Deputy Head of Entity – Gender and Security (GSD) Division (100 %)

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 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 members represent over 50 countries and the Canton of Geneva. 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 visit www.dcaf.ch and follow us on Twitter @DCAF_Geneva.

The Gender and Security Division (GSD) leads DCAF’s work promoting gender equality in security sector reform and governance by providing policy advice, conducting practical research and implementing operational projects. The Entity has 12 full- and part-time staff members and we are looking for we are looking for an experienced, diplomatic and highly qualified manager to be our new:

Deputy Head of Entity – Gender and Security (GSD) Division (100 %)

Location: Geneva, Switzerland, with frequent travel to different regions of the world

Starting date: 1st June 2023 or upon mutual agreement

Duration: unlimited

The role

Reporting to the Head of Entity, the successful applicant will play a key role in providing expertise and leadership to DCAF’s gender and security programmes and by providing oversight to the Entity’s staff. This position requires deep knowledge and expertise in gender and security, gender mainstreaming as well as strong project and people management, and relation-building skills.

Key areas of responsibility:

• Assist the Head of Entity in identifying and exploring opportunities for DCAF’s activities and growth in gender and security as well as mainstreaming gender into all of DCAF’s programmatic work.
• Support the overall management of the Entity’s human resources; provide coaching and mentoring to colleagues as needed.
• Provide substantive leadership on gender and security issues in assigned areas, with a focus on women in peacekeeping.
• Contribute to DCAF’s corporate, regional and thematic strategies as well as translating DCAF’s corporate and regional strategies into the Entity’s annual workplans and tracking the Entity’s implementation through DCAF’s results-based management system.
• Contribute to or lead recruitment processes for the Entity as required.
• Create and nurture partnerships, including support to international stakeholders, particularly the multilateral institutions, in gender and security related policy and guidance development processes.
• Support the Head of Entity in building organizational cohesiveness and resilience, through the promotion of a collaborative and learning organizational culture.
• Assist in ensuring optimal interface with, and joint identification of, opportunities for collaboration with DCAF’s Operations and ISSAT’ Department.
• Participate in the fundraising and grant management efforts for areas of responsibility.
• Draft, review and present funding proposals to donors.
• Support the HoE in coordinating all GSD activities and programmes.
• Assume delegated authority regarding reporting, financial management and operational coherence.
• Represent DCAF and the Entity internally and externally.
• Oversee the development of periodic plans and reports; provide briefings and training.
• Substitute for the Head of Entity when and as needed.

YOUR EXPERIENCE

• Advanced university degree, or equivalent professional experience, in international affairs, governance, development, security studies, gender studies, human rights or related disciplines.
• At least ten years of professional experience in the field of gender equality, human rights and/or women, peace and security.
• Experience in managing and coaching staff.
• In-depth knowledge of, and professional experience with, the gender and security normative and policy framework as well as of security sector governance and reform.
• Practical experience in designing, planning, management and implementation of programmes including budget and financial grants management, on gender equality and security, women, peace and security, and/or closely related fields.
• Experience supporting gender mainstreaming in operational as well as policy development activities.
• Experience developing and delivering education and training packages on gender and security, gender and justice, gender-based bias, or related topics, for security and/or justice personnel.
• Proven versatile team player, with excellent interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in politically diverse and sensitive environments.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a multi-cultural team
• Proven personal commitment to principles of gender equality and diversity.
• Fluency in English required, professional command of French desirable. Other languages a plus.

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 gender equality in the security sector and security provision of states and their people within a framework of democratic governance, the rule of law, and respect for human rights