Head of Office, DCAF Brussels

Position description

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.

We are seeking a professional and dynamic individual to be our next: Head of Office, DCAF Brussels.

Rate: 80-100%
Starting date: August 1 or as soon as possible
Duration: Permanent

The role

Reporting to the Head of Partnerships and Development, the Head of Office will lead on DCAF’s engagement, advocacy and outreach in Brussels, provide strategic management, and expand and develop DCAF’s relationships with EU institutions, other Brussels-based institutions such as NATO, Permanent Missions and Brussels-based think tanks and civil society organizations. S/he will identify opportunities for enhanced DCAF policy influencing and programmatic engagement, with a focus on new fundraising opportunities. The post holder will provide management support to DCAF’s existing Brussels-based staff.

The Head of Office is an experienced liaison with Brussels-based stakeholders, specifically the EU and NATO, a strategic thinker and able to support DCAF by opening opportunities for funding and advocacy on security sector governance. S/he will lead the strategic direction of DCAF’s engagement in Brussels, work collaboratively with other Heads, lead donor relations, and be a high-profile, expert and articulate spokesperson for DCAF on security sector governance and reform with the EU and other Brussels-based institutions.

More specifically the role will include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following:

• Create and execute an engagement and fundraising strategy for DCAF’s proactive engagement with EU institutions, NATO and other Brussels-based institutions;
• Raise DCAF’s profile in Brussels through stakeholder meetings and facilitate DCAF’s participation in events linked to DCAF’s mandate;
• Arrange and facilitate Brussels based missions with other DCAF staff from headquarters in Geneva or from country offices;
• Facilitate direct advisory support by DCAF to the EU institutions, NATO and other Brussels-based institutions on thematic issues related to SSG/R and lead on policy influencing in Brussels on behalf of DCAF;
• Provide a liaison function with the EU, its institutions, advisory bodies, associated organisations, as well as other relevant related stakeholders;
• Identify opportunities for funding by EU and other Brussels-based institutions and help lead the design and submission of proposals;
• Formulating, as part of the DCAF’S overall strategy, the policy and actions vis-a-vis the European Union and its institutions; monitoring the evolution of the activities of the EU institutions and providing the Head of P&D with appropriate information and related reports;
• Lead on the management of contracts and programmes managed by the office (e.g. framework contracts, facility contracts), and support drafting of tenders for programmes or projects that may be managed by the Brussels office;
• Lead the development and execution of DCAF’s Brussel’s office annual work plans and budgets; lead contributions to corporate planning and reporting;
• Lead staff development and performance management;
• Advise and recommend DCAF actions based on the evolution of EU institutions and their activities;
• Promote knowledge of EU and Brussels-based institutions within DCAF and provide support to all DCAF entities in EU matters.

Qualifications

Your experience

• Higher level degree (or equivalent experience) in international relations, human rights, governance, development, security, gender, or related discipline;
• A minimum of 10 years of professional experience, including previous experience in managing teams, in security sector governance, peace and security, human rights, governance, development, or related field;
• Knowledge of the European Union, its procedures and working practices with proven experience in networking within EU institutions;
• Knowledge of and experience in networking with NATO is an asset;
• Knowledge of security sector reform and governance frameworks, including within the EU and NATO, and strong commitment to the promotion of security sector governance;
• Excellent relationship management, diplomatic, and communication skills and experience of networking with people at all levels;
• Excellent verbal and written communication, presentations skills, and demonstrable experience in public speaking to senior audiences;
• Experience in drafting funding proposals and providing hands-on budgetary oversight and donor reporting;
• Fluency in English. Fluency in French is desirable;
• Successful track record in donor relations and fundraising;
• Demonstrable experience leading and mentoring multicultural teams and providing guidance and direction to peers;
• Capacity to transform a strategic vision into meaningful impact, translating opportunities into action;
• Excellent social and interpersonal skills. Excellent skills in planning, organization and management of priorities;
• Ability to think and act independently and creatively, to work with colleagues at all levels, to multitask, and to handle tight deadlines.

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.

Application instructions

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