Head of Office

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 governing Foundation Council members represent about 50 countries and the Canton of Geneva. Active in countries 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). 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 LinkedIn, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter) @DCAF_Geneva.

For our Operations Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Division, we are looking for a highly dedicated and dynamic individual to be our next Head of Office – Ramallah/oPt (100 %)

• Location: Ramallah, occupied Palestinian territory (oPt)
• Starting date: 01 March 2024
• Duration: 2 years contingent on funding (with possibility of extension)

The role

Reporting directly to the Head of the MENA Division at its Geneva based headquarters, the Head of Office is responsible for overseeing the main programme related to Palestinian Security Sector Governance and Reform (SSG/R) in the oPT.

The Head of Office is responsible for the design, proposal and implementation of the country’s approved strategy. His/her duties and responsibilities shall include, but not be limited to the following:

• Identify and develop new entry points for process-related engagement in the oPt;
• In close coordination with DCAF’s MENA management, manage the programme, including overseeing the design, planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and reporting;
• Oversee all organisational, administrative, financial aspects of programme and office management;
• In a delegated capacity, represent DCAF in the oPt and, as necessary, in Israel; liaise, coordinate and negotiate with all relevant stakeholders, including executive and legislative authorities, police and security forces, community leaders, civil society, and media;
• Conduct regular analyses on political developments and conflict dynamics in the oPt and provide strategic policy advice to senior management;
• Develop donor relations in close coordination with HQ and identify new opportunities for expansion of the programme;
• Contribute to substantial knowledge production and/or sharing on SSG/R substantial aspects of DCAF’s programme in the oPt;
• Draft and submit update reports, political analyses and other content papers as requested;
• Prepare background summaries, talking points, presentations and other documents as requested.

YOUR EXPERIENCE

Education, knowledge and experience

• An advanced degree in development, security, international relations, business management, public administration or other relevant area of studies;
• Proven experience in leadership and project management (minimum 7 years), preferably in the field of governance, security and international development assistance;
• A minimum of 5 years relevant work experience in the MENA region, preferably in the oPT, including experience managing multiple grants/budgets, staff (both operations and support staff) and programmes;
• Good understanding of SSG and familiarity with SSG substantive issues, preferably in the MENA and/or the oPt;
• Excellent English (both written and spoken) – working knowledge of Arabic is considered a strong asset;

Skills

• Excellent political awareness
• Leadership – ability to work under pressure, autonomously
• Excellent management skills incl. planning and budgets
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and tight deadlines
• Cultural sensitivity and familiarity with the MENA region
• Familiarity with the specific challenges of working in the oPt, and readiness to accept limitations on movement while on assignment
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Demonstrable ability to solve problems
• Track record as a team player
• Strength in initiative
• Strong analytical skills