Switzerland: Project Officer (80-100%) – Asia Pacific

The Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF) 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 62 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

DCAF’s Asia-Pacific Unit provides support to nationally-led SSR processes and regional security sector experience-sharing initiatives in the Asia-Pacific region. We are looking for dynamic and committed individuals to be our next:

Project Officer (80-100%) – Asia Pacific

Location: Geneva, with occasional travel to the Asia-Pacific region

Starting date: 01 November 2018 or upon mutual agreement

Duration: Two years in the first instance (renewal subject to funding)

The role:

Under the direct supervision of the Unit’s Head, the Project Officers provide timely regional and country analyses; build up and maintain sub-regional networks or partner institutions and experts; organize and implement regional workshops and meetings with partner organizations; initiate, raise funds for, develop and implement national-level SSG/R activities in collaboration with local partners; and contribute to the day-to-day work of the Asia-Pacific Unit and DCAF overall. The incumbents will have solid expertise in one or more of the following sub-regions: South Asia, Southeast Asia and/or East Asia.

Main responsibilities:

• Take the lead in sub-regional and national SSG/R activities in sub-region of responsibility (South Asia, Southeast Asia or East Asia);

• Establish, nurture and maintain sub-regional network of partners organizations and experts;

• Collaborate with fellow POs with regional responsibilities and the Head of the Asia-Pacific Unit in SSG/R-relevant activities across the Asia-Pacific region;

• Carry out targeted research, prepare briefing notes and review and update country- and region-wide mappings on security sector requirements and initiatives in the Asia-Pacific region;

• Develop expertise on SSG/R needs, opportunities and challenges in the region of responsibility;

• Write, review and edit internal reports and publications;

• Identify, follow up on and secure funding for national-level SSG/R activities carried out in collaboration with local partners;

• Carry out logistical and administrative tasks in relation to country- and regional-level activities;

• Provide SSG/R expertise at expert meetings and training workshops in the region of responsibility (and in other regions covered by the Asia-Pacific Unit, as required);

• Represent the Asia-Pacific Unit with or on behalf of its Head or fellow colleagues in internal DCAF task forces, at meetings inside and outside DCAF, or at events in the region, as required;

• Provide guidance to and work with project assistants in the Asia-Pacific Unit as well as – if applicable – team members located in the region;

• Perform other tasks as required.

  Education, competencies and experience:

• Graduate degree in political science, international affairs, security studies, law, governance, area studies or related disciplines;

• At least three years of professional SSG/R, development, governance and/or rule of law experience working in or on the sub-region of responsibility;

• English mother tongue or fluency in English is essential, languages in the geographic region of expertise are highly desirable;

• Outstanding research, writing and analytical skills, including the ability to process and analyse data;

• Demonstrated ability to review, edit and layout texts suitable for publication;

• Demonstrated understanding of security sector governance and reform;

• Demonstrated expertise in one or more sub-regions of the larger Asia-Pacific region;

• Demonstrated expertise in two or more countries of the main sub-region of responsibility;

• Familiarity with the work of international organizations and regional organizations in the Asia-Pacific region desirable;

• Excellent organizational abilities; other relevant skills, including, IT skills, strong organizational abilities, communication skills, ability to work under time pressure and with strict deadlines, ability to work independently and with others in an international environment;

• 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, hard-working 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.

If you think you are a good match for DCAF and the position advertised, please send your application to asia-pacific@dcaf.ch by 15 October 2018 with the subject heading “PO Asia-Pacific”, 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.