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.
For our Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Entity, we are looking for a highly dedicated and dynamic individual to be our next Head of Entity – Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
Location: Geneva, Switzerland, with frequent travel to the region
Starting date: 1 February 2027 or upon agreement
Work rate: 100%
Duration: Permanent
The role
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Entity has a significant portfolio of activities across the region, including those managed through country offices in Beirut, Ramallah and Tunis, in addition to its Regional Hub in Amman. Reporting to the Director/Deputy Director of DCAF, the Head of the MENA Entity is responsible for the strategic, operational and administrative management of the Entity’s activities, relations with national, regional and international counterparts and provides leadership to a diverse team of highly qualified experts.
The successful applicant will play a key role in providing overall leadership and expertise to DCAF’s programmes in the Middle East and North Africa, as well as strategic guidance, oversight and management of the Entity’s staff.
Key areas of operation
- Setting strategic direction for DCAF’s programmes in the MENA region, identifying priorities of engagement and adaptive programming
- Leading DCAF’s efforts in identifying and exploring opportunities for DCAF’s activities both as a do- and think tank, as well as mitigating risks within the MENA region
- Translate the corporate and regional strategies into annual workplans, and keep due track of implementation and adherence thereto
- Ensure the availability and provision of substantive expertise on SSG/R thematic matters, with special emphasis on accountability, oversight mechanisms and internal security reform processes, and defense among others
- Hold ultimate responsibility for the overall management of the Entity’s human resources, provide coaching and mentoring to MENA’s team members as needed
- Ensure efficient structuring of teams, with the aim of ensuring coherence, fluent communication, and compliance with HR procedures
- Lead and oversee recruitment processes for the Entity
- Lead the team in building and nurturing partnerships across countries of operations and beyond, as well as with international organizations, multilateral actors, peer and civil society organizations
- Contribute to building organizational cohesiveness and resilience, through the promotion of a collaborative and learning culture, supporting the Entity’s and institution’s monitoring evaluation and learning components
- Lead on and participate in fundraising; oversee the efficient management of grants and donor relations
- Ensures the financial sustainability of programs and teams within the MENA entity
- Oversee and guide implementation of budgets in full adherence to DCAF’s policies, practices and procedures
- Serve as a resource-person within the Entity or broader organizational work as needed
- Supervise the work of country offices and monitor their performance
- Contribute to the design and implementation of DCAF’s corporate strategies and the definition of its thematic and geographic priorities, and serve as member of DCAF’s management team
- Represent DCAF, as necessary, in national and international fora and events; lead and support DCAF policy work in the region and more broadly
- Any other duties and responsibilities as required and in line with the position
- Member of the Management Table with other Entities’ Heads; supporting the operationalization and direction of DCAF strategic objectives and culture
Your experience
- University degree in security studies, management studies, political science, law, international relations, humanities or a related field
- A minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience, working directly in or on the MENA region and progressively responsible roles in diplomacy, security and/or international development.
- Proven management and leadership skills, with demonstrated experience of managing international programmes and teams in complex settings
- Excellent understanding of SSG/R in the MENA region, including adaptations and approaches relevant to conflict, post-conflict, and transitional contexts
- Expert level knowledge of the Middle East and North Africa, including significant experience of having worked in the region, as well as in-depth understanding of national, regional and international dynamics related to the region
- Candidates should have previous experience of engaging with interlocutors at diplomatic, national, multi-lateral and non-governmental levels, with a strong network consisting of relevant stakeholders
- Demonstrated success in resource mobilization and partnerships
- The successful candidate should be an excellent communicator, a committed team player, and leader with strong strategic and operational knowledge and experience
- Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is a must. Command of Arabic and knowledge of French are assets
- Proven analytical skills, combined with excellent presentation, writing and editing skills
- Demonstrated ability to work as part of a multi-cultural and diverse team, and in support to gender equality
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
How to apply
If you think you are a good match and are enthusiastic about joining DCAF, please apply online by 15 November 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, neurodiversity, 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.