IHRL / IHL, International Relations, Development, Security, Conflict- and Peace Studies, etc.)
• 0-3 years previous experience in a similar role (ie development assistance or related work for a donor organization or NGO) a strong advantage;
• Strong attention to detail, Prior budgeting and financial reporting experience a distinct advantage;
• Strong analytical skills and proven ability to synthesise information: Prior research and briefing experience a strong advantage;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and French; other languages an asset;
• Time management skills, along with strong interpersonal and communication skills;
• Ability to work independently and at own initiative, to multitask, as well as work collaboratively in a small team;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
• on the job training and coaching, learning and development
• 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.