DCAF Head of Brussels Office At Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance

The DCAF Brussels representation office is responsible for spearheading DCAF’s relationship with the European Union.

In addition, the office also houses the EU Security Sector Governance Facility. This is a responsive capacity designed to bolster the EU’s support to partner countries’ security sector governance and reform processes, ensuring the EU’s SSR principles adopted by the EU and its Member States in 2016 remain central to all processes and EU support programmes worldwide. The Head of Brussels office plays an important role in the backstopping team for the Facility, as well as taking part in assignments as a non-key expert.

For our DCAF Brussels office, we are looking for an experienced and committed individual to be our next

HEAD OF DCAF BRUSSELS OFFICE (100 %)

Location: Brussels, with frequent visits to Geneva, and additional missions to the field
Starting date: As soon as possible
Duration: Unlimited

The role

The Head of DCAF Brussels Office will have a dual reporting line to both the Head of ISSAT and Deputy Director DCAF

Key areas of operation:

1. Support to the EU SSG Facility (reporting to Head of ISSAT)
a. Contribute to backstopping the EU SSG Facility, and supporting the Facility Team Lead
b. Support to management of financial resources in relation to the EU SSG Facility
c. Deploy on assignments for the EU SSG Facility as required

2. Senior SSR advisor within DCAF’s ISSAT Department (reporting to Head of ISSAT)
a. Support delivery of ISSAT services to International Partner Group Members (IPGMs) (advisory field support, professional development & training, outreach & knowledge development, and facilitating cohesion and coordination within and between the IPGMs)
b. Deploy on ISSAT assignments for IPGMs as required
c. Oversee DCAF engagement on EU Framework Contracts

3. Supporting and enhancing building DCAF’s strategic partnership with the EU (reporting to Deputy Director DCAF)
a. Identify new opportunities for DCAF to engage with the EU, including tenders, and provide support to relevant DCAF Departments to take action
b. Support the DCAF EU Task Force, and coordinate information exchange across DCAF regarding EU engagements
c. Lead the design and implementation of the annual “DCAF Days” in Brussels event
d. Assume responsibility for the overall management of the office, including overseeing administrative, logistical, and legal aspects; set-up of procedures and processes; security and safety management; HR-related issues (TOR, contracts, case management, etc.)
e. Overall management of financial resources in relation to the DCAF office
f. Manage a team of up to 3-5 local staff; Motivate, coach, and develop staff members under responsibility; provide direction and guidance towards common goals; prevent and resolve conflicts within the team; work towards building a cohesive and collaborative culture
g. Lead or contribute to the recruitment process of staff members and experts
h. Ensure compliance with DCAF corporate policies, rules, and regulations, with procurement and financial guidelines, with accounting mechanisms, as well as with all applicable local legislations; may develop DCAF country policies where corporate policies are absent or non-applicable; follow-up on any compliance issue that may arise, by escalating to HQ as needed
i. Support delivery of Operations geographic and thematic priorities and programmes as required

Your experience

• Over 12 years of experience in the context of Security & Justice, Governance, and development work, with a minimum of seven years specifically in field operations and in a management position
• A minimum of 7 years working with the EU, ideally in EU HQ or an EU Delegation, with established networks, and substantial knowledge of EU instruments, relevant regulations, and structures
• Background and experience in one or more of the following: security sector governance and reform, development, Rule of Law, conflict management and peacebuilding
• Programme management skills and experience in overseeing and further developing project portfolios
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relationships in a multi-cultural environment. Client-oriented and flexible; Team player with high emotional intelligence
• Strong communication capacities (oral and written)
• Successful track record of managerial responsibilities
• Advanced University degree in political science, international relations, security studies, development studies, conflict studies, or a related field
• Fluent in English and French. Other languages highly desirable

EU / EEA / Swiss citizenship or a valid work permit for Belgium at the time of application is a pre-requisite

We offer

• a rewarding, dynamic and challenging work experience
• the chance to be part of a multicultural team of supportive, hardworking and values-driven people
• the chance to contribute to improving security of states and their people within a framework of democratic governance, the rule of law, and respect for human rights