At DCAF, we envision a world where democratic governance of the security sector fosters sustainable peace and development, as well as human dignity for all.
Our mission is to promote security for all through inclusive, participatory, and nationally driven security sector reforms grounded in international standards and best practices.
DCAF contributes to more sustainable peace and development by assisting partner states and the international actors who support them in improving security sector governance through inclusive and participatory reforms. It develops innovative tools and analyses, promotes the adoption of standards and best practices, provides legal and policy advice, and supports capacity building for state and non-state actors in the security sector.
For our Africa-Americas division, we are looking for a dynamic, organized, and creative individual to be our next: Office Manager, Mali (100%)
- Duty station: Bamako, Mali
- Start date: As soon as possible
- Contract duration: 12 months, renewable
The role
The Head of the Mali office is responsible for national representation, project implementation, and the day-to-day management of the DCAF office in Bamako, in alignment with the DCAF Global Strategy 2025-2030, the Sahel Strategic Framework 2026-2030, and other regional guidelines. In this role, they work closely with the Sahel Regional Representative and the Program Manager, who is responsible for the budget, to ensure that activities are aligned with institutional priorities. They also ensure that DCAF’s presence and activities comply with national legislation and DCAF’s internal rules and procedures.
1. National Representation
- Represent DCAF to Malian authorities, local partners and international actors in Bamako.
- To ensure the institutional and political representation of DCAF at the national level, to promote DCAF’s activities and to contribute to the visibility of the organization.
- Coordinate closely with the Sahel Regional Representative to ensure alignment of national representation with regional priorities.
2. Implementation of activities and projects
- In close collaboration with the Sahel Regional Representative and the Programme Manager (Geneva), contribute to the planning, and supervise the execution and monitoring of projects in Mali.
- Ensure operational coordination at the national level for the implementation of projects, and facilitate the smooth flow of information between country, regional and headquarters teams.
- Supervise the technical quality of deliverables produced by the national team (terms of reference, budgets, narrative reports, etc.), and if necessary, write them directly, and ensure their compliance with DCAF standards.
- Oversee the monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEAL) processes, working with the National Monitoring and Evaluation Officer and headquarters teams; ensure that lessons learned inform the adaptation of programs and activities.
- In close coordination with the program manager, ensure regular monitoring of programming and expenditures, including monitoring of budget execution of projects in Mali, identification of discrepancies, risks and delays, and contribute to necessary programmatic and financial adjustments.
- Ensure the drafting of national monthly reports and lead the systematic documentation of lessons learned at the national level in order to support learning within DCAF.
- Contribute to contextual analyses, as well as to capitalisation and regional analysis exercises led at the Sahel level.
- Ensure monitoring and analysis of the national political and security context, programmatic and operational risks, and regularly update risk management tools.
3. Daily office management
- Provide supervision of the national team (staff and consultants), particularly regarding the identification of continuing education needs, performance review (PAD) and well-being.
- Ensure the management of day-to-day operations, including daily budget monitoring, logistics management, administrative and financial compliance, as well as staff safety, in conjunction with regional teams and headquarters.
- In close coordination with regional and headquarters teams, ensure continuity of operations and risk management.
- To monitor regularly the evolution of the national legal and regulatory framework relevant to the organization’s activities, and to ensure the adaptation of internal practices and procedures accordingly, in coordination with headquarters and, where appropriate, legal counsel.
4. Support for mobilization and dialogue
- In coordination with the Sahel Regional Representative and the Programme Manager (Geneva), support the mobilization of local resources (development of concept notes, establishment of bilateral partnerships).
- Facilitate national multi-stakeholder dialogue and contribute to regional forums.
- Ensure the management and renewal of agreements with national authorities, in coordination with headquarters and the Sahel Regional Representative.
- Ensure consistency of DCAF’s positioning and institutional messages in national commitments, in coordination with the Sahel Regional Representative.
Your profile
- University degree (minimum Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, law, project management, social sciences or related field.
- At least 5 to 7 years of relevant professional experience, ideally in managing or coordinating projects related to governance and/or the security sector.
- Proven experience in managing multidisciplinary teams (including at least 2 years in a coordination or management role). Demonstrated ability to strategically lead a team, coordinate, delegate, and monitor projects.
- Excellent understanding of the national political and security context.
- Ability to maintain constructive and professional working relationships.
- Ability to analyze and write concise notes.
- Excellent command of French (spoken and written). Knowledge of English is an asset.
We offer
- A rewarding, dynamic and stimulating work experience
- The opportunity to be part of a multicultural team made up of supportive, dedicated, and values-driven individuals
- The chance to contribute to improving the security of States and their people within the framework of democratic governance, the rule of law and respect for human rights.
How to apply
If you believe you are a good candidate for the DCAF and the advertised position, please apply online by March 22nd , attaching:
- A one-page cover letter describing your experience relevant to the role and what you can contribute to DCAF
- Your concise CV (maximum two pages)
DCAF is committed to equal opportunities and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of sex, age, disability, gender identity, religion or ethnic origin.
DCAF is subject to the legal and regulatory requirements relating to the issuance of work permits of the jurisdictions in which it operates.