Project Assistant, Public-Private Partnerships Division

Headquartered in Geneva, DCAF has a global portfolio and employs over 170 highly qualified international staff. As part of the organisation’s mandate to promote democratic security sector governance, DCAF supports the international community in the development and implementation of norms and good practices in the field of private security governance/business and security. DCAF’s Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) division is seeking a Project Assistant (activity level 50% over 2 months, with possibility of extension). For more information on the work of the PPP Division, please see: www.ppps.dcaf.ch.

The Project Assistant will assist the Project Officer responsible for promoting outreach and implementation of the Montreux Document on pertinent international obligations and good practices related to private military and security companies in situations of armed conflict. More specifically, the Project Assistant will play an active role in a project supporting the OSCE as well as in supporting the organisation of a Montreux Document Forum Regional Meeting in February 2018.

Key tasks and responsibilities:

• Conduct research on project-related substance matters and assist the Project Officer in drafting of background documents and event documentation.
• Engage in language and content editing of various project documents and research papers.
• Assist the Project Officer in conceptualising and planning the Regional Meeting with a focus on the logistical/administrative preparation of the event.
• Assist the Project Officer with a range of organisational and administrative tasks related to carrying out the event successfully.
• Assist the Project Officer in the financial management as well as in the preparation of the financial and narrative documentation according to relevant DCAF and donor procedures.

Requirements and Qualifications:

• University graduates or currently enrolled in university studies in a relevant field, including international relations, conflict resolution, history, law, development, security, peace studies, or political science.
• Fluency in English and Spanish, both written and spoken.
• Knowledge of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and/or the Latin America and Caribbean region.
• Prior experience in assisting in the management of projects, in particular assisting in the organisation of conferences, workshops and training activities, is preferred.
• Prior experience in management of financial aspects is an asset.
• Knowledge of issues related to security, human rights and business/corporate social responsibility is a strong asset.
• Swiss or EU citizenship or a valid work permit for Switzerland at time of application a pre-requisite

Working hours: The weekly working time is 21 hours. The contract is for 2 months with possibility of extension upon confirmation of additional funding.

Starting date: 1 December 2017 or mutually agreed date.

Closing date for applications: 19 November 2017

DCAF is committed to equality of opportunity for all staff, and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of sex, age, disability, gender identity, or ethnicity.

Interested candidates are invited to e-mail their curriculum vitae and an application letter outlining how their qualifications meet the above requirements to ppps@dcaf.ch, with the subject line “Project Assistant – Private Security Governance”. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.