Head of Office, Mali, & Senior DCAF Representative in the Central Sahel (100%) 15 views0 applications

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). DCAF is guided by the principles of human rights-based approach with gender equality at its core, democratic governance, impartiality and national ownership. For more information, visit www.dcaf.ch and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter) @DCAF_Geneva.

DCAF’s Sub-Saharan Africa Division is seeking a professional and qualified person for the following position:

Head of Office, Mali, & Senior DCAF Representative in the Central Sahel (100%)

Location: Bamako, Mali, with regular travel to Niger and Burkina Faso

Starting date: 01 April 2025

Duration: 12 month fixed-term contract

The role

The Head of Office legally represents DCAF in the country of operation. She/he ensures that DCAF’s presence and operations are in compliance with the country’s national legislation and DCAF’s internal rules and procedures. She/he coordinates and relies on a national and international team based inside and outside the country of operation and ensures the development and management of DCAF activities. She/he is responsible for the periodic updating of a national programmatic strategy and contributes to DCAF’s other strategic frameworks in Sub-Saharan Africa and globally. She/he ensures the security of DCAF property and personnel in the country of operation. The Mali Head of Office works in close collaboration with the Geneva-based Programme Manager on a daily basis. However, he or she reports hierarchically to the Head of the Sub-Saharan Africa Division, with whom he or she carries out his or her periodic evaluation. This role includes responsibilities for supporting and providing senior representation for our wider work in the region – particularly in Niger and Burkina Faso.

Main responsibilities include:

Representation

• Represent DCAF externally, including in any high-level meetings and thematic conferences in the Central Sahel region on the security sector in coordination with team leads in Burkina Faso and Niger as needed;
• Maintain contacts and coordinate DCAF’s action with security sector stakeholders and DCAF partners in Mali, including Malian government institutions, security forces, civil society, think tanks and the media. Provide oversight and senior representation in support of our wider regional engagement, including in support of our teams in Niger and Burkina Faso.
• Maintain DCAF’s links with international and non-governmental organizations and embassies, explore with representatives of the latter potential new sources of funding in Mali and, in support of our work in the central Sahel;
• In coordination with the Division Head and Programme Manager in Geneva, identify coordination and fundraising opportunities with country-based donors
• Establish and maintain partnerships with representatives at the tactical and strategic levels of national authorities, security sector organizations, current and potential donors, NGOs and IOs/INGOs, civil society organizations, academia and other institutions in Mali and the region.

Office Management

• In close collaboration with the SSAD Head of Division, lead the DCAF Mali team and support the team leads as needed in Niger and Burkina Faso;
• Ensure the management of human resources, and the proper application of financial and administrative procedures;
• Maintain contacts with the Malian government and ensure the compliance of the office’s activities with local legislation. Provide oversight and support to our office in Niger and Burkina Faso, as required;
• Ensure the security of the office, staff members, and DCAF equipment;
• Support the skills development of the national teams through the conduct of skills assessments and targeted training opportunities;
• Maintain a constant communication link with the SSAD Division and inform it of developments in political, security, and public health news.

Project coordination

• In close coordination with the Geneva-based Programme Manager, manage the implementation of DCAF-SSAD projects and programs and initiatives in Mali, develop and review the work plan and budget monitoring of the country office;
• Oversee the development of terms of reference for activities and associated documents as well as the drafting of reports of all activities;
• Support the preparation and implementation of technical assistance missions to Mali by DCAF expert consultants and HQ team;
• Efficiently cost activities and prepare budgets for the office and project components in cooperation with the project team in Geneva;
• Keep national partners informed of project progress, plans for the development of project activities and donor involvement in the programme;
• Ensure the collection of information, preparation of content, and timely submission of monthly reports, financial and narrative reports on project activities as indicated in donor contracts and in accordance with DCAF standards;
• In close coordination with the Geneva-based Programme Manager, monitor and evaluate the implementation of projects, including through data collection, internal and external evaluations and propose changes and alternative solutions where necessary;
• Regularly update the project risk matrix through the conduct of ongoing political economy analysis;
• Contribute to the development of strategic plans, project proposals and concept notes, reports, and other documents related to national and regional projects;
• Contribute to the measurement and articulation of project results in accordance with DCAF’s Results-Based Management (RBM) system.

Research, communication and training

• Develop and plan tailor-made capacity building activities for security institutions and external SSR oversight actors, in line with the changing local and regional context;
• Support and contribute to research initiatives within the framework of projects and actively participate in the dissemination of results;
• Prepare the content of thematic communications on SSR in collaboration with associated DCAF experts and facilitate exchanges in project training-workshops;
• Support communications initiatives aimed at developing DCAF’s visibility and reputation

Your experience

• At least 10 years’ experience working with multilateral stakeholders in fragile contexts, with proven technical expertise in the area of security and justice sector governance and reform in Sub-Saharan Africa, and in particular in the Sahel.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct political analysis, and experience in working at the political level.
• Proven experience in managing complex programmes, teams and staff in complex environments.
• Be able to represent DCAF internationally and take the lead on internal coordination.
• Be able to lead the development of knowledge production, review SSR/SSG research products from other DCAF programmes and/or external partners and provide expert input into policy and international policy discussions.
• Experience in mainstreaming gender in all aspects of SSG work and project management.
• Strong people and team management skills
• Advanced university degree in political science, international relations or related subject.
• Fluency in French and English, both written and spoken, is a must.