DCAF – Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance is looking for a Senior Adviser (Middle East)

Workplace: Switzerland or Middle East

Contract type: Permanent contract

Activity rate: 100%

Entry date: Immediately

Publication date: 07/07/2026

Location: Geneva, Switzerland or Middle East, to be determined

Start date: September 2026, or as soon as possible

Work rate: 100 %

Contract type: Permanent

The role

Join DCAF as Senior Adviser Middle East, a role within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) team. Reporting directly to the Head and Deputy Head of the Middle East and North Africa Entity, the Senior Adviser plays a crucial part in supporting the development and strengthening of DCAF's engagements and programs in the Middle East region.

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

• Identification and development of new entry points for process-related engagements in the Middle East region;
• Support MENA management in the organization and conduct of high level meetings and missions;
• Help in quality assurance of proposals, reports, analyses, papers and other documents produced by the MENA team;
• Identify and propose knowledge development opportunities and needs as well as to lead, contribute to and coordinate research and knowledge development efforts;
• Conduct regular analyses on political developments and conflict dynamics in the Middle East region and provide strategic policy advice to senior management;
• Support donor relations in coordination with senior management and DCAF’s Partnerships and Development;
• Advise country-level teams on the development of proposals and program reporting;
• In coordination with country-level teams, identify, develop and lead the articulation of proposals for region-wide and sub-regional initiatives;
• Support country-level teams in establishing and maintaining networks and strategic engagement with both national and international stakeholders and partners;
• Lead on lessons learned, both thematically and in terms of cross-learning between country programs, and develop and monitor expertise sharing within MENA and with other DCAF entities;
• Prepare the ground for highest-level contacts and cooperation between DCAF and stakeholders;
• In complementarity and coordination with country-level teams, represent DCAF at external events as appropriate.

Your experience

• An advanced university degree in law, political science, international relations, development, security studies or related field;
• A minimum of 10 years of experience with a track record of achievements in the fields of peace, security or related field, of which at least 8 years working directly in the MENA region, preferably including Syria, Lebanon, the occupied Palestinian territory and/ or Yemen;
• Excellent political analysis and understanding of the Middle East region and recent experience in countries in the region;
• Strong knowledge of current thinking on peacebuilding issues and methods with demonstrated ability to anticipate emerging needs and integrate them swiftly into priority program settings;
• Proven ability to lead thematic work within DCAF with documented achievements related to DCAF’s areas of work;
• Proven ability to communicate, negotiate and work with high level executives, government officials, and multilateral and non-governmental organizations;
• Ability to successfully work and collaborate across a multicultural environment, with demonstrated gender-responsive and non-discriminatory values, attitudes and behaviour;
• Excellent English and French (written and spoken) with Arabic considered an asset;
• Excellent planning, organizational and analytical skills;
• Proven experience in fundraising and donor relations;
• Flexibility, including availability for frequent missions abroad;
• Valid work permit or eligible citizenship at the time of application is required according to the location

We offer

• The opportunity to contribute to the successful implementation of DCAF’s strategy 2025-2030
• 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 be part of a diverse team of collaborative, respectful, hardworking and values-driven people

If you think you are a good match and are enthusiastic about joining DCAF’s MENA team, please apply online by 20 July 2026, enclosing:

• A one-page motivational statement in English describing your relevant experience and what you can bring to the team.
• An updated CV

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