Programme Manager At Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance

DCAF – Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance is dedicated to improving the security of states and their people within a framework of democratic governance, the rule of law, respect for human rights, and gender equality. Since its founding in 2000, DCAF has contributed to making peace and development more sustainable by assisting partner states, and international actors supporting these states, to improve the governance of their security sectors 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.

DCAF’s Foundation Council brings together representatives of over 40 countries. Active all over the world, DCAF is internationally recognized as one of the world’s leading centres of excellence for security sector governance (SSG) and security sector reform (SSR). For more information, visit www.dcaf.ch and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter) @DCAF_Geneva.

The overall objective of DCAF’s activities in Europe and Central Asia is to contribute to peace, stability, and democracy in the region by supporting good governance in the security and justice sector. The multi-donor funded and DCAF-implemented Intelligence and Security Sector Reform Programme in the Republic of North Macedonia (2021-2026), aims to make an effective and sustainable contribution to improved security and intelligence sector accountability and governance.

For our Europe and Central Asia Division Office in Skopje, we are looking for an experienced, committed and motivated individual to be our next:

Programme Manager (100%)

Location: Skopje
Starting date: as soon as possible
Duration: until 31.03.2026, with possibility for extension pending funding approval
Type of employment: fixed-term, full time, national contract

The role
As a Programme Manager, you will play a key role in planning and implementing the activities of the final phase of the multi-donor-funded Intelligence and Security Sector Reform Programme in North Macedonia (2021–2026). Your primary focus will be overseeing and ensuring the effective implementation of activities in this program phase, aimed at securing the long-term sustainability of the outcomes achieved within the judiciary and law enforcement agencies.

You will join a dynamic and dedicated team of professionals based in Skopje, Ljubljana, and Geneva. Your location will be Skopje, with opportunities for travel within North Macedonia and occasional international trips.

Key areas of operation
You will be part of the DCAF Programme team in implementing Programme activities related to police integrity, the criminal justice chain and fight against the serious and organized crime. This requires frequent dialogue and coordination with programme stakeholders such as courts, prosecution offices, Ministry of Interior (MoI), Academy for Judges and Prosecutors and others. You will work under the supervision of the Head of DCAF Skopje Office.

Tasks include (but are not limited to):

• Support of programme activities related to judicial reform, with a focus on strengthening coordination and cooperation between institutions within the criminal justice chain (assessments, research, workshops etc.),
• Introduction of anti-corruption and integrity mechanisms within public institutions,
• Strengthening the capacity of the MoI and police in fight serious and organised crime,
• Assist in monitoring and drafting Programme performance reports,
• Assist in implementing other Programme related activities as required.

Minimum requirements:

• University degree or equivalent (preferably in the field of law, security, management, economics, political science/international relations), or other studies with relevant professional experience
• Working experiences of minimum 7 (seven) years on issues related to democratic governance, security sector reform, judicial reform, and democratization,
• Macedonian citizenship and valid residency at the time of application,
• Fluency in English, including excellent drafting skills,
• Excellent inter-personal and communication skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnership and working relations in a politically diverse environment,
• Strong organizational skills with an ability to work reliably and self-responsibly under pressure while meeting tight deadlines,
• Analytical, research and drafting skills,
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office applications – Word, Excel, Power Point, Teams,
• Excellent understanding of the landscape of the judiciary, law enforcement, security institutions and national political system in North Macedonia,
• Ability to act impartially in a politically sensitive environment,
• Ability to travel in the country on a regular basis and occasionally travel abroad.

Skills and experiences considered an asset:

• Familiarity with adult learning theory and experience in training development or training delivery,
• Knowledge of case law of the European Court of Human Rights in the area of surveillance and interception of communication,
• Knowledge of the international framework for police conduct and cooperation in police and criminal justice matters,
• Knowledge in results-based project/project cycle management,
• Experienced with outreach and visibility technical tools.

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
• an employment contract under North Macedonia employment law and DCAF professional standards and policies.