DCAF Chisinau: Key National Expert - Head of Office (100%)

DCAF - Geneva Center 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 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.

DCAF’s Foundation Council members represent over 50 countries and the Canton of Geneva. Active in over 70 countries, DCAF is internationally recognized as one of the world's leading centres of excellence for security sector governance (SSG) and security sector reform (SSR). DCAF is guided by the principles of neutrality, impartiality, local ownership, inclusive participation, and gender equality. For more information visit www.dcaf.ch and follow us on Twitter @DCAF_Geneva.

For our Europe and Central Asia Division, we are looking for a dynamic and highly qualified expert to be our next:

Key National Expert – Head of Office (100%)

Unit:                                 Europe and Central Asia Division, Operations Department (OPS ECA)

Location:                         Chisinau, Moldova

Reporting:

The Key National Expert – Head of Office will be assigned to the DCAF Operations, Europe and Central Asia Division (OPS ECA) and reporting directly to the Project Team Leader (Principal Programme Manager – Senior SSR Advisor) in Geneva, Switzerland.

Tasks and responsibilities:

The incumbent will be supporting DCAF in the implementation of the project “Strengthening Security Sector Governance in Moldova” (SSGM).

The project aims to enhance good governance of the security sector and consolidate the democratic resilience of the Moldovan state and society by supporting a stronger democratic culture rooted in professionalism and performance in the public sector. The intervention will facilitate exchange between legislative and executive institutions, civil society, and citizens to build cross-societal partnerships and promote democratic values and principles.

The incumbent will support the SSGM project’s implementation, monitoring, and review, while based at the DCAF project office in Chisinau, Moldova.

Key areas of responsibility:

• Ensure the proper functioning of DCAF’s office in Chisinau, including the supervision of staff and control of material and financial assets.
• Provide expert advice to project beneficiaries and SSGM management on all issues related to the project, with a focus on the activities pertaining to the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) and General Police Inspectorate (GPI) of Moldova.
• Provide expertise on the design, planning, implementation, coordination, and monitoring of strategic modernisation processes in the MIA and GPI, in line with EU practices and norms.
• Design and implement activities aimed at enhancing the strategic and operational management and leadership competencies of MIA and GPI staff.
• Act as a mentor to mid- and senior managers on strategic and operational capacities of MIA and GPI to effectively implement locally-owned modernisation processes and build integrity in line with EU practices and norms.
• Represent DCAF in Moldova in the context of the project, by participating in relevant meetings and events, in line with the DCAF’s mission, values and objectives.
• Under the guidance of the Project Team Leader, establish communication channels and maintain good work relations with national and international stakeholders relevant to the implementation of the SSGM project.
• Liaise with the SSGM Project Team Leader and other Geneva-based staff, as necessary, to ensure proper project implementation.
• Perform any other duties assigned to him/her by the Project Team Leader for the implementation of DCAF activities in Moldova.

Key qualifications:

• Graduate degree in security, law enforcement, law, international relations, or similar relevant field;
• Minimum 10 years of working experience in senior management positions in internal affairs, police, or related experience relevant to the project areas of expertise;
• Relevant experience in mentoring and advising positions related to implementation of projects related to security sector reform, in providing advice to policy makers and/or practitioners on reform related issues, ideally in European Union capacity building projects;
• Solid knowledge on principles and practice of security sector governance and security sector reform;
• Solid knowledge and experience in Project Cycle Management, including project design, implementations and monitoring and evaluation;
• Knowledge of police practices, police reforms and political challenges in Moldova;
• Substantial knowledge and experience in modern management and leadership practices, strategic and operational planning, change management and reform in police services.

Additional requirements:

• Moldovan citizenship/valid residency at the time of application is a pre-requisite;

• Fluency in English and Romanian languages;
• Experience in dealing with high-ranking government officials and other local stakeholders;
• Excellent inter-personal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural environment;
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written);
• Proven research, analytical and problem-solving skills;
• Ability to draft a variety of detailed written reports and to articulate complex and intricate ideas in a clear, concise and persuasive fashion;
• Ability to work under pressure and under tight deadlines.

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 the security of states and their people within a framework of democratic governance, the rule of law, and respect for human rights.

Indicative starting date: 1 December 2022(*)

How to apply:  If you think you are a good match for DCAF and the position advertised, please send your application to ECARecruitment@dcaf.ch by 17 October 2022 with the subject heading "International Expert – Head of Office OPS ECA" , enclosing:

• a one-page motivational statement in English describing your relevant experience and what you can bring to DCAF and this project.
• a concise CV (maximum two pages) in English .
• Copy of diploma and work certificate .

Candidates are requested to provide an indication of their employment availability and preferred start date.

Only candidates invited for an interview will be contacted.

DCAF is committed to equality of opportunity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates regardless of sex, age, disability, gender identity, religion, or ethnicity. Individuals who seek to serve with DCAF in any individual capacity will be required, if short-listed, to complete a self-attestation stating that they have not committed or been convicted of any criminal offense and have not been involved, by act or omission, in the commission of any violation of international human rights law or international humanitarian law.

(*) The project is pending final approval of the project donor. The actual employment and start date are conditional to the donor's decisions.