Head of Office, Tunisia

Position description

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 seeking a highly dedicated and dynamic professional to be our next DCAF Head of Office, Tunis

• Location: Tunis, Tunisia
• Starting date: 15 May 2026 – or as agreed
• Work rate: 100%
• Duration: Permanent

The role

Reporting to the Head/Deputy Head of MENA, the Head of Office will lead DCAF’s programmes and engagement in Tunisia. The successful candidate will be based in Tunisia, subject to the issuance of the relevant work permit by the Tunisian authorities and in compliance with Tunisian applicable laws. The incumbent with manage the Tunisia programme team and represent DCAF as assigned and designated.

1. Representation

• Engage with national stakeholders on matters pertaining to the security sector to identify and develop new and existing entry points in DCAF’s engagement in Tunisia.
• Represent DCAF in Tunisia as assigned, as well as in other contexts, as agreed, developing, cultivating and nurturing DCAF’s networks and partnerships in Tunisia and across the North Africa region as appropriate.
• Ensure visibility of DCAF Tunisia’s work with stakeholders and donors.
• Represent and speak on behalf of DCAF at high level conferences, meetings and other events, including leading dialogues and stakeholder engagement.

2. Leadership

• Strategic planning, execution and implementation of programs in line with national priorities and DCAF’s mandate.
• Provide advice on technical issues within the areas of accountability, transparency and effectiveness of the security sector.
• Support the development and roll-out of relevant strategies, policies, as well as institutional and operational guidelines pertaining to DCAF’s work on SSG/R.
• Lead Tunisa team through management, supervision, mentoring, coaching and management of performance of staff.

3. Programme Management

• Manage all aspects of the implementation of the Tunisia program, overseeing a portfolio of program components with diverse partners.
• Liaise and coordinate with relevant national and international stakeholders, including executive and legislative authorities, security providers, and others.
• Ensure continuous consultation and coordination with national partners for the planification and implementation of activities.
• Support the monitoring and evaluation of the program through data collection, internal or independent evaluations, course correction and/ or iteration.
• Contribute to the conceptualization, development and execution of research and knowledge development efforts.
• Ensure communication with the MENA team in Geneva is seamless and comprehensive.
• Contribute to the oversight and efficient execution of budget approved by management, ensuring that all donor obligations are duly met in a timely manner.

Your experience

• An advanced degree in development, security studies, political science, law, international relations, or related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience, including in operational roles, of which a minimum of 5 years of field work in the MENA region, preferably in/on Tunisia and/or across North Africa, with a track-record of achievements in the fields of peace, security, or related areas of expertise.
• Considerable experience (minimum of five years) as a programme manager, including management of a team, ideally working on related areas promoting an accountable and efficient security sector.
• Strong understanding of security sector governance and reform and expert-level knowledge and understanding of DCAF’s areas of expertise and mandate.
• Proven ability to communicate, negotiate and work with high level executives, government officials, and non-governmental and multinational organisations.
• Excellent communication skills, with perfect command of written and spoken French and English, with Arabic considered a strong asset.
• Strong planning, coordination, analytical and management skills.

We offer

• A rewarding, dynamic and meaningful work experience
• The chance to be part of a diverse team of collaborative, respectful, hardworking and values-driven people
• The chance to contribute to advance the security of all people through nationally owned, inclusive, and participatory security sector reforms based on international norms and good practices.

Application instructions

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