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 Africa-Americas Entity, we are seeking a dedicated and dynamic individual to be our next Head of Country Office, Gambia (Africa Amercicas).
Location: Banjul, The Gambia
Starting date: January 4, 2027
Work rate: 100%
Duration: 9 months, with possibility of extension upon availability of funding
The role
The Head of Country Office (HoCO) will provide overall leadership to DCAF’s programme and engagement in support to the SSR process in The Gambia. The current programme, launched in January 2026, aims to support sustainable institutional change within the Gambia Immigration Department and improve service delivery by and accountability of security personnel to the communities, especially at the borders. This work builds on DCAF’s support to SSR in The Gambia since 2018.
The HoCO will be based in Banjul and will represent DCAF in The Gambia. They will provide both strategic and technical support and will manage and mentor DCAF’s team in Banjul. Hierarchically reporting to the Head/Deputy Head of Entity, they work in close collaboration with the Geneva based Senior Manager.
Key areas of operation
*Programme management
- Manage all aspects of the day-to-day implementation of DCAF’s programme and oversee a portfolio of program components with diverse partners;
- In close coordination with the Senior Manager, develop and review the work plan and budget monitoring of the country programme on a monthly basis and take the necessary corrective measures;
- Supervise, monitor and evaluate project implementation including data collection, internal or independent evaluations, course correction or iteration;
- Oversee the development of terms of reference for activities and associated documents, as well as the drafting of reports of activities;
- Oversee execution of budget approved by management;
- Monitor, analyse and provide written reports of political developments and program results in The Gambia;
- Oversee the development of DCAF Banjul monthly reports providing updates of political and security context, programme implementation, national and international partners relations and engagements;
- Actively engage with international and national partners to be abreast of developments in the sector and potential new opportunities to support SSGR;
- Regularly update the project risk matrix through the conduct of ongoing political economy analysis.
*Office Management
- Manage and mentor DCAF’s team in Banjul;
- Ensure the management of human resources within the office including the distribution of tasks and workload, recruitment, contracting, training, integration of staff members and national consultants, as well as periodic evaluations;
- Ensure the proper application of financial and administrative procedures and supervise the action of the resource manager and project officers;
- Maintain contacts with the Gambian government and ensure the compliance of the office's activities with local legislation and compliance with fiscal, social and health obligations.
- Ensure the security of the office, staff members, and DCAF equipment.
*Representation
- Represent DCAF with national authorities and partners; provide expertise to national partners and at public events as requested;
- Maintain contacts and coordinate DCAF's action with security sector stakeholders and DCAF partners in The Gambia, including the Executive, Legislative, defence and security institutions, civil society, community leaders, think tanks and the media, for the purpose of the implementation of the current programme and opportunities and support new initiatives;
- Ensure close coordination and communication with international, multilateral and non-governmental organizations and embassies;
- In coordination with the Senior Manager based in Geneva, identify opportunities with diplomatic missions in country to spotlight the DCAF programme and explore potential new sources of funding.
- Research, communication and training
- Develop and plan tailor-made capacity building activities for defence and 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 SSGR in collaboration with associated DCAF experts and facilitate exchanges in project training-workshops;
- Support communications initiatives aimed at developing DCAF's visibility and reputation (including on social media).
Your experience
- Advanced university degree in security studies, political science, law, international relations or a related field; a combination of relevant academic qualifications and extensive experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree
- 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 preferably in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Demonstrated ability to conduct political analysis, and experience in working at the political level.
- Proven experience in managing programmes, including project planning and design, budget management, project implementation and monitoring and evaluation
- Experience in managing teams and staff in complex environments.
- Excellent communications skills, and a perfect command of written and spoken English
- Excellent organisation skills with strong attention to detail
- Familiarity with the UN, EU, AU, ECOWAS, and other intergovernmental and/or regional organisations
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