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 Asia Entity at DCAF works across Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus, Central Asia and other parts of Europe and Asia, providing policy advice, capacity-building, technical assistance and support to institutional reforms. Its work covers areas such as democratic oversight, accountability, integrity and anti-corruption, human rights, defence and security governance, and institutional resilience, working closely with governments, parliaments, security institutions, civil society and international partners.

For our field office in Kyiv, Ukraine, we are looking for a highly-motivated and dynamic individual to be our next:

Project Officer (Europe and Asia)

Location: Kyiv, Ukraine

Starting date: As soon as possible

Work rate: 100%

Duration: 2-year fixed-term contract *

The role

The Project Officer provides essential operational and programme-delivery capacity for DCAF’s Ukraine programme, supporting the implementation of thematic activities under the substantive guidance of the respective National Advisor. The position supports the planning, organisation, implementation and follow-up of project activities and maintains regular day-to-day coordination with Ukrainian partners, experts and other stakeholders.

The Project Officer helps translate programme priorities into concrete activities and deliverables, ensuring that implementation remains timely, well organised and responsive to partner needs and changing circumstances in Ukraine. Key responsibilities include coordinating activities and meetings, preparing substantive and operational documentation, supporting expert mobilisation, monitoring activity-level results and contributing to programme reporting and development.

Within the team structure, the Project Officer provides operational support to the respective National Advisor, creating a clear division of responsibilities between substantive and implementation functions. The National Advisor provides thematic leadership, expert guidance and strategic engagement, while the Project Officer supports practical implementation, coordination, monitoring and follow-up. The position also works closely with the Head of Field Office, Resource Manager, other project colleagues and relevant Geneva-based teams to ensure coherent and efficient programme delivery. The position reports to National Advisor.

Key areas of operation

• Plan, organise and coordinate project activities in close consultation with the relevant National Advisor and Ukrainian partners, ensuring timely and effective delivery.
• Coordinate day-to-day engagement with beneficiary institutions, experts, civil society organisations and other stakeholders involved in project activities.
• Prepare substantive and operational documents, including meeting materials, activity plans, agendas, briefing notes and follow-up documentation.
• Monitor implementation of activities and agreed deliverables, track activity-level results and identify emerging issues requiring follow-up or corrective action.
• Support expert mobilisation, missions, workshops, consultations and other programme events, ensuring effective logistical and substantive coordination.
• Contribute to programme reporting, documentation and development, providing relevant inputs on implementation progress, results, challenges and partner feedback.

Your experience

• 3 to 5 years of relevant professional experience in project or programme implementation, international cooperation, governance, security sector reform, human rights or a related field.
• Professional proficiency in Ukrainian and English, with the ability to communicate effectively with Ukrainian partners, experts and international colleagues.
• Demonstrated experience in project coordination and implementation, including organising activities, coordinating stakeholders, preparing documentation and following up on deliverables.
• Experience working with government institutions, international organisations, civil society and/or development partners, preferably in a complex or rapidly evolving environment.
• Strong organisational, communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage multiple activities and deadlines, work independently and support effective delivery across different stakeholders.
• Ukrainian citizenship at the time of application is a prerequisite.

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.

• the position is offered on the basis of an official employment contract, with all applicable taxes and statutory social security contributions paid by the employer in accordance with Ukrainian legislation.

• the expected net monthly salary (after applicable taxes and employee social security contributions) is EUR 1,600–1,800, depending on qualifications and relevant experience.

* The post remains subject to continued project funding.

How to apply

If you think you are a good match for DCAF and you are enthusiastic about joining our team, please apply online by 25 October 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.

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