DCAF is looking for a Programme Manager

At DCAF, we envision a world where democratic sector governance advances sustainable peace and development and human dignity for all.

Our mission is to advance the security of all people through nationally owned, inclusive, and participatory security sector reforms based on international norms and good practices.

DCAF’s Business and Security team works with business, governments and communities to improve security, sustainable development and respect for human rights. We are a strategic implementing partner for both the Montreux Document and the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers (ICoC) and an Observer to the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPs). In partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), our work supports companies operating in complex environments to ensure that human rights are integrated into their business practices.

Programme Manager (Business and Security)

• Workplace: Geneva
• Contract type: Permanent contract
• Activity rate: 90% - 100%
• Entry date: 31/12/2025
• Publication date: 29/10/2025

We are looking for an experienced and motivated individual to be our next: Programme Manager– EU CRM-SECURE project

• Location: Geneva with regular travel to different regions
• Starting date: 1 January 2026
• Duration: Permanent (position secured for 4 years, to be extended depending on funding)
• Work rate: 90-100%

The role

DCAF is leading a multiyear project funded by the European Union in the area of responsible security and business practices linked to the extraction and trade of critical raw materials (CRM). The successful applicant will play a key role in managing this project implemented by a consortium made of DCAF and the International Code of Conduct Association (ICoCA), with strategic support from the OECD. The successful applicant will lead the day-to-day implementation of the project, providing oversight to relevant staff (including a grant manager and a project officer), and coordinating closely with other relevant entities within DCAF, consortium members, civil society partners and other relevant partners.

The programme manager will play a role designing and coordinating project activities, providing expertise and support to local partners, following up on the implementation of activities (notably through regular travels in the regions of implementation of the programmes), coordinating meetings, and ensuring effective liaison with the EU (both in Brussels and the delegations). A key element will be to ensure the linkage between local implementation and its impact more globally through providing lessons leant as well as policy recommendations to the EU and other relevant stakeholders.

Key areas of operation

• Lead planning, implementation and management of the project;
• Coordinate the implementation of the project within DCAF, with consortium partners, the EU and with other relevant initiatives;
• Identify opportunities to promote relevant policy work aligned with project objectives.
• Coordinate and participate to research activities, capacity building exercises, and technical assistance to grantees;
• Lead project communication and reporting, including drafting visibility materials, coordinating team inputs, and ensuring quality control of all deliverables.
• Oversee overall financial management, including budgeting, expenditure approval, financial reporting, and compliance with procurement and contracting rules;
• Ensure effective supervision and mentoring support to staff.

Your experience

• Field-based experience in programme development and implementation with a focus on Sub-Saharan Africa and/or Latin America and the Caribbean;
• Proven experience in donor relations (ideally with the European Union);
• At least 7 years of applied experience in the fields of business and human rights, international development, and/or security sector governance and reform;
• Demonstrable track record and commitment to staff mentoring and development;
• Experience working with the private sector in fragile contexts and / or in the field of business and human rights;
• Experience working with civil society organizations and grant management;
• Familiarity with key international policy frameworks and multilateral initiatives including the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development, UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, OECD Responsible Business Conduct workstream, Extractives Industry Transparency Initiative and the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights.

Additional skills or experience

• Advanced degree in political science/ international relations, economics, business, international human rights or humanitarian law, or related field;
• Strong interest in financial management and project budgeting;
• Previous professional experience in managing EU-funded projects would be considered as a strong asset;
• Fluency in English and Spanish, both written and spoken, is essential. French and Portuguese considered a plus;
• Swiss or EU citizenship or a valid work permit for Switzerland at the time of application is a pre-requisite.

We offer

• The opportunity to contribute to the successful implementation of DCAF’s Strategy 2025-2030 and to take part in an organisational change that matters
• A rewarding, dynamic, and meaningful work experience
• 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 the Business and Security team, please apply online by 16 November 2025, enclosing:

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

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