Switzerland: Interns (part-time)

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:

Interns (part-time)

Location: Geneva

Starting date: 01 January 2019 or 01 July 2019

Duration: Six months part-time (with the possibility of extension)

The role:

Under the direct supervision of a project officer with responsibility for SSG/R initiatives in either South Asia, Southeast Asia or East Asia, the incumbents will support timely regional and country analyses; the maintenance of sub-regional networks of partner institutions and experts; the organization and implementation of regional workshops and meetings with partner organizations; fund-raising efforts to materialize national-level SSG/R activities in collaboration with local partners; and contribution to the day-to-day work of the Asia-Pacific Unit. The incumbents will have some experience and/or interest in one or more of the following sub-regions: South Asia, Southeast Asia and/or East Asia.

Main responsibilities:

• Review and update SSG/R country profiles in either South Asia, Southeast Asia or East Asia;

• Support targeted research, the preparation of briefing notes, and the review and update of country- and region-wide mappings of security sector requirements and initiatives;

• Conduct background research on SSG/R issues for countries in either South Asia, Southeast Asia or East Asia;

• Provide organisational and logistical support to the organization of sub-regional networking events and national SSG/R support activities;

• Provide project management support by contributing to the drafting of reports, concept notes and other project material;

• Assist the Unit in the organisation of events, proofreading and translation work;

• Support in administrative and financial matters, including identification and preparation of grant proposals;

• Perform other tasks as required.

  Education, competencies and experience:

• Advanced university degree or currently enrolled in university studies in International Relations, Conflict Resolution, Law, Development, Security, Peace Studies, Political Science, Asian Area Studies, or related fields;

• Knowledge of and/or experience or strong interest in either South Asia, Southeast Asia or East Asia is an asset;

• Understanding of and/or interest in security sector governance and reform;

• Excellent command of English; knowledge of a language spoken in the Asian sub-region chosen is considered an asset;

• Attention to detail, good organisational skills and ability to deliver on time;

• Ability to work independently, be proactive and solution-oriented;

• Flexibility and willingness to carry out administrative tasks as required;

• Good intercultural communication skills;

• 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;

• The internship carries a monthly stipend of CHF 1’200 (at 100%).

please send your application to asia-pacific@dcaf.ch by 01 December 2018 with the subject heading “Internship 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.