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). DCAF is guided by the principles of human rights-based approach with gender equality at its core, democratic governance, impartiality and national ownership. For more information, visit www.dcaf.ch and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter) @DCAF_Geneva.
For our Sub-Saharan Africa Division (SSAD), we are seeking a dynamic, organised and creative individual to be our next: Senior Police Advisor – (100%)
- Location: Lusaka, Zambia
- Starting date: February 2024
- Duration: 36 Months
DCAF in Zambia
DCAF has been engaged in Zambia’s efforts to improve police governance since 2019, supporting initiatives to enhance police accountability and effectiveness. Among others, DCAF’s support and advices has related to gender related assessment within the Police, oversight of and accountability for police management of public assemblies, police responsiveness to community needs.
In January 2025, DCAF together with its partner SACCORD – Southern African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes – are launching a new programme to support reform of the Zambia Police Service (ZPS). This 36-month project aims to promote a more accountable, effective, and human rights-compliant police service, particularly in the context of the 2026 elections, by strengthening governance, management, and oversight. The Senior Police Advisor, based in Lusaka, will lead on providing technical and advisory support for the effective delivery of the programme.
Key roles and responsibilities:
1. Technical and advisory support to the Zambia Police Service
As a Senior Police Advisor, and in line with the project’s objectives and activities:
- Provide continuous mentoring and coaching to ZPS staff
- Provide specific police expertise on technical issues such as oversight, investigations, policing of assemblies, police integrity, use of force performance management, and leadership
- Support the development of relevant policies, key strategies and institutional and operational guidelines, including policing doctrines
- Contribute to the design and delivery of trainings and workshops to the ZPS or other actors on police matters
- Coordinate and manage the work of short-term police advisors deployed to Zambia
2. Programme Management and Representation
- Manage all aspects of the implementation of the programme, including those related to oversight and accountability and oversee a portfolio of program components with diverse partners;
- Liaise and coordinate with relevant national and international stakeholders, including executive and legislative authorities, police and security forces, civil society, media;
- Ensure continuous consultation and coordination with SACCORD for the planification and implementation of activities – and identify and take forward opportunities to strengthen SACCORD experience and capacity in working on security sector governance and police reform;
- Support the monitoring, and evaluation of the programme data collection, internal or independent evaluations, course correction or iteration;
- Ensure communication with SSAD team in Geneva is seamless and comprehensive;
- Contribute to the oversight and efficient execution of budget approved by management.
YOUR EXPERIENCE
Education:
Advanced university degree in security studies, political science, law, international relations or a related field; a combination of relevant academic qualifications and extensive experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Experience:
- A minimum of 10 years of operational experience or senior command roles in the police
- A minimum of four years of international experience in police reform contexts as an advisor or programme manager
- Experience in working in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Strong understanding of security sector governance and, ideally, relevant experience in working on related challenges in promoting effective oversight and accountability of the police in similar contexts
- Familiarity with project planning and design, budget management, project implementation and monitoring and evaluation
- Excellent communications skills, and a perfect command of written and spoken English
- Excellent organization skills with strong attention to detail
How to apply
We offer
- a rewarding, dynamic and meaningful work experience
- the chance to be part of a diverse team of collaborative, respectful, hardworking and values-driven people
- the chance to contribute to advance the security of all people through nationally owned, inclusive, and participatory security sector reforms based on international norms and good practices.
If you think you are a good match for DCAF and the position advertised, please apply onlineby 15 January 2025, 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)
- a copy of your diplomas and work certificates (in one pdf document)
DCAF is committed to equality of opportunity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates regardless of sex, age, disability, gender identity, religion, or ethnicity.
DCAF is bound by the legal requirements and regulations regarding the issuance of work permits of the jurisdictions in which we operate.