National Advisor

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.

The Europe and Central Asia team works with governments, parliaments, security providers and civil society organizations in Southeast Europe, Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus and Central Asia to help ensure the efficient, effective, responsible and accountable provision of security, and to strengthen democratic security sector governance. In recent years, we have placed particular focus on parliamentary and civil society oversight, cross-border police cooperation, police reform, border management, defence and intelligence reform issues, judicial control of the security sector, and cybersecurity.

The Europe and Central Asia team is looking for a for a dynamic and highly motivated individual to be our National Advisor (100%)

• Title: National Advisor
• Unit: Europe and Asia Division
• Location: Kyiv, Ukraine
• Duration: 5 months with a possibility of extension
• Starting date: 15th June 2026 or as soon as possible

Tasks and responsibilities

The national Advisor will be responsible for supporting and implementing security sector governance capacity building projects primarily in Ukraine and upon request in other countries in Eastern Europe, South Caucasus and Central Asia. More specifically, under the supervision of the Senior Manager, the National Advisor is in charge of carrying out policy advice and analysis, training development and implementation, as well as programme management tasks as assigned.

Key areas of responsibility include:

• Provide expert advice on developments and activities pertaining to the Ukraine’s national security, Parliament, security agencies, other security governance bodies, and Civil Society Organisations.
• Conduct analysis and provide advice on Ukraine’s strategic, legal and regulatory frameworks debates relevant for national security governance.
• Conduct activities that promote community engagement and inclusive dialogue
• Support the design, development and implementation of DCAF’s programmatic actions related to security and justice sector reform, including but not limited to financial management, budget monitoring and programme and project reporting;
• Analyze the security and political developments in Eastern Europe, South Caucasus and Central Asia;
• Support DCAF’s donor relations efforts and support fundraising activities, including the development of country strategy documents, planning sheets, concept notes, factsheets etc;
• Support DCAF’s relations with partner organisations, including the design, organization, management and implementation of joint activities;
• Organize events (conferences, workshops etc.) and carry out logistical and administrative tasks;
• Provide any additional duties as assigned in support of DCAF activities globally.

Key qualifications

• University degree in a relevant field, such as law, international relations, conflict resolution, history, development, security, peace studies, or political sciences;
• Excellent proficiency in English and Ukrainian, both written and spoken;
• A minimum of 5 years work experience in community engagement, public reform sector, project management, ideally in the countries of transition;
• Prior experience in providing legal advise, editing complex texts and development of project proposals is an asset;
• Strong analytical and communication skills, flexibility, respect for discipline and experience of working as part of an international and multicultural team;
• A valid work permit for Ukraine at the time of application is a pre-requisite.

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.

How to apply

If you think you are a good match for DCAF and the position advertised, please apply online by 27 May 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)

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 offence and have not been involved, by act or omission, in the commission of any violation of international human rights law or international humanitarian law.