Senior Programme Manager (Lebanon)

At DCAF, we envision a world where democratic security 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 looking for a highly dedicated and dynamic individual to be our next Senior Programme Manager (DCAF Lebanon).

Location: Beirut, Lebanon (with travel across the country)

Starting date: As soon as possible

Work rate: 100%

Duration: One year

The role

DCAF has worked in Lebanon since 2008. Lebanon is a member of DCAF’s Foundation Council, and DCAF is an accredited diplomatic entity in the country.

Reporting directly to the Head of DCAF’s Lebanon Office, the Senior Programme Manager is responsible for overseeing the Lebanese Armed Forces CIMIC (LAF CIMIC) project and supporting the strategic development and coordination of DCAF’s broader Lebanon programme. The incumbent also provides technical and strategic advice on security sector governance and reform (SSG/R) across the country portfolio.

The Senior Programme Manager works closely with relevant teams in Beirut and Geneva and ensures compliance with DCAF’s programming, financial, procurement and administrative policies and procedures.

Key areas of operation

• Lead the planning, implementation and monitoring of the LAF CIMIC project, ensuring the achievement of expected results in line with approved workplans, budgets and project objectives.
• Support the Head of Office in the strategic development, coordination and oversight of DCAF’s broader Lebanon programme, ensuring coherence across projects and alignment with DCAF’s country strategy.
• Provide strategic and technical advice on security sector governance and reform (SSG/R), including the development of context-specific approaches, methodologies and policy recommendations.
• Conduct political and institutional analysis to inform programme development, identify emerging priorities and ensure that interventions respond to the evolving Lebanese context.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with senior representatives of Lebanese authorities, security institutions, donors and other national and international stakeholders, fostering dialogue and cooperation.
• Oversee project budgets, procurement, monitoring, evaluation, reporting and risk management, ensuring compliance with DCAF’s internal policies and donor requirements.
• Lead, manage and coordinate project teams, consultants and experts, providing technical guidance and ensuring the quality and timely delivery of activities, including capacity-building initiatives.
• Contribute to resource mobilisation and programme development by identifying funding opportunities, developing project proposals and supporting donor engagement.

Your experience

• An advanced university degree in law, political science, international relations, security studies, development or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience in security sector governance and reform and/or good governance, rule of law, human rights or related fields, including substantial experience in programme and project management.
• Proven experience managing complex projects, including budget oversight, donor reporting, risk management and coordination with institutional partners.
• Demonstrated experience working with senior government officials and security sector institutions in politically sensitive environments, including development or stabilisation contexts, combined with a strong understanding of the Lebanese political, institutional and security context.
• Native command in Arabic and excellent command in English (written and spoken); French an asset
• Strong communication skills and ability to work in an international team.
• An established professional network among Lebanese institutions and relevant national and international stakeholders; experience with international or non-profit organisations is an asset.

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.