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.
Its Operations Department is seeking a professional and qualified person for the following position:
PRINCIPAL Programme manager SAHEL- Sub-Saharan Africa Division 80-100%
Location: Geneva, with extensive travel to the region
Starting date: October 1, 2023 or earlier is feasible
Duration: Unlimited
The role
The Principal Programme Manager (PPM) will provide senior level support to the articulation and realization of DCAF’s objectives in the environments where the organization is working or considering engagement. S/He will contribute to the evidence base for understanding how security sector governance reforms address security challenges in contexts of acute insecurity and democratic reversal. Specifically, the PPM will support the organization’s programming in the Sahel, working closely with teams based in Geneva, Bamako, Ouagadougou and Niamey. S/He will undertake comprehensive analyses of the security, governance, and programmatic challenges and opportunities facing DCAF, and ensure this analysis is continually integrated in an agile and responsive programming. With DCAF’s representation in the Country Offices, s/he will ensure ongoing and systematic dialogue in close partnership with local state and security authorities, non-state armed actors, community representatives, donors, and international/multilateral stakeholders.
The Principal Programme Manager will contribute to articulating and driving DCAF's vision in terms of positioning, representation, strategic planning, and accountability, and ensuring methodical and adaptable management for the team. Primarily responsible for the regional programme in the Sahel, including oversight of projects on financial oversight of security and defense and small arms and light weapons, the PPM will work closely with dedicated country teams and colleagues in DCAF Geneva to promote coherence across programming.
Key areas of responsibility:
- The Principal Programme Manager plays a leading role in identifying and responding to the Division’s organizational and management needs, from individual mentoring and team oversight to supporting informed decision-making.
- Depending on the specific technical requirements of DCAF programmes, the PPM will provide advisory support in the following thematic areas: 1) supporting national stakeholders involved in SSR to build consensus around a reform agenda; 2) fostering national coordination and ownership of SSR processes; 3); strengthening oversight and accountability of civilian security institutions; 4) building an evidence base to inform governance reforms; 5) contribute to knowledge of emerging security threats to human security such as climate change with practical application for SSG/R programming.
- In addition to substantive contributions across the Division, he/she will support the Division’s Project Cycle Management through the process of articulating and adapting programme frameworks, including Theories of Change, monitoring and evaluation components and budgets, and the identification of identify new project opportunities.
- Conduct context analysis, develop networks, and identify dialogue opportunities at the international, regional, and local levels.
- Interact with senior officials in Government to build understanding and buy in for governance reform.
- Identify new opportunities for security sector governance support; carry our scoping missions; lead on the drafting of concept notes and proposals; review and provide quality control on project implementation.
- Contribute to internal staff development and growth, through the management, coaching, guiding and professional development of junior staff and staff in DCAF Country Offices.
- Manage relations with the programme donors, ensure the quality and responsiveness of periodic and results based reporting; review contracts, budgets and donor reports to be submitted by the division for approval.
- Supervise and mentor junior team members in Geneva; manage expert consultants.
- Represent and speak on behalf of DCAF at conferences, meetings and other fora.
YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- At least 15 years’ experience working with multilateral stakeholders in fragile contexts, with proven technical expertise in the area of security and justice sector governance and reform in Sub-Saharan Africa, and in particular in the Sahel.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct political analysis, and experience in working at the political level.
- Proven experience in managing complex programmes, teams and staff in complex environments.
- Be able to represent DCAF internationally and take the lead on internal coordination.
- Be able to lead the development of knowledge production, review SSR/SSG research products from other DCAF programmes and/or external partners and provide expert input into policy and international policy discussions.
- Experience in mainstreaming gender in all aspects of project management.
- Advanced university degree in political science, international relations or related subject.
- Excellent written and spoken French and English.
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 apply online at https://dcaf-flexperso.ch/ by 15 August midnight enclosing:
• a one-page motivational statement in English describing your relevant experience and what you can bring to DCAF
• a 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.