Programme manager; Cybersecurity Capacity Building Community

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.

Contract type:
Time-limited contract

Activity rate:
100%

Entry date:
Immediately

Publication date:
09/06/2026

In May 2026, the Swiss Government tasked DCAF with delivering a one-year project to explore possibilities for international coordination in cybersecurity capacity building. The project aims to contribute to multistakeholder discussion on the future of this coordination - including in the context of the community that has been gathering under the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise (GFCE). It will run from June 2026 to May 2027 and comprises two main components:

• Organising consultations which will lead to a report on needs, opportunities and risks in international multistakeholder cybersecurity cooperation which contributes to good governance and protection of human rights in cybersecurity and one or more concept(s) for future modalities of cooperation and coordination,
• Facilitating community engagement and support to maintaining and strengthening community initiatives in cybersecurity capacity building coordination through online and in-person meetings.

To support this work, DCAF is looking for a highly qualified and motivated individual for its team to be our next Programme Manager
-Cybersecurity Capacity Building Community

Location:
Geneva, Switzerland (or possibly remote)

Starting date: as soon as possible

Duration:
July 2026 - May 2027

The Project Expert will serve as the primary operational lead for a time-limited project exploring the creation of a new, sustainable cybersecurity capacity building cooperation mechanism to succeed elements of the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise (GFCE). The expert will design and conduct stakeholder consultations, support community-led initiatives, and deliver all associated outputs, operating with a significant degree of autonomy under the strategic oversight of the Programme Lead.

• Project management and coordination: develop and maintain the work plan, budget-tracking tool, and stakeholder engagement log; manage relationships with facilitators and short-term experts; identify and elevate risks to the Programme Lead.
• Stakeholder consultations (Component
  1): lead two consultation strands using a mixed methodology (online surveys, focus groups, key informant interviews) to identify objectives and governance models for a future cybersecurity capacity building community cooperation; ensure representation across genders, geographies, and stakeholder groups.
• Community initiatives support (Component
  2): provide light-touch coordination to community-led initiatives; set up and manage platforms for cooperation; coordinate logistics for several meetings (online and in-person).
• Reporting and knowledge management: draft and finalise the Report on Needs, Opportunities and Risks and the Concept(s) for a Future Cybersecurity Capacity Cooperation; produce meeting documentation; prepare the final narrative project report.

• Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in international relations, public policy, cybersecurity, law, or a related field; a first-level degree with substantial relevant experience may be considered.
• Established familiarity with the global cybersecurity capacity building community – including key actors, ongoing initiatives, and emerging needs – and demonstrated trust and recognition among a broad range of stakeholders in this field (essential).
• Minimum 7 years of relevant professional experience in cybersecurity capacity building: project management, policy development, or multi-stakeholder engagement, ideally in an international or intergovernmental setting.
• Proven track record of designing and conducting qualitative and mixed-methods stakeholder consultations (surveys, focus groups, key informant interviews).
• Experience managing or…