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.
Programme manager (Cybersecurity Capacity Building Community)
Workplace: Switzerland, or remote
Contract type: Time-limited contract
Activity rate: 100%
Entry date: Immediately
In May 2026, the Swiss Government tasked DCAF with delivering a one-year project to explore possibilities for international coordination in cybersecurity capacity building. The project aims to contribute to multistakeholder discussion on the future of this coordination — including in the context of the community that has been gathering under the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise (GFCE). It will run from June 2026 to May 2027 and comprises two main components:
· Organising consultations which will lead to a report on needs, opportunities and risks in international multistakeholder cybersecurity cooperation which contributes to good governance and protection of human rights in cybersecurity and one or more concept(s) for future modalities of cooperation and coordination,
· Facilitating community engagement and support to maintaining and strengthening community initiatives in cybersecurity capacity building coordination through online and in-person meetings.
To support this work, DCAF is looking for a highly qualified and motivated individual for its team to be our next Programme Manager - Cybersecurity Capacity Building Community
Location: Geneva, Switzerland (or possibly remote)
Starting date: as soon as possible
Duration: July 2026 – May 2027
The role
The Project Expert will serve as the primary operational lead for a time-limited project exploring the creation of a new, sustainable cybersecurity capacity building cooperation mechanism to succeed elements of the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise (GFCE). The expert will design and conduct stakeholder consultations, support community-led initiatives, and deliver all associated outputs, operating with a significant degree of autonomy under the strategic oversight of the Programme Lead.
Key areas of operation:
· Project management and coordination: develop and maintain the work plan, budget-tracking tool, and stakeholder engagement log; manage relationships with facilitators and short-term experts; identify and escalate risks to the Programme Lead.
· Stakeholder consultations (Component 1): lead two consultation strands using a mixed methodology (online surveys, focus groups, key informant interviews) to identify objectives and governance models for a future cybersecurity capacity building community cooperation; ensure representation across genders, geographies, and stakeholder groups.
· Community initiatives support (Component 2): provide light-touch coordination to community-led initiatives; set up and manage platforms for cooperation; coordinate logistics several meetings (online and in-person).
· Reporting and knowledge management: draft and finalise the Report on Needs, Opportunities and Risks and the Concept(s) for a Future Cybersecurity Capacity Cooperation; produce meeting documentation; prepare the final narrative project report.
Your experience
· Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in international relations, public policy, cybersecurity, law, or a related field; a first-level degree with substantial relevant experience may be considered.
· Established familiarity with the global cybersecurity capacity building community – including key actors, ongoing initiatives, and emerging needs – and demonstrated trust and recognition among a broad range of stakeholders in this field (essential).
· Minimum 7 years of relevant professional experience in cybersecurity capacity building: project management, policy development, or multi-stakeholder engagement, ideally in an international or intergovernmental setting.
· Proven track record of designing and conducting qualitative and mixed-methods stakeholder consultations (surveys, focus groups, key informant interviews).
· Experience managing or contributing to multi-stakeholder forums, communities of practice, or international cooperation mechanisms; previous engagement with the GFCE or its member organisations is a strong asset.
· Excellent written and oral communication skills in English; proficiency in French or Spanish is an asset.
· Strong analytical and report-writing skills; ability to work independently under tight deadlines, manage multiple workstreams, and operate with cultural sensitivity across diverse geographies and stakeholder groups.
· For a Geneva based role, a valid work permit for Switzerland (or Swiss/EU citizenship) at the time of application is a pre-requisite.
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.
If you think you are a good match for DCAF and the position advertised, please apply online by 30 June 2026, enclosing:
· a one-page motivational statement in English describing your relevant experience and what you can bring to DCAF
· a concise CV (maximum two pages)
· a copy of your diplomas and work certificates (in one pdf document)
DCAF is committed to equality of opportunity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates regardless of sex, age, disability, gender identity, religion, or ethnicity.
DCAF is bound by the legal requirements and regulations regarding the issuance of work permits of the jurisdictions in which we operate.
Apply Here: https://www.dcaf.ch/vacancies#/offer/4131/programme-manager-cybersecurity-capacity-building-community