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.
Junior Project Officer (Africa Americas)
Workplace: Geneva
Contract type: Time-limited contract
Activity rate: 80% - 100%
Entry date: 01/10/2026
Publication date: 20/08/2026
The work of DCAF’s Africa Americas Entity in the Gulf of Guinea region aims to support governments, parliaments, security providers and civil society by developing capacities and promoting norms and good practices to contribute to a more effective, efficient and transparent security sector that is properly overseen by the relevant authorities and is responsive and accountable to the people they serve.
To advance the work in the Gulf of Guinee, the Africa Americas Entity is looking for a highly dedicated and dynamic professional to be their next Junior Project Officer
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Starting date: 1st October 2026 or upon mutual agreement
Duration: 12 month fixed-term contract, with possibility of extension
Work rate: 80-100%
The role
Under the supervision of the Senior West Africa Manager, the Junior Project Officer (JPO) provides support to the implementation and administration of the programmes of DCAF’s Africa Americas entity, primarily in West Africa. The JPO may also be tasked with occasional support to activities of the entity in other geographic settings. He/she primarily assists the Gulf of Guinea and other teams in project management, research, and administration. He/she also provides ad-hoc support in monitoring/evaluation, reporting and coordination of programme activities. The JPO will as communication co-focal point of the Entity. This is a role that is expected to progressively take on greater responsibility, including supporting the organization, facilitation, and reporting on activities with national partners.
Key areas of operation:
· Support project and program implementation: contribute to drafting and quality-control of documents for internal and external audiences, support the logistic preparation and organization of program activities, contribute to DCAF’s MEAL efforts and to the development of processes and workflows between Geneva Headquarters and DCAF’s presence in West Africa;
· Assist administrative and finance processes, including preparation of contracts, review and submission of invoices, follow-up on payments, liaising with Service Providers, preparing background information and DCAF documents/publications, updating DCAF hard copy and online materials;
· Act as communication co-focal point of DCAF’s Africa Americas entity, including contributing to donor outreach and reporting. Regular liaison with DCAF’s corporate communication team and DCAF’s Communications Focal Point network;
· Support the drafting and uploading of web content and the design of relevant web pages; contribute to blog posts, forum responses and other inputs to relevant communities of practice; be responsible for regular updates.
Your experience:
· Advanced university degree(s) in a relevant field: International Relations, Development, Security, Conflict and Peace Studies, Political Sciences etc.;
· 0-3 years previous experience in a similar role;
· Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and French; other languages an asset;
· Swiss or EU citizenship or a valid work permit for Switzerland at the time of application is a pre-requisite.
Skills:
· Strong attention to detail, analytical skills and proven ability to synthesise information;
· Time management skills, along with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
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 30 August 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/4423/junior-project-officer-africa-americas