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 brings together representatives of around 60 states. 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
For our Sub-Saharan Africa Division, we are seeking a dynamic, organised and creative individual to be our next
SENIOR SSR ADVISOR, PROGRAMME MANAGER- SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA DIVISION 100%
Location: Geneva, with extensive travel to the region
Starting date: August 1, 2020 or earlier if feasible
Duration: unlimited
The role
The Senior SSR Advisor, Programme Manager will play a dual hatted role, overseeing programmes in a specific geographic area and providing advisory support lead on technical and substantive elements across the Division in areas related to criminal justice reform and oversight of the security sector. Depending on the specific technical requirements of DCAF programmes, this may include providing advisory support on one or more of the following thematic areas: 1) criminal justice reform in areas related to investigations, detention/arrest, case management, building accountability and human rights safeguards into criminal justice process, and related themes; 2); strengthening oversight and accountability of civilian security institutions through criminal justice processes (e.g. public interest litigation, role of prosecution in oversight of police, criminal justice procedural safeguards, etc.) 3) parliamentary/and or human rights commission oversight of the security sector, including investigations of misconduct or building capacity to conduct specific inquiries; 4) strengthening police collaboration with other elements of the criminal justice chain.
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.
Key areas of operation:
Programme Management
• 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;
• Take the lead on internal coordination in his/her area of responsibility, and contributing to the management, coaching, guiding and professional development of junior staff as appropriate;
• Take the lead in needs identification and programme design processes
• Oversee quality control, planning and administrative processes related to programmes
• Represent DCAF externally as requested and provide policy advice and expert inputs in the context of outreach activities of DCAF senior management;
• 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.
Technical expertise, training and learning – SSAD
• Provide substantive expertise, including the design, delivery and monitoring of activities on one or more of the following areas:
o criminal justice reform (prosecution), in particular working with police in investigations, and related themes across the Divisions programmes;
o building capacity of criminal justice institutions and external oversight institutions to conduct investigations, inspections or inquiries into misconduct or poor performance of security sector actors;
o building innovative approaches to improving accountability in the security sector through initiatives targeting the criminal justice chain
o supporting the role of parliament in oversight of the security and justice sectors;
o budget oversight, public spending and finance management in the security sector;
• Regularly conduct or support sector, thematic, or institutional assessments
• Regularly contribute findings and case studies to internal and external platforms;
• Interact with senior officials in Government to build understanding and buy in for governance reform;
• Represent and speak on behalf of DCAF at conferences, meetings and other fora.
YOUR EXPERIENCE
• Proven technical expertise in the area of security and justice sector governance and reform in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Experience working with multilateral stakeholders, and understanding of reform processes at the national and institutional level.
• At least 10 years proven experience in managing or delivering SSG/R or justice reform programmes, advising on or managing development, peacebuilding or SSR/G assistance programmes.
• Experience in managing teams and staff
• Interest and know how on designing effective projects that address behavioural change and institutional reform in the context of governance programming.
• 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.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct political analysis, and experience in working at the political level is desired.
• Be fluent in English, ideally with solid working knowledge of French.
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
If you think you are a good match for DCAF and the position advertised, please send your application to [email protected] by 15 June 2021 with the subject heading “Senior SSR Advisor, Programme Manager”, 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)
Due to a large amount of applications, please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
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 or been convicted of 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.