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 contributes to making peace and development more sustainable by assisting partner states and international actors supporting these states, to improve the governance of their security sector 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.
Administrative Officer (Research and Training, Gender and Security)
Workplace: Geneva
Contract type: Time-limited contract
Activity rate: 0% - 100%
Entry date: Immediately
Publication date: 06/07/2026
For our Research & Training and Gender & Security entities, we are looking for a dynamic and motivated individual to be our next Administrative Officer
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Starting date: As soon as possible
Work rate: 80% (40% for Research & Training / 40% for Gender & Security)
Duration: 1 year, with potential renewal
The role
Under the dual supervision of the Gender and Security (GS) and Research and Training (RT) Heads of Entity, and working in coordination with GS’ Senior Administrative Officer, the Administrative Officer will support both DCAF’s Gender and Security (GS) and Research and Training (RT) entities through providing general administrative and financial services, including, but not limited to, the following activities:
Key areas of operation:
1. Administration
· Maintain and update files, databases, records and/or other documents; including, but not limited to:
o input into and update DCAF relevant databases with the entities’ activities, contacts and consultants;
o maintain or develop where needed, internal databases with user-friendly guidelines for administrative and other internal processes;
o book meeting rooms and take notes at meetings.
· Support GS and RT staff and management in the implementation of the entities’ programmes and projects, namely by:
o for all projects, supporting procurement processes, drafting of contracts, preparation of timesheets, reporting and monitoring, and other tasks as assigned by project management;
o specifically support the management of GS MTCP and RT ICOAF programmes.
· Assist with administrative aspects of recruitment processes and onboarding processes for new staff.
· Assist in identifying, liaising, and contracting, external consultants and providers including assisting in payment processing.
· Assist staff in planning and reporting on duty travels, including the implementation of DCAF travel policy and time compensation policy.
2. Finance
· Support the entities’ financial officers or DCAF Finance staff designated to support GS and/or RT in the preparation and processing of invoice payment requests, expense reports, purchase requisitions, liaising with DCAF Finance when necessary.
· Help staff with finance-related activities, such as cash advances and expense reports.
· Manage the time reallocation forms and ensure they are booked in the system by the finance department.
3. Events and training support
Provide support and ensure internal coordination in organizing, preparing and conducting events and trainings in Geneva and globally, including:
· finding and booking conference venues, accommodation, flights and local transport;
· overseeing and arranging procurement for appropriate catering during the events;
· identifying and liaising with various stakeholders such as speakers, panelists and guests for such events as required;
· support Rt and/or GS Project Officers in liaising with training participants and with organizing their visa requests, travel, per diem and accommodation if needed;
· support with other events-related tasks such as reporting and communications;
· travel to events when required to facilitate onsite support;
· other duties as assigned.
Experience and skills
· Minimum 3 years experience in a similar function and in multicultural settings
· Strong command of MS Office Suite, Teams and other digital platforms
· Fluent in English and in French
· Strong attention to detail with ability to prioritise and multitask
· Tech-savy
· Service oriented and proactive
· Project and/or event management experience
· A valid work permit for Switzerland (or Swiss/EU citizenship) at the time of application is a pre-requisite
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.
If you think you are a good match for DCAF and you are enthusiastic about joining our team, please apply online by 26 July 2026, enclosing:
· a one-page motivational statement in English describing your relevant experience and what you can bring to DCAF
· a concise 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.
Apply Here: https://www.dcaf.ch/vacancies#/offer/4241/administrative-officer-research-and-training-gender-and-security