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.
The work of DCAF’s Africa Americas entity the LAC (Latin America and the Caribbean) 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, responsive and accountable to the people they serve.
Senior Advisor, Haiti (Africa Americas)
Workplace: Haiti
Contract type: Time-limited contract
Activity rate: 100%
Entry date: Immediately
To advance our LAC work, we are looking for a highly dedicated and dynamic professional to be our next Senior Advisor to the National Police of Haiti – Latin America and the Caribbean.
Location: Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Starting date: as soon as possible, subject to funding
Work rate: 100%
Duration: 12 month fixed-term contract, with possibility of extension
The Role
The international senior advisor will be embedded within the National Police of Haiti (PNH), and specifically in the Bureau de Coordination Conjoint (BCC) at PNH headquarters, working in close collaboration with the Directorates of International Relations and Strategic Planning. Through high-level advisory, mentoring and operational support, the Senior Advisor will contribute to the development of the BCC as a fully functional coordination hub, strengthening the PNH’s capacity to manage external support both internally, coordinating requests for assistance, and externally, through engagement with all actors actively supporting the PNH. This approach will ensure that the BCC’s development is anchored within the PNH’s core management structure and that external assistance is strategically aligned with institutional priorities.
Key Areas of Operation
The Senior Adviser works in close coordination with, and under the guidance of DCAF HQ Programme Manager. Hierarchically, the Senior Adviser reports to Deputy Head of Entity.
Through advisory, mentoring, operational and project management work, the Senior Adviser will be responsible for the following:
*Institutional Development
• Assist in defining the Police Coordination Cell’s (BCC) scope, objectives, organizational placement, and staffing, drafting the formal normative directive.
• Lead the mapping and analysis of past and ongoing international support to the PNH. Design and establish a sustainable, centralized database to align external aid with the PNH Strategic Plan and operational priorities.
• Identify critical capacity gaps (e.g., public financial management, data systems, procedural development) to guide strategic donor investments and improve aid alignment with a view to contributing to greater police performance and enhanced public confidence in the police.
• Incorporate Human Rights and Gender Equality Approaches throughout all work-related duties.
*Stakeholder Engagement & Partnership Management
• Establish a functional coordination mechanism with key international actors (political, donor, humanitarian actors, and project leadership) to streamline communications, enhance transparency, and ensure all aid is channelled through the BCC. Where relevant, facilitate coordination and communication between the PNH and humanitarian actors to ensure that humanitarian perspectives and operational needs are reflected in international assistance.
• Support drafting of the international partner coordination strategy and BCC action plan; mentor PNH personnel to ensure full national ownership and leadership over time.
• Build strong working relationships across the PNH and partner organizations, establishing a network among all embedded international advisors to drive operational and tactical synergies.
• Support agenda-setting, prepare background analytical briefs, and drive decision follow-up for internal and external coordination meetings.
*Programme Coordination & Management
• Monitor and regularly assess the security situation on the ground, in coordination with the National Expert and key stakeholders, providing timely security updates and risk analysis to DCAF HQ, particularly ahead of missions.
• Support the day-to-day management and implementation of the programme, including monitoring progress against objectives and M&E targets, following up on implementation and deliverables, preparation of narrative reporting, supporting financial reporting and different programme areas as required.
• Provide guidance, supervision and ongoing support to the National Officer, ensuring effective coordination, alignment with programme objectives, and timely delivery of assigned tasks and outputs.
• Represent DCAF in relevant international coordination mechanisms and clusters, as well as in engagements with donors, embassies and other key external partners.
• Support the preparation and coordination of missions by DCAF HQ teams, including logistical arrangements, stakeholder engagement, meeting preparation and follow-up.
• by identifying emerging intervention opportunities and contributing to new activity or project design in close coordination with DCAF HQ and National Officer.
Key qualifications, skills and experience
• Advanced university degree in security studies, political science, law, public administration, international relations, or a related field (a combination of relevant qualifications and extensive experience may be accepted in lieu).
• Fluency in oral and written French and English required, Spanish an asset. Creole language skills (or willingness to learn) are an advantage.
• Past work experience in Haiti or Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), alongside a deep understanding of Haiti’s political and security dynamics will be a strong asset.
• 10+ years of relevant work experience in the justice and security sector reform and governance, including 5+ years in advisory, mentoring, or program management roles within police reform contexts, and at least 2 years in highly complex or volatile security environments.
• Senior leadership track record, extensive experience within national police is a strong asset (ideally equivalent to Lieutenant-Colonel / Commissaire de Police / senior national HQ post or equivalent civilian executive leadership).
• Proven ability to strengthen security sector architecture, strategy, oversight, and training while navigating complex political economy dynamics.
• Demonstrated experience in international cooperation frameworks, including mapping aid flows, building centralized database/digital tracking tools, and aligning donor investments with national priorities.
• Previous experience in programme design and fundraising is an asset.
• Strong capability to lead, delegate, and mentor diverse teams, fostering professional growth and high performance.
• Exceptional interpersonal, negotiation, and mediation skills to build trust, resolve conflicts, and manage strategic relationships across executive and operational levels under challenging conditions.
• Proven ability to translate operational data into concise policy briefs, strategic knowledge products, and executive briefings for senior decision-makers.
• Excellent organizational, process management, and planning skills; proven ability to manage competing priorities, mitigate risks, and deliver high-quality outputs under tight deadlines.
• High cultural sensitivity and ability to operate effectively within multi-cultural environments.
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 advancing 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 the position advertised, please apply online by 11 November 2026, enclosing:
• a one-page motivational statement in English describing how your professional experience makes you a suitable candidate for this post;
• a concise CV;
• a list of at least 2 references related to your past professional experiences;
• 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/4779/senior-advisor-haiti-africa-americas