Country: Switzerland
Closing date: 15 Nov 2019
Research Assistant - SDG16
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, and respect for human rights. 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.
DCAF's Foundation Council comprises 63 member states, the Canton of Geneva and six permanent observers. 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 please visit www.dcaf.ch
The Policy & Research Division (PRDiv) produces empirically-grounded and policy-oriented comparative research on global thematic topics relating to security sector governance. PRDiv is also responsible for working with multilateral organisations, such as the UN and OSCE, to improve and harmonize their security sector governance programming, particularly in the context of the UN’s Sustaining Peace Agenda and Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. Finally, PRDiv conducts research on global approaches to monitoring and evaluating projects related to security sector governance.
For our division, we are looking for a dynamic and highly qualified individual to be our next:
Research Assistant – SDG16 (100 %)
Location: Geneva
Starting date: 6 January 2020
Duration: 3 years
The role
The 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development (SDGs) is a global action plan for sustainable development and a key priority for the United Nations and its member States. Currently, little work has been done to link Security Sector Governance/Reform (SSG/R) with the SDGs, despite there being considerable overlap between the two realms. Against this background, DCAF will conduct a three-year project linking SSG/R with the SDGs. The project will focus specifically on governance and oversight, and will work with three important actors of governance of the security sector: parliaments, civil society and independent oversight institutions. The project entails the development of knowledge products, the organisation of high-level policy events, and the conduct of national workshops focused on implementation (the latter in cooperation with DCAF’s Operations Department). This project will be managed by a project coordinator under the overall supervision of the head and deputy head of division. The Project Assistant will support the Project Coordinator in the implementation of this project, in close collaboration with colleagues within PRDiv as well as the Operations Department.
Key areas of operation:
· Reporting to the project coordinator, supporting activities during all phases of the project cycle including design, implementation, evaluation as well as reporting to the donor,
· Supporting the design, oversight and review of the (commissioned) research related to this project,
· Assisting in the preparation and organisation of the high-level policy events related to this project at the World Bank, UN HQ, and other fora as appropriate,
· Delivering assistance to the organisation of in-country and regional events with the purpose to validating and implementing the research and policy findings.
Your experience
· Master’s degree in political science, international relations/security, law or a related field
· Exposure to issues of democratization and good governance of the security sector, with a focus on oversight and accountability
· Experience with the functioning of parliaments, independent oversight bodies and CSOs is a plus
· Knowledge of or experience with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, especially SDG16
· 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
· 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
How to apply:
If you think you are a good match for DCAF and the position advertised, please send your application to prdrecruitment@dcaf.ch by 15 November 2019 with the subject heading RA-SDG16, 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)
DCAF is committed to equality of opportunity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates regardless of sex, age, disability, gender identity, religion, or ethnicity.
Individuals who seek to serve with DCAF in any individual capacity will be required, if short-listed, to complete a self-attestation stating that they have not committed, been convicted of, nor prosecuted for, any criminal offence and have not been involved, by act or omission, in the commission of any violation of international human rights law or international humanitarian law