Job Title: ISSAT Project Officer - Knowledge Services

Contract type:  This is a project funded post, the position will be offered on a one-year contract which can be renewed dependant on performance and availability of funding.  

Reporting to: ISSAT Knowledge Manager

Location: Geneva, but possible overseas travel.

Application Deadline:  19 November 2011

About ISSAT

The Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces’ International Security Sector Advisory Team (ISSAT) provides practical support to the international community in its efforts to improve security and justice, primarily in conflict-affected and fragile states. It does this by working with a group of member states and institutions to develop and promote good security and justice reform practices and principles, and by helping its members to build their capacity to support national and regional security and justice reform processes.

About ISSAT Knowledge Services

The Knowledge Services Team reinforces ISSAT’s other core service lines –  advisory field support, training and advocacy – and assists the rest of the international community by supporting the process of learning from practical SSR experience. Its primary activities involve:

• Development and management of an online SSR community of practice website (access to SSR methodology and resources, information about SSR programmes around the world, forum discussions, blog posts, directory of SSR practitioners, etc.)
• Development of SSR guidance and supporting resources (operational guidance notes, tools, case studies, lessons identified reports, etc.)
• Design, organisation and facilitation of knowledge-sharing and learning events (after-action reviews, panel discussions, interviews, etc.)
• Ongoing communications (newsletters, presentations, blog posts, videos, etc.)

Through these activities the Knowledge Services Team aims to make it easy and enjoyable to access and apply the best available SSR knowledge and expertise.

About the Role

The primary role of the Project Officer – Knowledge Services is to assist the ISSAT Knowledge Manager in developing and implementing the strategy of the Knowledge Services Team and in carrying out the activities outlined above.  Specific responsibilities and tasks fall into four main categories:

1. Proactively gathering lessons and insights from ISSAT staff and community of practice members through research, interviews, facilitated group meetings, and regular communication by telephone, email and in person.
2. Synthesising lessons and insights into well-written and well-designed reports, guidance, tools, blog posts, case studies and other resources.
3. Coordinating and integrating contributions from SSR experts into a coherent and holistic SSR methodology.
4. Making knowledge easy and enjoyable to access and apply by creating knowledge products and website content using video editing equipment, desktop publishing and web development software, and a web content management system (ezPublish).
5. Cultivating the growth and value of the community of practice by networking with SSR practitioners and encouraging their participation.

Requirements

Fulfilling the role described above will require a blend of knowledge and skills that complement those of the rest of the Knowledge Services Team.  The successful candidate will not necessarily have all of the following knowledge and skills, but will be able to demonstrate a good balance with strength in specific areas.

Thematic Knowledge

Candidates should have some knowledge and experience in one or more of the following thematic areas:

• Security and justice sector reform
• International development
• Conflict prevention, reduction and mediation
• Peace keeping and peace building
• Disarmament, demobilisation and re-integration
• Programme and project management
• Change management
• Knowledge management

Technology Skills

Candidates should have strong technology skills with either existing expertise or the ability to quickly acquire expertise in the following areas:

• Web programming (HTML, JavaScript, PHP, XML, experience creating ezPublish templates is an advantage)
• Web content management (experience using ezPublish CMS an advantage)
• Video editing (Adobe Premier Pro, MS Movie Maker, or similar)
• Document design (Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Acrobat, and similar)
• Use of a video camera
• Advanced use MS Office applications

Management and Communication Skills

Candidates should have strong skills in each of the following areas:

• Project management
• Group facilitation
• Interviewing
• Research
• Writing and editing
• Presenting
• Conceptual, analytical, systemic and creative thinking
• Teamwork

Languages

Candidates must be fluent in written and spoken English, and have at least an intermediate ability in French. Abilities in other languages are an advantage.

Other Qualities

Candidates should be able to:

• Work effectively within a team
• Apply initiative and creativity to solve problems and capitalise on opportunities
• Take ownership of significant workstreams
• Manage their tasks and their time effectively
• Create high-quality outputs they can be proud of

Candidates must be a Swiss or EU Citizen and eligible to apply for a valid work permit.  Candidates meeting the requirements are invited to email - a.buchanan@dcaf.ch or post their CV with a covering letter addressing the selection criteria to:

The Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF)

Ms. Aji Buchanan

P.O. Box 1360 Rue de Chantepoulet 11

1211 Genève 1 Switzerland

Please remember to state which position you are applying for.

The deadline for applications is 19 November 2011

Selection process: Short listed candidates only will be contacted to participate in the assessment process. ISSAT uses standard assessment methods, which includes a written test and a structured interview.

ISSAT is committed to gender diversity.