DCAF is looking for a Senior Advisor – Policy Engagement

Vacancies

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 recently established a dedicated Policy Engagement (PE) team to amplify DCAF's policy impact, ensuring that its contributions to national and international policy are relevant, transformative, and lead to more effective and sustainable approaches to security sector governance.

Senior Advisor (Policy Engagement)

Workplace: Geneva

Contract type: Permanent contract

Activity rate: 100%

Entry date: 31/01/2026

Publication date: 03/12/2025

To support our Policy Engagement team, we are looking for a highly dedicated and dynamic individual to be our next:

Senior Advisor – Policy Engagement

Location: Geneva

Starting date: 1 February 2026, or to be agreed upon

Duration: Permanent

Work rate: 80-100%

The role

DCAF is seeking a Senior Advisor to join its Policy Engagement team, reporting to the Head of Policy Engagement. This role will work to support and shape DCAF’s engagement in global and regional policy processes and international fora.

Tasks include:

• Support the Head of Policy Engagement in identifying and pursuing opportunities for DCAF to contribute to global and regional policy processes and policy fora;
• Provide expert advice, political analysis, and substantive input to help shape and implement policy influencing strategies that drive impact at global, regional and national levels;
• Coordinate DCAF’s internal contributions to the flagship OECD DAC Handbook on SSR, including facilitating consultations, synthesizing internal and external inputs, ensuring submissions reflect DCAF positions, and monitoring progress against deadlines;
• Lead or contribute to selected policy analyses, position papers, policy briefs to support DCAF’s policy engagement efforts;
• Facilitate cross-entity coordination within DCAF to leverage operational evidence for policy development and support the integration of policy objectives into programme design and implementation;
• Engage with peer policy institutes and relevant platforms to advance thematic initiatives and policy dialogues, including supporting consultations, workshops, and policy events;
• Support donor engagement and contribute to relevant project development and fundraising initiatives;
• Oversee financial management and donor reporting for assigned projects;
• Draft briefing notes, talking points, and background papers for senior leadership, as required;
• Contribute to corporate processes, including monitoring, evaluation, and learning for policy engagement and influencing, as required.

Your experience

• At least 10 years of international policy experience related to governance in the context of peace, security, or development, ideally gained in international policy or research institutes;
• Advanced university degree (Masters or PhD) in international relations, political science, peace, or security studies;
• Track record of delivering successful policy influencing strategies, including evidence of shaping or contributing to concrete policy changes;
• Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills;
• Proven ability to draft, review, and edit texts suitable for publication and for different target audiences;
• Experience engaging with multilateral and regional organisations (e.g. UN, EU, OSCE, World Bank, AU) and familiarity with relevant international policy agendas;
• Strong interpersonal skills, with a collaborative, team-oriented approach;
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills, with attention to detail and an ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent written and spoken English is a requirement; French and/or other languages are highly desirable;
• Swiss or EU citizenship or a valid work permit for Switzerland at the time of application is a prerequisite.

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 PE team, please apply online by 4th January 2026, 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.

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