Deputy Head of Division – Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Division

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 sectors 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 over 40 countries. Active all over the world, DCAF is internationally recognized as one of the world’s leading centres of excellence for security sector governance (SSG) and security sector reform (SSR). For more information, visit www.dcaf.ch and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter) @DCAF_Geneva.

For our Middle East and North Africa Division, we are looking for an experienced, diplomatic and highly qualified manager to be our new:

Deputy Head of Division – Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Division (100 %)

• Location: Geneva, Switzerland, with frequent travel to the region as may be necessary (and as the situation allows)
• Starting date: 6th January 2025 or upon mutual agreement
• Duration: permanent

The role

Reporting to the Head of Division, the successful applicant will play a key role in providing expertise and leadership to the DCAF’s programmes in Middle East and North Africa and by providing oversight to the division’s staff. The position specifically involves contribution of thematic knowledge in Security Sector Governance and Reform.

Key areas of responsibility:

• Assist the Head of Division in identifying and exploring opportunities for DCAF’s activities and growth, as well as mitigating risks within the MENA region
• Translate the corporate and regional strategies into Division’s annual workplans, and keep due track of implementation and adherence thereto
• Provide substantive leadership on SSG/R thematic matters, with special emphasis on: accountability, oversight mechanisms, or police/internal security reform processes
• Support the overall management of the Division’s human resources, provide coaching and mentoring to Division colleagues as needed
• Contribute to processes to ensure efficient structuring of teams, with the aim of ensuring coherence, clear accountability, fluent communication, and compliance with HR procedures
• Contribute to recruitment processes for the Division as required
• Assist and advise the Head of Division on the improvement of management practices and procedures, and oversee the implementation of improvement measures where appropriate
• Assist in building and nurturing partnerships across countries of operations and beyond, as well as within international organizations, multilateral actors, peer and civil society organizations
• Support the Head of Division in building organizational cohesiveness and resilience, through the promotion of a collaborative and learning organizational culture
• Participate in the fundraising and grant management efforts for areas of responsibility
• Oversee programmes for countries as may be temporarily/permanently delegated by the Head of Division
• Serve as a resource-person within the Division or broader organizational work as needed
• Support staff within the Division in planning and carrying out their activities as per applicable regional and country strategies
• Provide and/or organize support for field offices as needed, supervise the work of field offices and monitor their performance
• Assume delegated authority regarding reporting, financial management and operational coherence
• Substitute for the Head of Division when and as needed

Your experience

• At least ten years of relevant working experience, preferably in/on SSG/R, of which at least 5 years working directly in/on the MENA region
• University degree in security studies, management studies, political science, law, international relations or a related field
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is a must
• Good command of Arabic and French a distinct advantage
• Practical experience in designing, planning, management and implementation of programmes, and more specifically in grant management
• Good communication (verbal and written), writing capacity and editing skills
• Excellent understanding of security sector reform and governance issues
• Strong understanding of the MENA region and the dynamic change drivers and obstacles
• Strong people and team management skills
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a multi-cultural team
• Networking capacity with a wide range of potential stakeholders at all levels both within governments and non-governmental and multinational organisations

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